My goals

Write a personal statement about your immediate goals and how you intend to achieve them.

For my immediate goal I would like to concentrate on improving my skills in 3D studio Max by building on the taught module. I would also like to gain more experience by looking at some online tutorials during my free time as it will benefit me for upcoming modelling classes. I want to become proficient in this software and to take advantage of all its features to working industry standard. I feel this approach will help to develop my 3D design skills as well as my work output. I also want a better knowledge of digital design processes since this will boost my confidence in my approach as well as in my working relationships at college.

My CV

James Kitcher

4 Corsham Close

Birdcage farm

Plymouth

PL6 6BU

Telephone: 01752 790617

E-mail: jameskitcher6@gmail.com

Personal Statement

I am an avid gamer that has a broad understanding of game genres. I have an excellent knowledge of proof reading and editing content. I am a polite and presentable young man. My disability has taught me to be resourceful in my approach to overcoming obstacles. I am a focused and dedicated individual who enjoys the challenge of creating storylines.

Qualifications

2010 Advanced GCSE  Art and Design                                                      Grade E

2010 OCR Art and Design                                                                            Level 3

2010 Award in Creative Craft using Digital imaging                               Level 2

2008 GCSE Art and Design                                                                          Grade B

2008 GCSE Science                                                                                       Grade C

2008 Entry Level English                                                                              Level  2

2008 Entry Level Mathematics                                                                  Level 2

2008 Entry Level Information and Communication Technology        Level 2

Experience

·       I produced a public announcement poster in conjunction with the library.

Employment

·       None to date.

Achievements

·       2010  Arts Mark Award from Tor Bridge High School

·       2011  Video Game design course

·       2011 Radio Presentation course

Interests

·       Active member of a community group involved in wheelchair sports and art.

·       All areas of animation.

References

·       Available on request

Good and Bad CV's

I am looking at what makes a good CV by researching great ones and terrible ones.

This is a mock-up of a bad cv. From what i have learned from this is:

• Not to use extravagant type faces for names and contact information.
• Never use an un-professional e-mail address to be contacted on, like hotbabe@mail.com.
• List information relative to the job in question, not personal details.
• Not to mention primary education because it is useless for employers.
• Provide details about secondary school grades.
• Maintain a consistent layout throughout the CV.
• Display qualifications in order of the most recent.
• Don't lie.
• Use proper spelling and grammar.
• If something isn't clean don't mention it.
• Don't use parents or relatives as references.

http://moodle2.reidkerr.ac.uk/kist/edriver/cv/bad-cv.htm

http://moodle2.reidkerr.ac.uk/kist/edriver/cv/cv.html

Interview

What do i know about the position/company?

The position of Senior Games Designer at Jagex entails working as a team in the design of Runescape's gameplay mechanics and story lines. It also must include a broad understanding of the MMO market. This job requires co-operation between other senior members of the design team in the creative and development process. 

Jagex was founded in 1999 by Andrew and Paul Gowner. Their flagship game was Runescape, an MMORPG that was developed in the same year Jagex was established. FunOrb, a casual gaming portal developed by Jagex has released 43 games. Transformers Universe is their new major game currently in development.

Questions.

Would i be tasked with designing the levels for Transformers Universe?

How big would my design team be?

Do you have any themes in mind for Runescape's quests and story lines?

What other design departments will i be communicating and working with?

http://www.gamesrecruit.co.uk/JobDetail.aspx?id=14060

http://www.jagex.com/careers/jagex/

Body Language

Good:

• Sitting up straight: This displays your interest and intent to listen in the interview.
• Eye contact: Shows your undivided attention in the interview, if there is more than one interviewer make sure to occasionaly address them with a gaze.
• Nod and react positively to questions: Projects enthusiasm towards the interviewer.
• establishing personal space: Gives your interviewer comfort and a boundry between you, being too close will make him/her uncomfortable.
• address your interviewers: Maintains your interest and is good manners.

Bad:

• Monotone: This can bore your interviewers, an enthusiastic voice can make you come accross as overly excited and emotional.
• Leg movement: This can distract your interviewers immensely.
• Shifty eyes: This can display untrustworthy and secretive message.
• Stare: This creep out your interviewers and make them uncomfortable.
• Facing the door: This can make your interviewers think you could charge for it at any moment.

http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-746-Getting-Hired-The-Interview-Body-Language-Dos-and-Donts/

http://www.forbes.com/sites/meghancasserly/2012/09/26/10-body-language-tics-that-could-cost-you-the-interview-and-the-job/

Possible Career Paths

Fiction Writer.

A fiction writer's  job is to craft the games' overall narrative. This entails writing the dialogue, directing the voice actors in their readings and to script the cut-scenes and intros. They must be able to differentiate between game writing and novel writing. The requirements of game write must be that of a person who is an avid gamer with a great understanding of video games in general, and must have experience with creative writing, screenplays and dialogue. Must also work along side the develpment team.

http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=17902#.UKY3yYfG98E

http://jobs.gamasutra.com/jobs/75666-20717/Game-Writer-TimeGate-Studios-Sugar-Land-TX-USA

http://www.mymajors.com/careers-and-jobs/Video-Game-Script-Writer

Level Designer

The job of a level designer requires creating the environment of the level, adding objects and entities. A designer has to deal with balancing, pacing and scenario creating while working alongside the development team every step of the way. Requirements must include; experience with game engines, an understanding in architecture and lighting, an ability to use basic programming and an ability to work in a team with good communication skills.

http://jobs.gamasutra.com/jobs/17672-20286/Lead-Level-Designer-Capcom-Game-Studio-Vancouver-Inc-Burnaby-BC-CAN

http://jobs.gamasutra.com/jobs/362-31387/Level-Designer-Irrational-Games-Irrational-Games-Quincy-MA-USA

http://www.videogameinsiderjobs.com/video-game-designer-job-description/

SWOT analysis

Strengths

• ·       I am a hard worker when I put my mind to it.
• ·       I am passionate about my work.
• ·       I am very specific about what I want from my work.
• ·       Despite my disability, I have a good imagination and mind.
• ·       I find it easier to work in a group.
• ·       I am very literate.
• ·       I have an eye for detail.

Weaknesses

• I procrastinate because I find it hard to get started.
• ·       I can get distracted easily.
• ·       I over develop details which can slow my progress on work.
• ·       I struggle being heard due to my quiet disposition.
• ·       I lack confidence in conversing with my peers.
• ·       I find it a bit harder to work on my own.
• I find it difficult to discern meaning from questions. I’m very logical

Opportunities

• ·       To develop new skill sets in 3DsMax, Photoshop and other software for developing games.
• ·       To further develop my creative writing skills.
• ·       To help create games accessible for people with physical disabilities.
• Drama club
• Aquarium summer mix

Threats

• ·       My disability does present some hindrances in my physical abilities such as typing speed, reach and finger dexterity. If I don’t exercise my hands they could get worse.
• ·       Changes in game culture such as lack of creativity and imagination in development.
• ·       Procrastination may prevent me from meeting deadlines.
• I have had no experience in Sociology. This is a factor that level designers need.
• Databases
• Directorial directions