We caught up with student Rosie Summers to find out more about studying BA (Hons) Animation at Leeds Arts University...
Why did you choose Leeds Arts University?
I really enjoyed studying on the Foundation Diploma in Art & Design at Leeds Arts University and after seeing what the undergraduate courses have to offer on an internal applicant day, I really fell in love with the place and instantly envisaged me sat working away in the studios. The tutors were so enthusiastic and welcoming and the whole University had such a positive, creative vibe about it. The interview was a really personal and informal one to one which I really liked. I left my interview inspired by a new pathway and haven't looked back since!
What made you select BA (Hons) Animation?
As a child, I was always drawing static motion, from storyboards, cartoon strips and character poses. When I entered my Foundation Diploma in Art at Design at Leeds Arts University I was overwhelmed by the different directions in art, I had no idea studying animation was even an option till then! So when I saw it available I felt compelled to and finally study my childhood dream. When I went to an Open Day at Leeds Arts University the room was so bright, creative and filled with students' storyboards, and that's when I realised that this was the perfect course for me.
What do you really enjoy about your course and the University?
What drew me to this course was how broad it was. Having never done animation before I didn't know what discipline within the bracket of animation suited me best. I have really enjoyed being able to experiment with a range of mediums and processes of animation, to finally find my personal professional practice. The emphasis on collaboration has also been great, I have enjoyed collaborating on projects with my animation cohorts and across course with illustrators and graphic designers. The tutors are fantastic and really go out their way for you, in turn they have opened many doors for me that I am so grateful for. Leeds Arts University is so personal and close knit, it feels like you’re more a part of an arts community than a University, and I have really loved being a part of it.
What do you plan to do after university?
With my specialism in 3D animation and virtual reality I plan to focus more on the games industry; establishing myself as a company and freelancing, branching between Leeds and Manchester. I will hopefully continue my work with Leeds Film and my involvement with festivals and workshops. My aspiration: To have reputable studios to my name and one day talk to an audience about how I got where I was.
What makes Leeds a good place to study?
You will not get lost. It’s big enough to be a city but small enough to get anywhere quickly and easily, which makes it a great city to adjust to ‘city life’ if you have come from more remote areas of the UK. It is a great cultural and creative hub with regular creative meet-ups and events, and Yorkshire as a whole is fantastic for the industry I wish to enter. But why I find Leeds so great to study is how easily I can escape from the study and stress with its green belt, for walking and taking a well-earned break from the workload. You’re never far away from nature in Leeds and the countryside can be reached at max a 30 minute drive, for some relaxation and inspiration.
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