BA (Hons) Concept Art for Games and Film

Introduction

Once you have received your invitation for an interview, you will be sent a log in to Shortlister. Once logged in, you will find a lobby area with a few tips on how to navigate around the platform, a practise area where you can try out answering a few questions, test sharing your screen if required and to build your confidence.

Please note that this interview will require you to share a portfolio and therefore you will need to access this via a laptop or PC.

Please note that the first question will always ask for a form of ID to be shown to the camera. This must be photo ID (a passport, driving license – full or provisional, or a college ID card).

Here is some guidance of the kind of work we’d like to see for each of the courses. Of course, if you’ve got something more, we’d be more than happy to see it!

• Original character, creature and/or environment designs that show an understanding of concept art requirements
• Strong Traditional drawing skills (including Portraiture and life drawing)
• Sketchbook full of ideas, doodles, observations and studies
• Demonstration of interests in different styles

You can also include any digital art – 2D or 3D – that you might have done. A small amount of fan art is acceptable but should not form the majority of your portfolio.

If you’re applying for BA(Hons) Concept Art (with Foundation Year)

• Strong Traditional drawing skills (including Portraiture and life drawing)
• Diverse portfolio showcasing creativity
• Drawing and creativity potential

The BA (Hons) Concept Art for Games and Film course at University of Staffordshire is a practical course, so as part of the selection process we would like to see what you’ve been working on. 

The best way to do this is to photograph your physical work carefully and clearly with a camera or your phone.

It is important to remember that we are looking for potential and a snapshot of who you are creatively right now.

To ensure every candidate has the same opportunity to highlight their key achievements, skills, and experiences we publish our interview questions. The questions are:

1. Please show a form of ID (please note this must be photo ID)

2. Tell us about yourself and what inspired you to pursue Concept Art. Please include any key influences such as games, films, books, or artists that have shaped your creative journey.

3. When designing characters or environments, what steps do you take to develop your ideas from rough sketches to final visuals?

4. Show us a project where you faced a creative or technical challenge. Explain how you overcame it and what you learned. Please share the relevant portfolio piece or supporting materials. (Sharing)

5. Please share some examples of observational drawing or sketches drawing from life. What did you focus on, and how has that informed your understanding of gesture, proportion, anatomy, perspective or something else? (Sharing)

6. Display a piece that you feel best represents your personal style or voice. Tell us why you chose it and what you think makes it stand out. (Sharing)

There may be instances whereby the portfolio review highlights an applicant isn’t suited to the course.

Examples of this include:

• When your passion lies elsewhere – making artwork for themselves (not clients/to a set brief), making comic books, storyboarding, focusing on animation, etc.
• When you do not wish to use 3D
• When you have no interest in games, films, or TV entertainment
• When you do not draw on a regular basis
• When your drawings are unlikely to meet Level 4 criteria within the year

Typically, where an applicant’s portfolio isn’t suited to their chosen course, it may be suited to one of our other courses.  The table below explains why we may choose to offer you an alternative course.