Recent Staffordshire University graduates have triumphed at the Domeble Symetri Student Awards
It feels very surreal. I didn't think I was going to win.
The prestigious competition is organised by Domeble and Symetri and backed by industry leaders like Autodesk, Unity, Adobe, and Foundry. It showcases the talent of 3D, CGI, VR, and Photography students from around the world, across ten awards categories with over £50,000 of prizes on offer.
Last week, the awards ceremony brought the shortlisted students together to meet industry professionals and present their work.
Recent BA (Hons) Games Art graduate Billy Gray was named Gold Winner in the ‘Best Full CGI Scene’ category for a piece of work inspired by an old camcorder.
The project is an Interactive Camcorder Kit and is based on a prototype that Billy made for Staffordshire University’s graduate exhibition GradEX. He won the top prize in his category at the Domeble Symetri Student Awards for a render of the camcorder model and environment, which are being used as part of the interactive kit.
“It feels very surreal. I didn't think I was going to win. It made for an amazing week receiving the award and a first class on my new degree,” said the 22-year-old from Cambridgeshire.
“Attending the awards ceremony was great! It was a rare chance to meet the judges and event organisers, as well as experts and students in adjacent industries.”
Erki Klamas, who completed a degree in BA (Hons) Automotive & Transport Design at Staffordshire University this summer was also recognisied. His Polestar Eclipse concept for a modern truck received a Merit Award in both the ‘Best CGI Automotive Image’ and ‘Best Automotive (Transport & Mobility) 3D Animation’ categories.
Erki, who is returning to begin a Masters degree at Staffordshire University, said: “It feels really rewarding and I am glad that my project and work is getting positive recognition. However, there is always room for improvement and I will use this as a benchmark for all of my future projects.”
The 21-year-old from Bucknall added: “With the ceremony taking place in London, on the Thames riverside, it was an exciting and new experience for me. The support and feedback I received from the judges about my work was really constructive and I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity.”
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Erki's winning entry 
Billy's winning entry 
Erki Klamas