Scarlett Bryce is a Game Art and Animation student with a passion for gaming and creating that started when she was a child.
She is now pursuing her ambitions as part of our two-year degree within our vibrant gaming community.
In our interview, Scarlett explores her passions and how the course is preparing her for a career in the creative industries.
Read more below and contact our team if you would like to join a degree at SAE.
Tell us about your passion for Game Art and Animation. How did it start?
My passion for game art and animation started when I was younger. I became fascinated with creature creation and began doing my own artwork, often inspired by animals and creatures from different shows.
Wolves were my particular obsession – it was a bit of a problem! When I found SAE, I realised this was exactly where I wanted to be. It felt like home because everyone here shares similar passions. My inspiration stems from the games and films I watched as a child, which shaped my creative journey.
Why did you join SAE? and How have you found the experience so far?
I joined SAE because of its two-year course format, which was perfect for me. I wanted to finish my studies quickly compared to my friends, who were in five-year programmes. SAE also focuses specifically on game art, unlike many UK institutions that offer broader animation courses. This specificity really appealed to me.
The experience has been amazing. The environment here is so accepting, and the teachers are incredibly supportive. They listen to you, make the effort to know you as a person, and guide you toward your goals. It feels much more personal than other universities.
What has been the most important thing you’ve learned on the course? Have there been any moments of inspiration?
Discovering ZBrush was a huge moment for me. As someone who has loved creature creation since childhood, learning how to bring my 2D creations into 3D was incredible. For instance, I’ve created a zombie horse and a three-headed doberman, Cerberus, in my coursework. Seeing my ideas come to life in 3D felt like a dream come true.
What is the SAE community like?
The community at SAE is incredibly close-knit, almost like a family. Everyone is willing to help, whether it’s a peer, a teacher, or even former students.
People look out for each other, whether it’s helping with coursework or simply making sure you’ve eaten that day. The supportive atmosphere here makes it easier to thrive and succeed.
How have your tutors supported your learning?
My tutors are amazing. One of my main tutors, Amil Metcalfe, is incredibly passionate and enthusiastic about what he does. He keeps us engaged, makes learning fun, and ensures we stay on track.
He’s like a mentor who balances being approachable while also holding us accountable. The tutors here genuinely care about their students and want to see us succeed.
What has been your favourite module or project so far?
I really enjoyed the character creation module. We got to create a character in the style of a game we loved. I chose to design a tooth fairy character for The Wolf Among Us, a story-driven game set in a gritty, fairy tale-inspired world. My character was a mafia-style boss who collects teeth as payment. It was an exciting project because I could bring my creativity into a context I’m passionate about.
Can you share an example of collaboration during your time at SAE?
One collaboration involved designing characters that fit into a shared world with a classmate. Another project had us create an environment where each team member focused on a different aspect, like assets or lighting. These experiences taught me how to balance strengths and weaknesses within a group, which is crucial for industry work.
How has the course supported your career ambitions? What’s next for you?
The course has helped me refine my focus and build skills for the industry, like using ZBrush for creature creation. What’s next for me is either pursuing a Master’s degree in creature creation or starting as a Junior Creature Artist in a studio. I’m giving myself time after graduation to explore my options and figure out my path.
What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was learning to work in groups. As someone who prefers working solo, collaborating with others was a learning curve. I had to adapt to different personalities and workflows, which I believe is an essential skill for the industry. It taught me to be more flexible and patient.
Talking about my experiences at SAE has been really enjoyable. The 3D world is complex and niche, so it’s nice to share what we do here. It’s been a rewarding two-year journey that’s helped me grow both creatively and personally.
STUDY Game Development at SAE
SAE offers two-year accelerated degree courses in growth creative media industries including Game Design, Game Art and Animation and Games Programming – all aimed at helping the next generation of creative professionals get ahead.
From our expert tutors to our cutting-edge computer labs, SAE’s degree will enable you to master a range of both technical and practical industry-relevant skills.
