Niagara College students win medals at Skills Canada competition

Two Niagara College students from the School of Media returned from the Skills Canada National Competition in Winnipeg with medals in hand.

Game Design student Evan Sawatsky from St. Catharines won silver in the 3D Digital Game Art competition, and Graphic Design student Erin Dobell from Jordan won bronze in her division.

The win for Sawatsky – who is in his third year of the joint NC-Brock University Bachelor of Arts (Honours) program – marks back-to-back silver medals for NC at nationals two years in a row.

Graduating student Dobell was the underdog: the first from the college’s Graphic Design program to compete provincially, advance to nationals, and place.

The competitions were designed to test the limits of their skillsets under the pressures of a time crunch. Over the course of two days – 12 total hours of competition – Sawatsky and Dobell were given six hours to complete advanced assignments.

In the 3D Digital Game Art competition, Sawatsky and fellow competitors had to complete six modules inspired by the dark, medieval fantasy of popular game series’ Dark Souls and Elden Ring – a task Sawatsky described as “tough” and “daunting” given time constraints.

Sawatsky created 2D digital concept art, a modelled pair of digital 3D assets (a golden ceremonial goblet with jewels and a detailed human skull), completed technical work on already existing models (UV unwrapping), added colour and texture to a medieval chest and diorama base, rigged then animated the chest and goblet, then set a final scene with all of his work combined.

“I’m so very proud of both Evan and Erin,” said Charles Kopun, Associate Dean of Media Studies. “To compete and excel at such a high level is really an accomplishment. I know they will always carry this experience with them. Their success reflects many hours of out-of-class work by them as well as support from faculty and coaches.”

The competitors credited their NC instructors and coaches for guidance and support, including Gordon, Demone, Rick Goertz, Conor MacNeill, Frank Knezic, Kevin Gordon, and Gina Grossi.

“It was a pleasure and honour getting to know the students and to help in any way possible,” said Grossi, who travelled with the competitors to Winnipeg to provide support. “Evan and Erin excelled not only in their level of skill but also in their ability to handle pressure and to support each other and their fellow competitors.”

Sawatsky cited the “invaluable support” of his coaches and advisers “who made the entire experience possible and enjoyable.”

Unlike other competitions, Dobell and other graphic design finalists from across Canada faced the added challenge of seeing their project scopes for the first time on competition day.

During day one, Dobell was tasked with designing an annual report for the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, including designing the book cover in just two hours. Despite being quite the feat for even the most experienced designers, the judges commended Dobell for successfully representing the brand. The remainder of the competition involved designing eight inside pages: organizing data, laying out information and imagery, and designing infographics.

On the second day, Dobell created the branding for a flavoured water company called FR3SH by designing labels for three product flavours, and the packaging for a six-pack of cans.

“It was truly a challenge,” said Dobell. “Going to Winnipeg and competing at the national level was definitely a great experience and something that I will remember for the rest of my life. Team Ontario was great and I made lots of new friends. Everyone was so supportive.”

“During the Skills Competitions, Evan displayed high level organization and maturity that will serve him well as he continues on his Game Development journey,” added Professor Kevin Gordon, who mentored Sawatsky from provincials to nationals. “Evan has consistently shown dedication to his craft as a Game Artist/Animator and commits himself to being thorough and quality driven with each task he takes on. Evan's accomplishments over the past few months are very well deserved and we are extremely proud of his poise, efforts and skills development over the past three years.”

The Skills Canada National Competition is the only national, multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices in the country. Each year, more than 550 competitors from all regions of Canada come to SCNC to participate in over 40 skilled trade and technology competitions.