My experience studying Digital Animation

Digital Animation student, Sebrina, tells us about her experience on the course.

What was your journey to BCU?

The first time I transformed a simple illustration into a walking, expressive character was during my BTEC diploma at Birmingham Ormiston Academy. Breathing life into what had once been a static digital figure revealed the power of animation as a dynamic collaboration between art, creativity and technology. From that moment, animated storytelling became a clear direction for me.

While studying Game Design & New Media at BOA, I explored concept art, 2D animation, environment design, 3D modelling and game mechanics. Working with industry-standard software such as Maya developed my understanding of how characters function within digital spaces, while modules in level design and visual effects strengthened my technical confidence. Alongside my coursework, freelance illustration work, including a children’s book commission titled Emma’s European Adventure, strengthened my skills in narrative development, storyboarding and responding to a creative brief.

After completing my BTEC, I progressed to the UAL Level 3/4 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design at Royal Leamington Spa College. That year deepened my technical drawing skills and broadened my practice across fine art, photography, multi-disciplinary design and stop animation processes. Under the guidance of artist Nicholas Logan, I continued life drawing, portraiture and oil painting, strengthening my understanding of anatomy, composition and expressive mark-making.

I have continued to attend life drawing classes every two weeks, maintaining drawing as a central discipline within my practice and strengthening my sensitivity to form, gesture and movement. Choosing to study Digital Animation at BCU felt like a natural progression. I wanted to continue to study locally and looked for a course that combines creative exploration with technical discipline. I was keen to further refine my drawing, storytelling and digital production skills whilst learning industry-standard software. BCU offered a strong environment in which to grow those skills while being encouraged to develop an individual visual voice.

What has your experience of the course been so far?

Studying Digital Animation at BCU has been both challenging and rewarding. The course encourages experimentation while also developing a clear understanding of animation production workflows. Projects move through stages of concept development, storyboarding, design, animation and post-production, strengthening confidence in approaching work from both a creative and technical perspective. A major highlight has been entering the Young Animator of the Year Awards, where I was selected as a finalist in 2025 for my film Lettuce Leaves.

Travelling to Manchester to see my film screened on the big screen was an unforgettable experience and an exciting moment to be selected along with the other animators. Another valuable aspect of the course has been the opportunity to take part in a charity initiative alongside students in the year above me. Collaborating with third-year animators on a short film for Birmingham Children’s Hospital has offered insight into how projects develop at a more advanced stage and experience into working more commercially.

Seeing their work evolve as they approach graduation has been both motivating and inspiring, and I have greatly appreciated the generosity and kindness shown by the third years as we work together towards the final outcome. Outside the classroom, I regularly attend Overlap Social events in Birmingham, where animators gather to screen films, share insights into their creative process and discuss the realities of working in the industry. These events provide a chance to meet other animators, see inspiring work and hear directly from BAFTA-winning professionals about their experiences.

I also draw inspiration from studios and filmmakers who take imaginative creative risks. Companies such as Cartoon Saloon, alongside films like Flow, demonstrate how independent animators can develop distinctive visual styles and storytelling outside the boundaries of mainstream studio production.

How have the academics helped you develop your skills?

The tutors on the course place a strong emphasis on creative development, critical thinking and professional preparation. Feedback is thoughtful and constructive, encouraging students to refine ideas while strengthening technical skills. Discussions around storyboarding, character design, timing and movement have helped me develop a deeper understanding of animation as both an artistic and collaborative discipline. The course also encourages students to build portfolios and think about industry opportunities early on, including submitting work to competitions, festivals and magazines such as ImagineFX. This approach is helping me to bridge the gap between studying animation and preparing for professional practice.

What facilities and software does BCU provide?

BCU provides access to a range of industry-standard tools and specialist facilities that support both 2D and 3D animation production. Students work with professional software including Toon Boom Harmony, Autodesk Maya, ZBrush, Adobe Creative Suite and I also use my own digital drawing tools such as Procreate Dreams. Dedicated computer labs create an environment where students can collaborate, experiment and develop projects within a structured working space.

Access to these tools allows ideas to develop from early concepts through to finished animation projects at industry level.

What opportunities are there for Digital Animators?

Digital animation offers opportunities across many areas of the creative industries, including film, television, games, advertising, education and independent media production. Animators may specialise in character animation, visual effects, concept art, storyboarding or independent filmmaking with competitions, festivals and creative networks also provide valuable platforms for emerging animators to showcase their work and connect with the wider industry.

The industry is also experiencing rapid change with the development of AI and new digital tools. While these technologies are influencing production processes, strong artistic foundations such as drawing, storytelling and character design remain central to animation and will hopefully continue to shape its future.

Can you tell us about your Young Animator of the Year nomination?

Submitting a film to the Young Animator of the Year Awards was both exciting and demanding. The process involved developing the concept, designing characters, storyboarding the narrative and refining the animation through multiple stages of production. Being selected as a finalist in 2025 was incredibly encouraging. Attending the screening in Manchester and seeing my film shown on a cinema screen alongside the work of other emerging animators was both surreal and motivating.

The film, Lettuce Leaves, follows a small character navigating a surreal environment where ordinary objects take on unexpected life and personality. The story follows a bunny and a curious butterfly as they escape the farmyard to explore (my) back garden and the magic in everyday life. The film was created using Procreate and Toon Boom, and it reflects my love of storytelling, character design and the joy of animation.

What would you say to someone considering studying Digital Animation at BCU?

Although digital animation requires drawing, storytelling and technology skills, curiosity, patience and a willingness to experiment (get things wrong!) are just as important as technical ability. It is so very important to keep evolving drawing skills alongside the software learning. I am lucky enough to regularly attend life drawing classes and these lessons have been invaluable in helping me understand anatomy and form.

BCU itself provides an environment where students can explore their ideas while building strong technical foundations. For anyone who enjoys visual storytelling and the challenge of bringing characters and worlds to life, the course offers an inspiring place to develop those skills in the heart of an exceptional city.