Lecturer in the spotlight: Remco Willemsen

Can you share a bit about your journey leading up to BUas? 

Remco: ‘My interest in game development started in elementary school when I discovered that game development was an actual career path. After years of tinkering, I eventually started a two-man game company with a friend and decided after our first game release and some outsource work, to also study at CMGT (then IGAD) at BUas where we graduated cum laude. After that, I initially set out to create a small game on my own which I spent a few months on, before being recruited.’  

‘In 2016 I started working at NEP in Hilversum, a TV company, where I joined a team working on augmented reality for live television. After about a year, I decided to change course and moved to Japan, where I worked remotely for a VR company in the Netherlands. Within a year, I became an Art Lead and returned back to the Netherlands to better fulfil that role. I eventually felt that the managerial aspect of the role wasn't for me, so I tried to find space in my schedule to do more hands-on work and research.‘ 

‘Teaching juniors in the companies I worked for sparked my interest in education, leading me to BUas in 2021. I've been a lecturer here for almost three years now.’ 

What aspects of working at BUas and with the games programme do you find most fulfilling? 

Remco: ‘It's incredibly rewarding to witness the growth of our students and see their skills develop. For instance, many of them come in with little to no experience in 3D, so it's satisfying to guide them through projects and transitioning their drawing skills into the digital realm. Project-based working allows both students and lecturers to stay engaged, making the learning process more enjoyable for everyone involved.’  

Any notable memories from your time up until now at BUas?  

Remco: ‘Back when I was a student at BUas, things were a bit chaotic at times, but the organisation has improved significantly since then. Upon graduating, it was evident that we were the top games school in the Netherlands. The dedication of the lecturers has always stood out to me, both as a student and now as a lecturer. Their passion for their work is truly inspiring.’ 

Could you provide insights into the projects and courses you've been involved in?  

Remco: ‘Currently, I'm working on my own game project, which I've been developing since 2021. It's a solo endeavour, so progress is slow but steady. I'm using it as an opportunity to stay updated on the latest applications and technologies while also conducting research. My tools of choice include Maya, Zbrush, Substance Painter, Substance Designer, and Unreal Engine. The focus now is on creating a demo for an action-adventure platformer, with the storyboarding and gameplay mechanics in progress.’ 

‘I always incorporate elements from my personal projects into my teaching. For example, I've built a diorama as a visual aid for demonstrating art styles and techniques to my students. I provide them with sneak peeks of my progress and use it as a reference for explaining various concepts like materials, shaders, UV mapping, and lighting. Understanding the process is key, so I focus on workflows and techniques rather than solely on the end result.’  

If you're interested in seeing more of Remco's work, you can check out his ArtStation or connect with him on LinkedIn.