As I approach the end of my Master’s program, I find myself reflecting on the skills I’ve developed, the lessons I’ve learned, and the aspirations I have for my future in the animation industry. This journey has been challenging but incredibly rewarding, and I want to capture my reflections, plans, and preparations in this journal post.
Showreel and CV Development
One of the most important steps in preparing for my professional journey has been creating a showreel and CV that truly reflect my skills and ambitions. So far, I’ve made one version of my showreel that features my projects from last year, but I haven’t had a chance to include the shots from my graduation film yet. Here is the link: My Showreel 2025
This is something I plan to address for the upcoming Showreel Event on the 5th of June at the university. I know how important it is to present my strongest work at the beginning and end of my showreel—a valuable tip I picked up from one of the guest lecturers who visited our course. They emphasized that first impressions matter, and a strong start and finish can make a lasting impact on potential employers. After getting feedback from Christina, I realised I need to rearrange some shots because she gave me the same advice I’d heard before. I also need to replace some shots because I accidentally used weaker ones instead of better ones from my 1-minute animation, which had stronger movement and where I’d paid more attention to animation principles.
Regarding my CV, I haven’t yet tailored it specifically to animation, and it currently lacks my animation experience. I discussed this with Christina Nerland, who provided me with guidance and some helpful examples to use as references. I’m committed to updating my CV as soon as possible. I’ve been so focused on animating my grad film that I simply haven’t had the time to complete it yet. However, I know that a well-crafted CV is essential for landing opportunities in the industry.
Building an Online Presence
In today’s digital world, having an online presence is critical for showcasing my work and connecting with other professionals. I have Instagram and LinkedIn accounts, but I haven’t updated them recently. After graduation, I plan to refresh both platforms with my latest work, including clips from my grad film and any new projects I take on. Additionally, I’m eager to build my own website to serve as a portfolio hub where I can share my animation, concept art, and any collaborative projects I’ve worked on. A personal website will also allow me to direct potential clients or studios to a single place to see my work, contact me, and learn more about my creative journey.
Networking and Learning from Others
Although I haven’t had the chance to attend networking events recently, I have benefited greatly from the guest lectures and alumni talks that were part of our course. For instance, I remember learning about the Rive app, which is a powerful tool for 2D animation and interactive design, and the current trend of using dynamic typography in motion design. These insights have inspired me to expand my skillset beyond traditional animation and into emerging areas like motion design and interactive media. I know that staying on top of industry trends is key to remaining competitive and relevant as an animator.
Although I haven’t yet attended festivals or events in person, I plan to change that in the near future. Expanding my network is one of my top priorities, as I know that building relationships with peers, alumni, and industry professionals is crucial for finding opportunities and staying inspired. I did a bit of research on upcoming animation events and festivals in the UK, particularly in London — like the London International Animation Festival, In Motion London, SXSW London, and the British Animation Film Festival — and I’m planning to participate in some of them.
Applying for Opportunities
I had intended to apply for internships and job openings earlier, but due to time constraints—particularly the heavy workload of my graduation film—I couldn’t update my showreel in time to meet some of those deadlines. However, I plan to apply for the upcoming opportunities that Shaun informed us about. Once I finish updating my showreel and CV, I’ll be in a stronger position to apply both for internships and for roles in studios or on freelance projects. I’m excited about the possibility of working as a freelance animator on smaller projects to build my experience and expand my portfolio.
In the long term, my ultimate goal is to become a director and create my own independent animations. I know this is an ambitious goal, but I’m determined to gain the necessary industry experience to get there. My plan is to start by working in studios or on freelance projects, learning from professionals, and building my confidence and skills. I want to understand every stage of the production pipeline, from concept design and character development to final compositing and editing, so that I can bring my own stories to life one day in a more professional way.
Learning from Alumni and Mentors
Throughout this course, I’ve been inspired by alumni like Christina Nerland, Hannah Roza Fisher, and Daisy Evans. I admire their journeys and have reached out to them occasionally to ask questions and seek advice. They’ve shared valuable insights about the challenges and opportunities in the industry, and their support has motivated me to keep pushing forward. I want to continue nurturing these connections, as I believe that learning from those who have walked this path before me is one of the best ways to prepare for a successful career.
Festival Plans and Beyond
During my course presentation, I talked about my plans to attend and submit my film to festivals. After taking a short break to recharge, I intend to finalize my film properly and prepare it for festival submissions. This is a big goal of mine because I know that festivals can open doors, help me build an audience, and create opportunities for collaboration and exposure. I’m excited to share my work with a wider audience and see how it’s received. I also plan to attend festivals and events to learn from other filmmakers, expand my network, and discover new trends and techniques in animation.
My Future Direction
Over the course of this program, I’ve discovered a true passion for concept design, character design, animation, and directing. These areas excite me the most because they allow me to combine storytelling with visual creativity, bringing characters and worlds to life. While I still have much to learn, I’ve already taken important steps by researching tools like After Effects, Blender, and Rive, as well as by collaborating with talented peers and alumni on my grad film.
Looking ahead, I plan to strengthen my skills in editing and compositing, especially in After Effects. I know that mastering After Effects is essential for working professionally in the industry. I’m committed to learning the software properly, as I want to be able to handle every aspect of post-production with confidence.
In terms of roles, I envision myself working as an animator and director in the future. I’m passionate about performance and movement, but I also love shaping stories and visuals from the ground up. One challenge I’ve noticed is the difficulty in moving from rough animation to clean-up and tie-down stages. It’s easy to lose the energy and fluidity that makes animation special. This is an area I want to improve on through practice and by seeking advice from experienced animators or taking some courses.
Final Reflections
Overall, I feel that I’ve grown tremendously during this course. My skills as an animator have improved greatly. My next steps involve finalizing my showreel and CV, updating my online presence, attending festivals, and applying for internships and studio roles. I also want to continue learning and growing my skills, especially in group and studio environments. Ultimately, my goal is to direct and create my own independent animations. I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received from my tutors, classmates, and alumni, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.
In the end, animation is not just a career for me—it’s a passion that combines storytelling, design, and performance in a way that brings me joy. I’m determined to keep learning, collaborating, and growing so that one day I can bring my own stories to life on the screen.