Sky's the limit for video game artist Skye

Born and raised in the Territory, Skye always had a flair for visual arts. Enrolling in an arts degree at Charles Darwin University straight after high school meant she could stay close to her family while pursuing her creative career in the local industry.  

“I have been an artist ever since I was young,” Skye says. 

“However, in high school, I discovered digital art and found my passion to become a professional artist as a career. I love the freedom and creativity I gain through my art.”

She initially planned to move south for university but decided that CDU was the best place for her. 

“I realised I enjoyed the quiet and intimate spaces that Darwin cultivates. I wanted to focus on my studies but still be comfortable and close to my family.”

Skye enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts majoring in visual arts (now available via the new Bachelor of Creative Arts) before deciding to continue developing her skills with an honours degree.

Developing her talents

By creating strong connections with her lecturers in the classroom, Skye felt supported to expand on her skills and push her work to new heights. 

“I loved experimenting with new ideas and mediums as a digital artist during my study at CDU. Through guidance from my lecturers, I was always motivated to continuously move out of my comfort zone.”

In fact, Skye centered the final series of works in her honours degree around mixed media, a medium she had not worked with before. 

“I curated a series of works that culminated in an exhibition space that significantly improved my creative practice,” she says. 

“My experience at CDU allowed me to develop both artistic and social skills vital becoming a successful arts practitioner. I frequently return to the learnings during my studies as I continue to develop my career.”

Game player to game creator

While she was still studying, Skye met the director of Larrikin Interactive, a video game studio based in the Northern Territory, who was interested in hiring local game developers. 

Skye made some collaborative game jams (small-scale games for local competitions) with her partner that were well received, landing her a spot on the team. 

“My degree definitely empowered me to try learning something new like making video games—something I had only dreamed of doing."

“I had to learn a lot of new skills both artistic and technical, but I felt comfortable trying new things from my university experience," she says. 

Skye was part of the team that developed Diets & Deities, the first NT-developed game to be presented at annual gaming convention PAX Aus. 

“I was making concept art for our character, environment, menu and level designs,” she says. "Art plays a crucial role in storytelling and immersion in video games. I think more investment in this sector can lead to exciting and creative opportunities for Territorians.

"We are a very tight-knit community and I love being a part of that.”

Visual artists can forge a colourful career with the new Bachelor of Creative Arts at Charles Darwin University.