Approximately 130 third and fourth-year students from GCU’s Graphic Design for Digital Media, 3D Computer Games Art and Animation, and Games Art and Animation programmes attended and participated at the conference, alongside eight keynote speakers from industry, in the Old Sheriff Court on 8th February 2016.
The participating final-year students presented work in progress from their Honours projects and were joined by guest speakers from industry, such as Jane Austin, Head of User Experience at the Telegraph; Douglas Larmour, visual-effects designer from Motion Picture Company; Andrew Stevenson, Tangent Graphic; Beth Wilson and James Gilchrist, Warrior Studios; Chrissy Welsh, Backbase; Mal Young, Interference Pattern; and Will Adams, Once Were Farmers.
The conference was an extension of GCU’s Caledonian Creates, an annual celebration of work from the University’s creative programmes, which cover a wide range of disciplines including graphic, interior, games and product design, electronic systems, 3D computer animation, and computer games art and animation.
Dr Mary Maclachlan, Lecturer, Computer, Communications and Interactive Systems, School of Engineering and Built Environment, said: “The conference aimed to extend the remit of Caledonian Creates to inspire, support, engage and promote a student research agenda.
“The energy and enthusiasm from the students was overwhelming and it was so encouraging to see them share and discuss their research with their peers and industry guests.”
The conference was followed by a networking event, which offered further opportunity for students to network with people form the industry and potential employers.
Sean Alexander, a third-year Graphic Design for Digital Media student, said: “The Caledonian Creates conference was a fantastic experience. The inspirational speakers from varied professional backgrounds gave us valuable tips on how to progress and position ourselves as well-rounded creatives in a changing industry. Hearing from the fourth-year students has also given me confidence to push and refine my own research ideas further, as well as a glimpse of where we will all be this time next year.”
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