Learn a New Trade with Kwalee

Jay Lytwynenko is a talented concept and in game graphical artist employed by game developer Kwalee. Jay is offering art students and graduates a chance to receive incredibly beneficiary feedback from a professional within the industry through the creation of an art portfolio surgery. Read on for more details!

From the Official Press Release

Jay joined the Kwalee game designers in November 2011. Having already worked for a few video game companies, she brought versatility and knowledge to her work and continues to enhance her skills as a result. Her extensive qualifications started from receiving an A in GSCE Art, which led her to pursue the subject as part of her A Level studies at Winstanley College, along with Media Studies and Graphic Design. Jay completed a further year at Winstanley College achieving distinctions in Foundation Diploma in Art and Design as well as a Diploma in Life Studies. Her talent and impressive academic achievements took her to Glyndwr University (then NEWI) to then graduate with a 2:1 BA(Hons) in Animations.

Jay says her extra year at college was beneficial to prepare for university: “The foundation year allowed me to prepare an intensive portfolio for university. I then travelled all over the UK for portfolio interviews, to get into university. I was offered a few places but happily chose Glyndwr.” Taking the time after graduating to search for employment, Jay spent time bettering her technical skills, artistic knowledge and personal portfolio. This led her to move to Aberdeen, Scotland, and completed the highly regarded Masters in Professional Games Development at the University of Abertay. Her intense year ended in September where she then gained work at a couple of games companies, before landing her position at Kwalee, Leamington Spa.

Jay is eager to start her Portfolio Surgery. She will receive the work of students in her own time and will offer constructive and helpful guidance. She adds: "Breaking into the games industry is difficult in any profession. I had trouble after finishing my first degree getting into the industry and think that if I would have had better contacts at the time to help offer feedback on my work, I would have made a smoother transition earlier on into my career. The bar is incredibly high and artists are ferocious for each job.”

For more information, check out the official Kwalee website.