GA1S03 - Visual Studies for Game Art 01 Sep 2018 - 31 Aug 2026 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: GA1S03
Module Title: Visual Studies for Game Art
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Games and Design
Faculty Sub Group: Games
Module Leader: Gina Carpenter
Module Team: Pierre Laffoux, Simon Reed, Emma Marshman
First Intended Intake: SEP 2018 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 101019 - computer games graphics
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2018
Valid To 31 Aug 2026

Module Aims

To introduce both traditional and digital drawing techniques.

To develop an understanding of visual design, scale, colour, proportion and composition in both drawing and painting.

To investigate visual language throughout Art & Design in relation to games, game visuals and visual language.

To encourage students to evaluate their own work through reflective practice.

Content Summary

The game artist requires the ability to visually represent ideas and have the skill to communicate designs to all audiences.

The module compliments and runs along all year 1 modules and helps underpin production artwork with a solid appreciation and practical evidence of drawing, design, observation and communication for game art students.

Diagnostic exercises are based on the following :

Traditional Life and Observational drawing and mark-making techniques explored, including:

Colour Theory

Realistic, representational life drawing.

Head, hands and feet drawing.

Clothed figure studies.

Quick studies and thumbnail development.

Core image manipulation software skills and creative methodologies and workflows will be covered for digital painting and conceptual design and development enabling students to transition both creativity and technically into a group development environments.

Applying self-reflection and annotation as part of drawing skills development.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Practical classes and workshops 12
Supervised time in studio/workshop 12
Fieldwork 24
Independent Study 100
Directed Study 52
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Generate work that exhibits a clear understanding of visual language and form by providing evidence of sustained practice and the exploration of production techniques.
LO2 Demonstrate an understanding of meaning and communication with both traditional and digital practical skills, recognising ways in which practice can be improved through independent learning.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Practical Assessment (CW) Creative Designs / Art 1 Practical portfolio of traditional and digital realised artwork. 0 N/A 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Creative Designs / Art 1

Reading List

The Urban Sketching Handbook: People and Motion: Tips and Techniques for Drawing on Location (Urban Sketching Handbooks)

Gabriel Campanario

ISBN-10: 1592539629

ISBN-13: 978-1592539628

Life Drawing in Charcoal (Dover Art Instruction) Paperback by Douglas R. Graves

ISBN-10: 0486282686

ISBN-13: 978-0486282688

The Fundamentals of Drawing: A Complete Professional Course for Artists Paperback by Barrington Barber

ISBN-10: 1841933171

ISBN-13: 978-1841933177

The Urban Sketching Handbook: Understanding Perspective: Easy Techniques for Mastering Perspective Drawing on Location (Urban Sketching Handbooks)

Stephanie Bower

ISBN-10: 1631591282

ISBN-13: 978-1631591280

Drawing Basics and Video Game Art Paperback

by Chris Solarski

ISBN-10: 0823098478

ISBN-13: 978-0823098477

Beginner's Guide to Digital Painting in Photoshop Paperback

by 3DTotal

ISBN-10: 0955153077

ISBN-13: 978-0955153075