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Games Designer - Job Description, Salaries, Benefits and Useful Links

Job Description, Salaries, Benefits and Useful Links

Computer games designers devise new computer games and define the way the game is played and the 'game experience'. They develop:

·         the rules of the game

·         the setting

·         story and characters

·         props such as weapons and vehicles

·         different ways the game may be played.

It is part of their job to convince other members of the team to develop the game. They work with programmers, artists, animators, producers and audio engineers to turn their original vision into a working game.

Games designers work around 35 hours a week, but they may need to work longer hours as deadlines approach. They work in offices and spend long periods sitting at a desk using a computer or attending meetings.

Salaries may range from around £19,000 to £55,000 a year.

A computer games designer should:

·         be creative, imaginative and original

·         be fluent in a number of software packages

·         understand the market and target audience for computer games

·         have problem-solving skills

·         enjoy IT and playing computer games.

Around 6,600 people in the UK work in computer games development. They are employed by games development studios, which are either independent companies or owned by games publishers. Around half of the people working in the games sector are based in London and south-east England. The games market is likely to expand.

There are no set requirements, but most games designers are graduates. Most degree subjects are acceptable. Employers look for people with previous experience in the games industry - for instance as a games tester - and strong portfolios of relevant work. It may be possible to start on an Apprenticeship in QA and Games Production. Because of the level of experience required, most people are adults when they start this job.

Most computer games designers train on the job. They may attend short courses on technological developments and new software packages. It is important to keep up to date with developments in technology and the games market throughout their careers.

There is no formal promotion route for games designers. They may be promoted from junior designer to designer, and, with experience and management skills, to lead designer. Some designers move into management and marketing roles, or become self-employed.

What is the work like?

Computer games designers devise new computer games and define the way the game is played and the 'game experience'. Computer games are a major part of the UK's media industry. People spend more money on buying games than they do on going to the cinema.

Games designers may work from their own original idea, or use various elements that have already been decided upon. They develop:

·         the rules of the game

·         the setting

·         the story and how it develops

·         the characters

·         the weapons, vehicles and other devices that characters can use

·         different ways the game may be played.

The designer presents these ideas in a 'concept document' or 'initial design treatment' which helps other members of the team to decide whether or not to go ahead with developing the game. Before companies invest time and money in new games, they must be convinced that people will want to buy the finished product. So they conduct market research and consider other factors such as timing before giving permission for further development.

The next stage is for the games designer to work with a team of artists and programmers to produce a prototype. This is a small-scale, playable version of the game, designed to prove that the idea will work. At the same time the designer puts together the full game design document which describes in detail every element of the game and how it works. This document is likely to change over time as the game evolves.

During the development of the game the game designer is responsible for:

·         making sure that the rest of the team (including programmers, artists, animators, producers and audio engineers) understand the concept of the game

·         making adjustments to the original specification to reflect technical constraints and new programming or artistic developments from the team

·         training testers to play the game - they make sure that it works in the way it is meant to

·         making sure the game experience meets the original vision.

Some game designers work on the whole game, while others might concentrate on one aspect of the design. On large projects, a lead designer oversees the work of a number of designers.

Starting salaries for new computer games designers with previous games industry experience may be around £19,000 a year.

Hours and environment

Games designers work on average 35 hours a week, but additional hours, including early mornings, evenings and weekends, are likely to be required at busy times, particularly when deadlines are near.

Designers are office based and spend much of their time sitting at a desk using a computer, or attending meetings.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.

·         A new computer games designer with previous industry experience could earn around £19,000 a year.

·         With experience, this could rise to between £25,000 and 35,000.

·         A lead designer may earn between £35,000 and £55,000.

Skills and personal qualities

A computer games designer should:

·         be creative, imaginative and original

·         be fluent in a number of software packages

·         have a thorough understanding of the market and target audience for computer games

·         have problem-solving skills

·         have storytelling ability

·         have excellent communication and presentation skills

·         understand the capabilities and benefits of different hardware including PCs, consoles and mobile devices, as well as the relevant software technologies and techniques

·         have basic drawing and 3D design skills

·         be able to adapt quickly to change

·         work well in a team and alone

·         work well under pressure and be able to meet deadlines

·         take criticism well

·         be willing to keep up to date with new developments and trends in the computer games market.

Interests

It is important to enjoy:

·         playing computer games and working out what makes them good or bad

·         working with IT.

Getting in

Around 6,600 people in the UK work in computer games development. They are employed by games development studios, which are either independent companies or owned by games publishers. Around half of the people working in the games sector are based in London and south-east England, but there are also important centres in Manchester, Liverpool, Warwickshire, Dundee, Sheffield and other parts of Yorkshire, and Newcastle.

Over half of all males and one in four females play games regularly, and the market is likely to expand as new technologies are introduced which make games more exciting and realistic. Development studios are keen to employ games designers who understand markets and target audiences and have the imagination and creativity to excite existing players and reach new audiences.

Vacancies are advertised through specialist recruitment agencies, on company websites, and in specialist games publications and websites. See the Skillset website at www.skillset.org for useful links to recruitment agencies and websites.

Entry for young people

There are no set requirements for this job, but the majority of computer games designers are graduates. Most degree subjects are acceptable.

Skillset accredits four courses offering education and training development for people wanting a career in computer games:

·         BA (Honours) Computer Arts, University of Abertay Dundee

·         BSc (Honours) Computer Games Technology, University of Abertay Dundee

·         BSc (Honours) Computer Games Technology, University of Paisley

·         BA in Computer Animation, Glamorgan Centre for Art & Design Technology.

Students on these courses benefit from visiting lectures, studio tours, workshops, masterclasses, mentoring and work placements.

The usual requirements for a degree are at least two A levels/three H grades and five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), or equivalent qualifications, but candidates are advised to check with individual institutions.

It is not normally possible to become a computer games designer without relevant experience in the industry. Many designers have previously worked as testers in the quality assurance departments of games development studios. Employers usually expect to see a portfolio of work, including completed game projects or written game design documents and proposals.

Skillset is piloting an Apprenticeship in QA and Games Production. For further details see the Skillset website.

Apprenticeships which may be available in England are Young Apprenticeships, Pre-Apprenticeships, Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships. To find out which one is most appropriate log ontowww.apprenticeships.org.uk or contact your local Connexions Partnership.

It is important to bear in mind that pay rates for Apprenticeships do vary from area to area and between industry sectors.

There are different arrangements for Apprenticeships in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For further information contact Careers Scotland www.careers-scotland.org.uk, Careers Waleswww.careerswales.com; and for Northern Ireland contact COIU www.delni.gov.uk.

Entry for adults

Because of the level of experience required to do this job, the majority of computer games designers are adults who have previously worked in other roles in the games industry.

Training

Most computer games designers train on the job, combining self-learning with mentoring by more experienced colleagues. There may be the opportunity to attend short courses to learn about technological developments and new software packages.

It is very important for anyone working in the computer games industry to keep up to date with technological developments and market information, and to update their skills throughout their careers.

Illustrator - Job Description, Salaries, Benefits and Useful Links

Job Description, Salaries, Benefits and Useful Links

Illustrators combine art, design and creative skills to develop ideas and produce original visual images for a wide range of products.

Most illustrators specialise in a particular style. There are various different stages in their work, including:

·         discussing client needs and identifying a target audience for the work

·         agreeing the brief and contract with the client

·         developing visual ideas that suit the brief

·         seeking client approval for ideas with rough visuals - this stage may involve going back to the drawing board several times to rework sketches

·         using drawing, sketching, painting and photographic skills to produce illustrations.

Illustrators in employment usually work from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. The working hours of freelance illustrators vary depending on deadlines and quantity of work. Most illustrators work at home or in a studio. They usually work at a drawing board and computer workstation.

Salaries for employed illustrators working full time may range from around £14,000 to £40,000 a year. Self-employed illustrators are paid for each project or illustration.

An illustrator needs:

·         excellent drawing and IT skills

·         to be able to work to a brief, solve problems creatively and adapt their style

·         creativity and imagination

·         to enjoy creative work.

Illustrators work throughout the UK. Most are self-employed and work freelance. They often have other paid jobs while they try to build up their business. It is a competitive area of work. A few illustrators are employed by design and advertising agencies, and publishers.

There are no set entry requirements to become an illustrator. It is important to have a high level of illustration ability, an extensive portfolio of quality work and self-promotional skills to obtain work. Most illustrators have an HND, Foundation degree or degree in an art and design subject such as illustration, graphic design or fine art.

Illustrators can take a number of specialist courses to develop their skills in areas such as technical, book and sequential illustration, and animation. The Association of Illustrators offer practical support to illustrators and a range of classes for freelancers.

Most freelance illustrators remain self-employed. Success depends upon building a strong reputation and securing a steady flow of work. Some illustrators broaden their business by developing skills in related areas such as graphic design, animation and cartoons. There may be opportunities for illustrators in employment to become art directors, design managers or heads of departments.

What is the work like?

Illustrators combine art, design and creative skills to develop ideas and produce original visual images for a wide range of products. These include:

·         books and book jackets

·         educational, training and reference materials

·         instruction manuals, leaflets and sales brochures

·         greetings cards, giftware and packaging

·         advertising materials, posters and catalogues

·         magazines and newspapers

·         television and film animations and storyboards

·         computer games, websites and mobile phone visuals.

Most illustrators specialise in a particular style. There are various different stages in their work, including:

·         discussing client needs and identifying the target audience for the work

·         agreeing the brief and contract, including payment and deadlines, with the client

·         developing visual ideas that suit the brief

·         seeking client approval for ideas with rough visuals - this stage may involve going back to the drawing board several times to rework sketches

·         using drawing, sketching, painting and photographic skills to produce illustrations

·         increasingly, using computer packages to scan in their own visual images, and then refine and develop the ideas on screen

·         continuing to work with the client, seeking approval at all stages of development and making any changes as required, right up to completion of the job.

There are specialist areas of illustration, including fashion, medical, scientific and technical illustration. For more information, see Medical Illustrator and Technical Illustrator.

Self-employed illustrators need to be proactive in finding work. This includes promoting themselves to employers and keeping their portfolio up to date. Some illustrators use agents to do this work. They also need to keep their own records and accounts.

A new entrant working full time may earn between £14,000 and £19,000 a year.

Hours and environment

Illustrators in employment usually work from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. The working hours of freelance illustrators vary depending on deadlines and quantity of work.

Most illustrators work at home or in a studio. They usually work at a drawing board and computer workstation.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.

·         A new entrant working full time may earn between £14,000 and £19,000 a year.

·         An experienced illustrator may earn from £20,000 to £30,000 a year.

·         Well established illustrators may earn up to £40,000 a year. A few may earn more than this.

Full-time work can be hard to obtain. Most illustrators are self-employed and are paid an agreed fee for each project or illustration. The Association of Illustrators (AOI) has information regarding fees on its website, www.theaoi.com.

Skills and personal qualities

Illustrators need:

·         excellent drawing and IT skills

·         to be able to work to a brief, solve problems creatively and adapt their style if needed

·         creativity and imagination

·         an eye for detail and design

·         self-promotional skills

·         self-motivation and the ability to work to deadlines

·         to be good at communicating and negotiating with clients and colleagues

·         a good understanding of medicine, science or technology (to be a medical, scientific or technical illustrator).

Interests

It is important for an illustrator to:

·         enjoy creative work

·         have a wide interest in the visual arts.

Getting in

Illustrators work throughout the UK. Most illustrators are self-employed and work freelance. They often have other paid jobs while they try to build up their business. It is a competitive area of work.

A few illustrators are employed, although graphic design or animation skills may be needed in addition to illustration skills. There may be opportunities with:

·         design or advertising agencies

·         publishers

·         multimedia and web publishers.

Some illustrators employ agents to promote their services. Lists of agents are available to members of the AOI and the Society of Artists Agents.

Entry for young people

There are no set entry requirements to become an illustrator. It is important to have a high level of illustration ability, an extensive portfolio of quality work and self-promotional skills to obtain work.

Most illustrators develop their skills and portfolio through an HND, Foundation degree or degree in an art and design subject. The exact subject is not always important, but most illustrators study illustration, graphic design, fine art or combined visual arts. Qualifications include:

·         BTEC Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and Design) - many students in England, Northern Ireland and Wales take this one-year foundation course in art and design before starting an HND, Foundation degree or degree course. Entry requirements vary between colleges, but are usually at least five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), and often an A level/H grade or equivalent. Courses normally last one year full time or two years part time.

·         Foundation degrees and HNDs - applicants usually need a minimum of one A level/two H grades including an art and design subject, a relevant BTEC national award, Scottish Group Award (SGA) or BTEC Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and Design). Courses usually last two years full time.

·         Degree courses - entrants usually need at least two A levels/three H grades including an art and design subject, plus five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), or equivalent qualifications. Many colleges and universities also require the BTEC Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and Design). Most full-time courses last three years. In Scotland, degree courses usually last four years with the first year equating to a foundation course.

·         Postgraduate degrees and diplomas - applicants usually need a first degree in an appropriate subject. Most courses last one year full time.

A portfolio of art and design work is usually expected by colleges and universities. Occasionally, an applicant with an outstanding portfolio of work may be accepted without the usual minimum entry qualifications.

Entry for adults

Mature students are welcomed on art and design courses and entry requirements may be relaxed, providing candidates can show a genuine interest and a strong portfolio of work. They may prepare for application to a degree by taking an Access course.

Training

Illustrators can take a number of specialist courses to develop their skills in areas such as technical, book and sequential illustration, and animation.

The AOI offers practical support to illustrators, and a range of master classes covering subjects such as business start-up, essentials of self-promotion, portfolios and agents, as well as current computer software and the use of technology.

Graphic Designer - Job Description, Salaries, Benefits and Useful Links

Job Description, Salaries, Benefits and Useful Links

Graphic designers produce designs that get their clients' messages across with high visual impact. They work on a huge variety of products, including websites, packaging, books and magazines, corporate identity (to give organisations a visual 'brand'), advertising, exhibitions and displays, and computer games.

Most graphic design work is now done on computer using specialised industry-standard graphics and multimedia software packages. Graphic designers have to work closely with other colleagues involved in projects, such as copywriters, photographers and sales staff. They may also work directly with clients.

Graphic designers usually work 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Extra hours are common, especially to meet critical project deadlines. Part-time work may be possible. The work is usually done in an open-plan design studio. It involves sitting and working at a computer for long periods.

Salaries may range from around £11,000 to £65,000 a year.

A graphic designer must have:

·         creative flair, originality and a strong visual sense

·         strong computer skills

·         confidence, to present and explain ideas to clients and colleagues

·         an interest in graphics and typography.

There are nearly 40,000 businesses working in graphic design, ranging from major agencies to sole freelancers. The design sector is growing, but competition for vacancies can still be keen. Gaining early experience and building a portfolio of work is an advantage. Some graphic designers create websites to show off their work.

Most graphic designers have a degree or diploma. This may be in graphic design, illustration, fine art or a related subject. There are many courses available at universities and arts colleges across the UK. Many students take a one-year Foundation Diploma in Art and Design before applying for a degree or diploma course. A range of NVQs/SVQs in design subjects is also available. Mature students are welcomed on art and design courses.

Employers generally expect new entrants to have learned the essential skills while completing their qualifications, but may support further study, eg for a postgraduate degree. They may also provide in-house or external training in specific aspects of the job, such as presentation skills. Graphic designers are expected to keep up to date with the latest trends in the industry.

Junior designers can progress to a senior position such as studio manager or creative director in an agency. Graphic designers can also specialise in a particular field, such as packaging or magazine design. Many designers work on a freelance basis once experienced. There may be opportunities for experienced designers to work abroad, eg in Europe and the USA.

What is the work like?

Graphic designers work to bring many kinds of communication alive. They produce designs that get their clients' messages across with high visual impact. The role demands a keen business sense as well as creative flair.

Graphic design input is required for a huge variety of products and activities, including:

·         websites

·         packaging

·         books and magazines

·         corporate identity - to give organisations a visual 'brand'

·         advertising

·         exhibitions and displays

·         computer games.

Tasks are likely to include:

·         finding out about the project requirements (taking a 'brief')

·         estimating the time the project will require, and providing a cost quotation

·         coming up with design concepts that fit the client's needs

·         presenting options for design treatments

·         creating final designs, working to a deadline and budget

·         amending designs according to the clients' final comments

·         proofreading and preparing designs to be sent to print.

Apart from rough sketches, most graphic design work is now done on computer. Graphic designers use specialised industry-standard graphics or multimedia software packages.

Designers may use different media - eg photography and illustration - to get the results they want.

Graphic designers may deal directly with their clients. Those working in an agency may take briefs from an account manager who has responsibility for client contact.

Designers also have to work closely with other colleagues involved in projects, such as copywriters, photographers and sales staff. In order to win work, they may take part in formal presentations to 'pitch' their ideas to potential clients.

Salaries for junior designers may start at around £11,000 a year.

Hours and environment

Graphic designers usually work 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Extra hours are common, especially to meet critical project deadlines. Part-time work may be possible.

Many designers work on a freelance basis after gaining some years' experience.

The work is usually done in an open-plan design studio. It involves sitting and working at a computer for long periods. Self-employed designers may work from home or share studio space.

There may be some travel to meet clients.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.

·         Salaries for junior designers may start at around £11,000 a year.

·         With experience, earnings may rise to around £25,000.

·         Senior designers in a creative director role may earn up to £65,000.

Skills and personal qualities

A graphic designer must have:

·         creative flair

·         a strong visual sense

·         originality

·         strong computer skills

·         confidence, to present and explain ideas to clients and colleagues

·         the ability to grasp client needs and consider practical solutions

·         the ability to pay attention to detail

·         the ability to balance work on several projects at a time

·         good teamworking skills

·         flexibility

·         an awareness of the competitive business environment in which they work

·         a matter-of-fact approach when ideas or designs are rejected.

Interests

It is important to have an interest in:

·         graphics and typography

·         new developments in design software.

Getting in

Around 185,000 people work across the design sector as a whole. There are nearly 40,000 businesses working in graphic design, ranging from major agencies to sole freelancers.

There are two main types of employer.

·         Agencies carry out graphic design work for a range of clients. They may specialise in advertising, corporate communications or general graphic design.

·         Many large organisations have in-house design teams. These include publishers, banks, retailers, government departments, local authorities, universities and packaging companies.

Employers are based all over the UK. Almost half of design agencies are in London and the South East.

The design sector is growing. However, because there are many higher education courses in graphic design, competition for vacancies can still be keen. Gaining early experience and building a portfolio of work is an advantage. Some graphic designers create websites to show off their work.

Vacancies are advertised in trade press, such as Design Week, or national press, such as The Guardian (Mondays). Some graphic design vacancies are filled through specialist recruitment agencies.

Entry for young people

While there are no set entry requirements, most graphic designers have a degree or diploma. This may be in graphic design, illustration, fine art or a related subject. There are many courses at universities and arts colleges across the UK.

With enthusiasm and a strong portfolio of work, it may be possible to enter without a degree or diploma. However, qualifications make career progression easier.

Many students take a one-year Foundation Diploma in Art and Design before applying for a degree or diploma course. This enables students to try a variety of art and design subjects, and allows them to build up a portfolio of work. Entry requirements are usually five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), and sometimes A levels/H grades, or equivalent qualifications.

For a degree course, two A-levels/H grades are usually needed, including an art-related subject, as well as five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), or equivalent qualifications.

For BTEC national diplomas or certificates, entry requirements are four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3). For a higher national certificate/higher national diploma (HNC/HND) course, entry requirements are one A level/two H grades in art and design subjects, or a BTEC national diploma/certificate in a relevant subject, or the equivalent.

Many institutions now offer Foundation degrees in art and design subjects. These usually involve two years of part-time study. Successful candidates then have the option of transferring to the latter stages of an honours degree course. Entry requirements vary between institutions.

With a first degree in a related subject, it is possible to apply for a postgraduate degree or diploma in specialised areas of graphic design.

A range of NVQs/SVQs in design subjects is also available.

Entry for adults

Mature students are welcomed on art and design courses. Entry requirements may not be as high if applicants can show a genuine enthusiasm and a strong portfolio.

Many adult entrants may begin on an Access or pre-entry course and may then be accepted directly onto a degree or diploma course.

Training

Employers generally expect new entrants to have learned the essential skills while completing their qualifications.

Employers may support further study, eg for a postgraduate degree or diploma. They may also provide in-house or external training in specific aspects of the job, such as presentation skills.

Graphic designers are expected to keep up to date with the latest trends in the industry. They may attend courses and demonstrations of new design software.


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