A Kirriemuir student’s research into the movement of Disney 3D animations is among the highlights at this year’s Abertay Digital Graduate Show.
More than 100 graduates from Abertay University’s School of Design and Informatics will showcase a wide range of work from May 11 to 15, including games, virtual reality (VR) experiences, sound design projects, animation, 3D modelling, concept art and illustration.
Lindsay Duthie, 23, from Kirriemuir, who is studying BA (Hons) Computer Arts said: “I’m looking at the movement of Disney 3D animations and exploring different female character performances, analysing whether the animator based the character on social stereotypes.
“If you look at older Disney films they are based on the idea that women should be graceful and very feminine.
“Now that the societal view of what is considered feminine has changed, the characters are becoming more appealing to women by being more personality driven.”
As part of her course, Lindsay had a mentorship placement with Disney Research, focusing on creature animation, last year.
She said: “Disney is one of the companies I’ve always wanted to work for – that’s the dream.
“Abertay has given me lots of opportunities I don’t think I would have got elsewhere, like getting to do industry projects and work with professional while at uni – it’s been a really good experience.”
Held at Abertay’s student centre in Dundee, the five-day festival comes after the university was named best for computer games education in Europe for a fourth consecutive year by the prestigious Princeton Review.
In addition to screen displays and stands, there will be guided tours and talks for members of the public, a VIP reception, a playable digital treasure trail and a virtual show experience.
Show curator Clare Brennan said the quality of work from this year’s ADGS exhibitors had been outstanding.
She added: “The Abertay Digital Graduate Show seems to get better every year and I love how the work produced by our students develops alongside the technology that’s available to them.
“Although Abertay is known the world over for excellence computer games education, this show is about so much more than that – you simply won’t find a broader depth and diversity of digital work on display anywhere else.”
Dr Dayna Galloway, Head of the Division of Games and Arts, said: “The Abertay Digital Graduate Show is always the highlight of the year and is a chance for our final year students to publicly showcase their work.
“Our courses are developed to keep pace with the latest industry trends, ensuring our students get the best possible education, so this year you are likely to see a lot of virtual reality and augmented reality, as well as games, digital art, sound design, programming and more.
“After graduation, some of our students will go off to work at huge companies like Sony and Ubisoft, with others staying in Dundee to work in the local games cluster or start up their own indie studios; so it’s great to be able to give them all a proper send off at the Graduate Show.”
