My life

Well, im Thomas Kirkham, a university student brought up in Chesterfield.  All through the years Ive always had an interest in 2 components; Art and computer. I never thought it would be possible to combine the two.
But heres a question, why does anyone want to be something?
When seeing something that truly amazes you to take up that as a life prospect. When I was a child, games and the artwork behind them weren't anything special but I was amazed by the artwork behind the game itself, not the cover but the ideas. One game in perticular was Final Fantasy 8 and if you've played it at that eara then you will understand. This sparked my interest to know more and constantly I said to myself "I wish I could do that". But obviously its not as easy as you think.
Growing up in Netherthorpe, as soon as I picked up a pen, I was in bliss. Something I could endure the longest without getting bored and flicking something at the teacher. Many times I got in trouble but what do all kids at that age do? Do it again. But when I was in art I was fixiated on that task ahead. Many times I was told "Art is a dead end career". Being a child, I ignored them and had the magical fairytale job of being an artist.
After I finished my GCSE's I stayed on into 6th and hated ever minute I was in class, I spent most of the time in the pub. This vacated my attention away from 6th form and into college where I studied interactive media. This captured my imagination once again and as soon as I heard "This course leads onto game art and games design" My attention became un-breakable. Like a zombie listening in.
I never knew what path to take. I tried to continue my music passion, could have gone into computer technitian for my interest in technology (and what my dad does as a job) or go into graphic art. Don't get me wrong, being a geek, Ive always had an interest in games but the astounding artwork and the enormous processes behind it have always opened my eyes to a new world. A whole new world.
But what do I want to do as a job? Well to be perfectly honest I don't know right now. For me It's too early to say for deffinate but what I hope to be is a concept artist and after looking through some of the job requirements, its no easy feat. I was also amazed at the different types of concept artists their are; Character artist, environment artist...
For a job I would consider which I'm best suited at and because this is a learning process it's a journey of self discovery. But looking at the prospects, It gives me an idea of what to accomplish. But certain companies require a competant level of skill to create artwork. 
Shown below is a company located in birmingham for a concept artist just to give me an overview of what is the least amount needed and the bar is set pretty high but life isn't easy.
Skills & Qualifications:
- Outstanding portfolio that demonstrates a variety of concept art.
- A full understanding of art principles such as colour theory, lighting, perspective and anatomy.
- Expert level with suitable art package (Photoshop, Painter#.
- Strong environmental and character artistic skills.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to problem solve.
- Flexibility to adapt to specific styles.
- Eye for quality control.
- Relevant university or further education qualification.

Beneficial Skills:
- 3D package experience #Maya, 3ds Max, SketchUp#.
- Graphic design or motion graphics experience a major plus.
- 1+ game cycle's experience.