Y9 Art - Game Design

This course is designed to introduce students to the exciting world of concept art within the game design industry. Students will explore the fundamentals of creating compelling characters and immersive environments that bring video games to life. Through a combination of hands-on projects, students will develop their artistic skills and their understanding of the game design process.

In this course, students will primarily focus on honing their skills using traditional hand-drawn media, emphasising the importance of foundational techniques in character and environment design. They will explore various materials such as pencils, ink, and markers to create detailed sketches and concept art, fostering a strong understanding of basic art principles and manual dexterity.

Complementing this, the course will also introduce basic digital tools and techniques, allowing students to transition some of their work into digital and sculptural formats.

Course Objectives
Foundations of Concept Art:
Understand the role of concept art in game development.
Explore different styles and genres in game design.
Character Design:
Create original characters from concept to final artwork.
Develop skills in anatomy, proportion, and character dynamics. Heroes, villains, and sidekicks.
Learn how to convey personality and backstory through visual elements
Environment Design:
Design detailed and imaginative game environments.
Study perspective, lighting, and spatial relationships.

The Art Department is an inclusive learning and teaching environment, which values student agency, offering group and individual learning activities. It recognises that learning is not a linear or scripted activity, but should have personal meaning, be challenging and fun.

Taking Art in year 9 leads into Painting, Design, and Photography in Years 10 and various senior Art subjects. All Level 3 Art subjects are University Entrance approved.

Art develops transferable skills that are invaluable in careers in the Creative Industry and traditional careers like marketing, technology, healthcare, as well as trade jobs. Effective problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability are essential for success in any job or career in the 21st century.