Neat Living, a company based in Glasgow, invited West College Scotland students to work alongside Company Director Colin Taylor, to produce a 3D Animation for the launch of the Neat Living Project.

During the past two years, Neat Living has worked closely with the next generation of students at West College Scotland on a number of unique, design-related projects.

This year, students were set their most challenging project yet - to generate a two minute animation in 3D to copywrited music. The students were given a detailed live client brief with a number of objectives and constraints, just as they might come to experience in the world of work once they graduate!

Under the expert guidance of their college lecturer, Lola Paterson, the class set to work and over 12 weeks they each produced a series of proposals, sketches, storyboards and finally the 3D animation itself. Each student finally presented their finished work to Lola and Colin Taylor, Director of Neat Living, ahead of the final judging taking place.

Byran Docherty, 21 from Clydebank, was awarded the project’s first prize. Bryan studied for his HNC at West College Scotland’s Clydebank Campus, before moving to the Paisley campus for his HND – a testament to the increased scope of the college, and to the benefits of this for students. Bryan hopes to continue his success, and is applying to university.

“On this live client brief I had the chance to work with new software and I was pleased to win first prize for the project.  I feel the new skills I’ve developed will be perfect to show at job interviews and university application in the future.”

In 2nd place was Phillip Stevenson, 35 from Paisley. Phillip felt his work really benefitted from the feedback from design and business professionals.

“I found working with Colin on the Neat Living animation a really enjoyable experience. Coming 2nd after working on software that I had no previous experience with was fantastic. It was a real shock to be a runner up as I was very impressed with what the rest of my class had produced. This was a challenging task but we shouldn’t do things just because they are easy and achievable, we should work to achieve the harder things in life, they are all the more rewarding.”

Erin McDonald, 21 from Erskine, was chosen as 3rd place, and thought it was a great experience.

“It was an amazing experience to work with Neat Living, I knew that it would be a challenge but I also knew that challenging myself was one of the best things I could do as a Graphic Designer. I feel honoured to have been a part of this project, this will open up so many opportunities for me in the near future as it has helped me build my digital skills. I can't thank Colin enough for this opportunity.”

Company Director Colin Taylor was delighted with the work the students produced.

“We are delighted to be involved once again with West College Scotland and particularly enjoyed working with these committed students. It is clear that there has been an enormous amount of individual effort put into their projects which resulted in some fantastic 3D animations.”

“We very much see that this sort of live client project experience is so beneficial and can help to propel the students forward with the next steps of their education. Ultimately these students will go forward into the workplace as the next generation of designers and business leaders with the right skills, knowledge and attitude, while we benefit by becoming involved in the design process and seeing what can be achieved.”

“Once again, it's been a really rewarding experience for all concerned - so thank you!"

West College Scotland is determined to ensure its students have the opportunity to put their skills into practice in the real world, ensuring their path to a successful career is a smooth one. Lecturer Lola Paterson is always keen for her students to find workplace experience, and was delighted with the success of the project.

"This has been an incredible opportunity for our students who have responded with an excellent professional standard of work.  This experience contributes greatly to them articulating onto university or future employment and showcasing their work. It’s equally great that this is the second project that Colin Taylor has participated in with the College Creative Industries Department. His commitment to the college is outstanding. “

Neat Living is bringing to market unique and micro living homes. Find out more about Neat Living through www.neat-living.com or 0141 297 1927.