Three students from BA (Hons) Animation have been awarded a Pencil at this year’s D&AD New Blood.
The winning team was made up of second year animation students Ibtisam Rahman, Eleni Kramvi and Damian Jenorowski, and Leeds College of Music student Jacob Maloney. They were awarded a New Blood Pencil for their animation ‘The Perfect Present’, in response to a brief set by John Lewis & Partners.
‘The Perfect Present’ tells the story of a man on a mission to find the perfect anniversary present, only to accept that it was impossible because no present was more perfect than his partner. The idea was pitched, scripted and directed by Ibtisam working with Damian as character designer and Eleni as background artist. You can read more about their work here, and watch their winning animation below.
We asked the team what winning meant to them.
Ibtisam Rahman
“We genuinely had a lot of fun animating the whole thing and it was rewarding to see the finished product. We also had the support of our tutors Dotty and Matt, whose advice has been priceless and paramount to the outcome of the animation, and we can’t thank them enough.
My dreams of becoming an animator have always been perceived as nothing more than a ‘hobby’ so winning this means I am one step closer to accomplishing my dream of doing what I love and becoming a great animator, and proving that I can make a positive impact on the world through means other than in medicine. To me, winning is justification that I found where I belong.”
Eleni Kramvi
“Back at home there aren't many opportunities for animators and I’m really hoping to make it abroad and someday return to open new doors for young animators from Cyprus. This win gives me great joy as it gives me validation for my artistic skills as an animator and hope that my dreams can be achieved. It's proof that I can someday become a great animator and opens up opportunities and networking doors. I am really grateful to have been a part of this experience and hope to someday be the one who gives opportunity to others.”
Damian Jenorowski
“A few years ago if you told me that I will be in an arts university, animating, I would have laughed out loud. My plans then were to finish military school and join the army but it didn't work out and now I can see that it was for the better. Winning the pencil in D&AD assures me that I made the right decision and gives me the motivation to continue developing. This reward will provide publicity and networking possibilities which will help me to make my appearance in the animation world.”
Pencil levels will be revealed at the D&AD New Blood Ceremony held on 11 July, as part of New Blood Festival 2019.
The D&AD New Blood festival brings together emerging talent and industry professionals, with students from university courses around the UK exhibiting their work. This year Leeds Arts University students from BA (Hons) Animation, BA (Hons) Creative Advertising, BA (Hons) Graphic Design and BA (Hons) Illustration will showcase their talent the Old Truman Brewery from 10- 13 July. Find out more here.
