Why I chose to study Animation at Falmouth

This article was written by Animation BA(Hons) student Karis.

Choosing which course to study can be a daunting decision. You might find yourself drawn to the world of arts and considering Animation. Still, you may need to decide if it's the right path for you or matches your aspirations. I completely understand that feeling! That's why I want to share my experience of studying Animation at Falmouth University over three years. Hearing about my journey will hopefully give you valuable insights, to help you make a more informed decision about your academic and career paths.

Before embarking on your academic journey, you might be considering whether to specialize in 2D, CG, or stop-motion Animation. While having a clear sense of your ambitions and goals is beneficial, rest assured that during your time at Falmouth, you'll have the opportunity to explore all these mediums and refine your skill set to find what's right for you. The course will unleash your creativity while immersing you in industry-standard workflows. You'll dive into every aspect of the animation pipeline, from directing & producing to concept, character design, 3D modelling, visual development, animating and even post-editing & sound design.

The Animation course at Falmouth University boasts an array of facilities tailored to enhance our learning experience and promote an industry-style working environment in the studios. From dedicated stop-motion rooms, to Cintiq drawing tablets and fully-equipped computer labs, you'll have access to everything you need to bring your creative visions to life. Additionally, our green screen rooms offer a space for experimenting with different visual effects and techniques. These facilities are tools & gateways for us to unleash our creativity and hone our craft in a supportive & dynamic environment. 

What truly sets Falmouth University apart is the sense of belonging and community that permeates every aspect of our Animation course. This was a major draw for me. Even before I joined, I was captivated by stories of students from diverse backgrounds collaborating seamlessly. Throughout my three years, I've had the pleasure of partnering with peers from various disciplines like Fashion, Illustration, Creative Writing, Games, Fine Art, Acting, and Musical Theatre. One standout project involved collaborating with a Games student and a Fine Art student to create a captivating virtual exhibition. We each contributed unique skills - I focused on look development and 3D modelling. At the same time, my peers handled concepts, content creation and programming in Unity. This experience broadened my horizons and reinforced the value of interdisciplinary teamwork, a cornerstone of the university and the course.

In my second year, I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with external clients as part of a pivotal module involving a client brief. Despite initial nerves, the experience proved immensely rewarding, with one project in our year even earning recognition from the Royal Television Society. This real-world industry exposure was a thrilling taste of what's to come in our careers. Recently, I ventured into the realm of television animation by contributing to a TV show pilot for an external client, offering me a glimpse into the industry's inner workings.

Moreover, this year presented the opportunity to pitch my project to esteemed industry figures such as Vanessa Wheeler, Sam Gainsborough, Ariele Podreider Lenzi and Freddie Pooley. We've also been privileged to host guest speakers and alumni, sharing invaluable post-graduation insights. Meeting Peter Lord, co-founder of Aardman Animations, was undoubtedly a highlight, with his wisdom leaving a lasting impression on me and my team.