Ren achieved D*D*D*, equivalent to three A* grades at A Level, and credits their success to the specialist nature of our BTEC Digital Art, Animation & Games Design, as well as its "coursework-based workload and more independent learning environment". Having "always aspired to work as an animator", Ren thrived creatively during their two years on the course, culminating in a final animated music video that they describe as "something I never thought I'd be able to do before, and something I'm incredibly proud of."
CASE STUDY
“I chose to study BTEC Digital Art, Animation & Games Design for many reasons. I have always aspired to work as an animator, and I knew this course would be an excellent pathway into the industry. Traditional Fine Art A Levels are not made with animation in mind, and seeing as the animation industry is a particularly tough place to enter nowadays, I knew I needed something more specialised for my ambitions. Additionally, I've always found classroom / exam settings difficult. I knew I needed a change, and I can confidently say the coursework-based workload and more independent learning environment helped me thrive.
“I plan to study BA (Hons) 2D Digital Animation at the University of Hertfordshire, which is recognised as having one of the absolute best 2D Animation degrees in the UK. While studying I'll spend time working freelance and independently to create a portfolio, building up my online presence to create more opportunities for myself. After I've finished at Hertfordshire, I'd love to start working full time for a 2D animation studio. I may also look into going back to education and maybe even studying at Gobelins later down the line if I feel I need more training and have a strong enough portfolio to get in.
“My favourite part of the course itself was probably the second year, and if I had to pick a specific section it would absolutely be the final project. Being given complete creative freedom over a project was incredibly fun and motivating, and I really pushed myself to create something I could be proud of. It might sound odd, but I'll always think very fondly of the final two weeks of the project, where I was really cramming in the final touches. Waking up stupidly early, going into the Creative Industries Centre on days I didn't need to be in, sitting in the library and working until I got kicked out at 8pm. Normally this would be a nightmare scenario for me, but because I was doing it willingly for a project I loved, it was really quite fun. I came out at the end with a full 4 minute, 39 second long animated music video, something I never thought I'd be able to do before, and something I'm incredibly proud of.
“Studying this course really helped me grow as a person. In secondary school I felt stuck - it suffocated a lot of my self-expression and individuality. My course finally helped me branch out, find people who share my interests, make strong bonds and overall made me feel like myself again. My two years here went so fast because they were probably the most fun I've ever had in an educational setting. I made a lot of great memories, me and my friends showing off our work to each other after big projects, going to get food with friends at lunch, going to parties, looking at dumb stuff on the computers when we were finished with work, and going to the Christmas market after lessons in the winter and ending up dancing in a conga line with a bunch of punks to the song 'Fairytale of New York'. This place was really great for making memories, it really taught me my best years didn't need to be in high school.
“I had two great tutors, Keiran and Doug. Both were wonderful as tutors, and as people to rely on. Both had their own unique way of motivating the class and pushing us to work our hardest, but both also made sure to never make the environment feel unwelcoming. Doug retired this year, and I sincerely hope he has a great time with whatever he chooses to do next.
“My advice for anyone wanting to start the animation and games design course is this: do not underestimate the intensity of the course. I know quite a few might be tempted to choose it because it looks "easy". I promise you, once you're two days away from a deadline and you have a 40 page PowerPoint slide alongside a full animation due, you will not find it easy. This is a course for people who love making art and games and are willing to put in the effort needed. That being said, it can be incredibly fun and rewarding if you deeply care about what you're doing, just like it was for me.”
