Wetsuit designs all part of a day’s work for Scott

Designing wet suits using the body models of professional surfers such as Taj Burrows and Andy Irons is not your typical work placement experience.

But for Queensland College of Art graduating student Scott Roberts it’s a forerunner to a dynamic career in digital design.

Beginning industry placement at Billabong in September this year, his main task was to create a 3D model of one of the wetsuits for the winter 08 range.

“It was to look as if it was on one of the surfers, so that’s why I modelled it on professional surfers’ bodies,” Scott said.

Once the models were complete he had to learn how to texture the design onto them from 2D images. He went home, stayed up all night learning the technique and continued his work the next day.

The resulting model was used in a promo DVD explaining the different technologies to be implemented in the new season suits.

“I loved working with the guys at Billabong.

“They treated me like of their own and I knew I was going to have fun when my boss greeted me in a t-shirt and thongs.”

While he enjoyed his time at Billabong, Scott’s main focus throughout his studies has been to break into the game design industry as an environment/character modeller.

“This is proving to be a difficult industry to get into as the companies in Brisbane are almost overflowing with junior designers already,” he said.

“My long-term goal is to be a lead game designer in a company with creative flair and a promising future.

“But in the interim, I don’t mind where I work — I’m just ready to show the world what I am capable of.”

Scott will graduate with more 800 graduands at the Gold Coast Exhibition and Convention Centre tomorrow, December 11.

MEDIA CONTACT: Arts & Education Communications officer Deborah Marshall 07 3735 5245, 0408 727 734.