17-year-old Jaydn Patel from Kidderminster has just completed the first year of his Level 3 Game Art and Animation at South & City College Birmingham.
Jaydn started his journey at South and City College by attending an Open Day, where he saw the classrooms, previous students’ work, the facilities and the equipment. Jaydn also got to speak directly to the tutors who teach the course and discuss how the course would help him achieve his career ambitions.
“When I saw what was on offer, I was impressed.” Jaydn said, “I was given a conditional offer based on my predicted GCSE grades, that helped motivate me to ensure I got the grades required.”
Jaydn’s passion is the art side of gaming, whether 3D modelling or animation. So much so that he is spending his summer break working on commissions from people he is meeting online. This increases his portfolio of work for his university application and his real world experience, which will help him continue to do well in his course.
When he finishes the Level 3 course next year, his first choice is to study 3D game art at Staffordshire University, which is a leading institution for computer degrees. It helps that the university is also not that far from his home.
Looking forward five years, if Jaydn could have any job, he said he would love to be a modeller or animator for Rockstar Games or Riot Games. Rockstar Games are probably best known for the amazingly successful Grand Theft Auto, first launched in 1999.
When asked about his experience studying with South & City College, Jaydn had nothing but positive things to say “I really enjoy my course. We are allowed creative freedom to express our imagination as long as we meet the brief. The tutors are very supportive, and we learn a great deal about the gaming industry. We get to use Blender, which is great software. I also love being based at the Digbeth campus, as it’s close to the City Centre and easy to get to.”
Jaydn added that he has made some great friends and is already looking forward to coming back in September for his second year. “My classmates are so supportive. We all share our collective knowledge and help one another. Despite being different ages, we have bonded well as we have so much in common.”
The College wishes Jaydn much success in his final year and will continue to watch how his career progresses.