By Amber, BA(Hons) Animation student.
Our student, Amber, shares the wide range of opportunities she’s had while studying Animation at UWE Bristol. She tells us how these experiences have grown her creative skills, professional network and self-confidence. Keep reading to find out more about Amber’s story.
Amber’s story
My name’s Amber and I’m a third year BA(Hons) Animation student. I decided UWE Bristol was the one for me once I’d had my university interview here. The interview gave me an opportunity to interact with the lecturers, who impressed me with their professionalism and knowledge. I loved that they treated the three areas of animation (stop animation, 2D and computer-generated (CG) animation) equally too.
I also chose UWE Bristol because they offer a variety of professional creative software used in the animation industry, giving me hands-on skills for my future career. Plus, Bristol is a creative city and a hub for animation, so it’s a great place to grow my network and be part of an innovative community.
“UWE Bristol had everything I needed, so why would I go anywhere else?”
My experience of studying at UWE Bristol
There are so many things I enjoy about studying at UWE Bristol that I struggle to pinpoint my favourite aspect.
I love being based at Bower Ashton, as I’m immersed in a creative bubble and surrounded by likeminded creatives all the time. The campus has plenty of great facilities and equipment, including loanable camera and sound kit, which is hugely beneficial to my course.
My course supports me to experiment and specialise as much as I want to in my chosen area of animation. I’ve also had the chance to learn new skills outside of my course which have supported my studies. For example, I’ve had a go at book binding, pottery and 3D printing, which have expanded my knowledge of techniques I could use for my course projects.
The lecturers are so supportive of my development and have connected me with real industry professionals from their networks. This opportunity has given me the interpersonal and networking skills to meet new people already working in the animation industry and learn from them.
My animation opportunities through UWE Bristol
Last year, one of my lecturers helped me to find an internship at Friday Sundae, a game company based in Central Bristol. The University helped to fund my internship, which made this opportunity possible for me.
My role as an animation intern involved cleaning up motion capture data and adding hand animations to existing game footage. This gave me real practical experience, insight into working in the animation industry and the skills to work under pressure.
Through my course, I’ve also learned the value of taking on feedback and criticism in the animation industry. This led to me working with another student to organise public meetup events called ANIMINSPO at locations such as Arnolfini and Small Bar, a pub on King Street.
In this growing community, student and professional animators come along to share their work, get feedback, and critique other people’s work. Not only has this helped me to gain different perspectives to improve my own work, but it’s also expanded my network and given me exposure.
“My course has given me the confidence to plan public events and network with professional animators. I couldn’t have done this if I hadn’t studied at UWE Bristol.”
My recent animation project
I’ve recently had the opportunity to produce some animations for a wellbeing storytelling project within the University. I found the opportunity through the New Wave Agency ran by UWE Bristol. After someone I knew posted on Instagram to share their positive experiences of working with the agency, I signed up straight away. All I had to do was complete a quick online form.
Once I’d signed up, I was emailed a list of opportunities. I picked the one that suited me best, reached out to the project organisers and was offered the job. I had a really good experience working on this project through the agency – I felt supported and didn’t feel overwhelmed when juggling this work with my studies.
My plans for after graduation
I’m currently completing my final year film project, where I’ve specialised in CG animation. This is my last big project before I graduate from my course. Throughout my studies, I’ve had lots of opportunities to work freelance, which I’ve found outside of my course.
When I graduate, I’m hoping to find more freelance work and bring in my own clients while I look for studio jobs, which are renowned for being competitive. I’m also hoping to get more involved in event planning, continuing my work with ANIMINSPO.
Find out more about studying Animation at UWE Bristol.