Redmond Beer chose to study BA (Hons) Animation because of the films he loved when growing up. Now, he will help bring to life a new 3D animated series to inspire the next generation.
The industry-focused BA (Hons) Animation degree encourages students to develop their employability skills by working to live client briefs in professional animation studios and post-production facilities on campus. Students can also tailor the course to their personal and career interests by specialising in 3D Digital, 2D Digital, Computer Games or Stop Motion animation.
Redmond said: “I originally thought I was going to be the best games design animator out there until I realised that I much preferred film! I feel like the course has given me a lot of confidence to be able to look at opportunities that beforehand I would not have considered.
“My lecturers have been extremely supportive. In the first year they help you improve your craft and help shape where you want to go in future. They’ve helped me a lot with applying for jobs.”
For his final year project, Redmond collaborated with charity The Big Issue to create an animated training video for vendors which will be rolled out nationally and is being translated into a number of languages.
He explained: “They wanted it to be short, digestible and something they could show to people to get the fundamentals across. It was a challenge for me trying to get as much information and to fit it into a short video. I wanted a small, fun animation to go with each bit of information and in the end, I was very happy with the result.
“It’s really exciting to know that something I’ve made is being used to help people. What I did it wasn’t just done for course work, it will hopefully be used for quite a while to help the charity out.”
After gaining a first-class degree, Redmond has secured a role as a Junior Animator working on children’s series Pop Paper City which follows a group of unique paper friends who live in a paper world.
“The idea of Pop Paper City really jumped out to me. It is trying to help kids learn origami and all the characters are made out of folded paper in 3D. In a way, I feel very privileged and almost lucky to be in the position I am now. That being said, it wasn't like I didn't work hard to get here and I'm so happy that all that worked paid off!"
Redmond added: “My advice to somebody starting an animation degree would definitely be don’t be afraid to change your perception of what you want to do. Maybe you think to want to go into a certain area but be open to experimentation, be open to trying new things because this department with heavily support you.”
Find out if you are eligible for an offer through Clearing by using our offer calculator, have a ‘live chat’ with Clearing experts at http://www.staffs.ac.uk/clearing/ or call our Clearing hotline on 0800 590 830.