What was your defining moment from studying at Leeds Beckett University?

I’ll always remember creating my first 3D scene in first year, and seeing it shared on the Leeds Beckett Games Instagram. I had never used a 3D program in my entire life, so the amount of joy I got from modelling a plastic garden chair was truly the defining moment into my future career plans. It moved me from my intended direction of character design into prop/ asset design, which I have still got the same love for now.

Can you describe your change of career plans going from working in law to doing a creative degree? What was the reasoning behind it?

I was unfortunately made redundant from a solicitor’s firm during Covid, which I took as the prime time to return to university and do something I actually wanted to do. During my time of working in law, I did consider doing a law degree and LPC, but I was never entirely sure.

When I was made redundant, I knew this was the push I needed to return to education. Due to the timing, I had to look at clearing for a course. In high school and sixth form, I had done only art courses so alongside looking in law, I kept looking for creative courses and Games Art stood out to me. I grew up playing games and still do play games, so finding a degree that tied in with that seemed like a no brainer.

How would you say being in Leeds has helped your university experience/career plans?

Being from Leeds and living in Leeds, was a massive influence to stay within the area, however Yorkshire is a massive hub for game studios, so being able to attend a university that is in the centre of that hub is a major advantage when looking for a job at studios like Rockstar Leeds & XR Games.

What is your mentorship position and what does it involve?

The Limit Break is a video game mentorship programme offering 6 months of one-to-one help from someone who works within the industry, who is specialised in the selected area you are aiming to focus on. Each mentorship is different. For me, it is a weekly call with a Prop artist who is currently helping me build my portfolio to be the best it can possibly be. They also teach me further techniques used within the field, with the end goal to obtain a job in the games industry.

How did you secure your mentorship while studying at LBU?

The mentorship is aimed for those who are underrepresented within the UK games industry, there are many requirements however, the three categories that related to me are identifying as a woman, being neurodivergent (I have ADHD) and a student who is graduating in 2023, and I was automatically accepted in April 2023 ready to start in June!

How did your degree in Games Art prepare you for your mentorship?

The course leader, Marielle Reuser, mentioned that we should attend the monthly meet up in Leeds, called Leeds Game Toast, as it was a great way to network and meet lots of people working in local studios. From there I also searched around to see if any other local game meet ups, where I found Bradford’s monthly meet up called Badonkadonk, where I was informed by Harun Ali (who is the head of training of Limit Break,) who attends these meet ups, to apply as I would automatically be accepted.

I’m still attending both events, as I have made some fantastic connections and some good friends, alongside being able to attend other events within the community such as Gamayo (Game Makers Yorkshire.)

What advice would you give to future students studying Games Art?

Attend all the meet-ups and events you can! Leeds Game Toast and Badonkadonk have been such great monthly events to go to, and they have helped me build my confidence. You can meet a wide range of people who are programmers, indie developers, and artists all at different levels in their careers and everyone is keen to give advice. But don’t limit yourself to just local events. Search online for any upcoming opportunities, whether online or in person, it’s a great way to get your name out there and meet some fantastic connections.

Additionally, share your work everywhere. If you haven’t got an Art Station, make one. Show your process constantly! Besides people seeing your work, it’s a great way to look back and see your personal improvement and it’s also a great habit to get into.

Don’t be afraid to ask artists who inspire you for feedback, the worst they can do is not answer but the majority will!