Mads de Silva

Inspirational lectures and knowledgeable staff

My favourite part of my degree was being taught and supported by a school of knowledgeable academics and technicians, each with their own creative practice, who want you to develop your skills, challenge yourself, and ultimately succeed as an artist.

The lectures I had were truly inspirational, making me rethink my own professional goals, what I wanted to do next and what I wanted to pursue with my art.

A change of trajectory and making lifelong connections

Studying at Goldsmiths fundamentally changed the trajectory of my professional ambitions; I would not be the creative I am today without the people and facilities in the School of Computing.

Through Goldsmiths, I have also met people who I consider lifelong friends, grown my professional network, and made art and gained skills I never thought possible.

Final project

'unraveling' (2026) was my final degree show project: a single player, semi-autobiographical, narrative game which is played entirely through handcrafted, crocheted squares on a custom, alternative game controller.

Through three acts, it touches on themes of communication between player and designer, games as a medium, and the burnout and depression that can result while creating art.

Life after Goldsmiths and utilising your degree

Every day, I am directly using the skills I gained at Goldsmiths in my professional life. Currently, I am tutoring the next generation of game makers in game development and programming, as well as pursuing my own game and creative technology projects.

Having the time to experiment with my creative practice during my degree allowed me to see what was possible and what I was capable of and allowed me to become more confident with my place as an artist.

Advice for future students

My advice would be to take advantage of all the opportunities and facilities available to you during your time at Goldsmiths, or at any university.

For Goldsmiths in particular, there are tons of exhibitions and events held on campus, and some amazing makerspaces, facilities and library resources!

For all Computing students, the HatchLabs is the gem of the school, along with its technicians! I wish that I spent more time there throughout my degree; my creative practice would not be where it is today without it and the staff that work there.

I would also say experiment and explore, take risks, and see what interests you, even if it’s outside of your degree; you never know where inspiration might strike next!

Favourite spots around campus and in the area

On campus, slytone café, in the Centre for Contemporary Art, does some great drinks and sandwiches and has a really chill vibe, and the Student Union Shop is great for a mid-lecture snack or last-minute stationary or art supplies.

New Cross has some great pubs, depending on what you’re looking for – somewhere to watch the football or to watch some live music! There are also some great food spots, specific shout out to Beirut Canteen, for my favourite falafel in the area, and to Takeshi for their sushi – both amazing value for money too.