Jo

Choosing USW and Building Creative Confidence

My passion for animation began when I was young. Watching Wallace & Gromit opened up a whole new world for me, and from then on I was always building, drawing and creating. When choosing a university, I visited several open days, but USW stood out immediately. It was fun, welcoming and the one place that offered the support I needed with my disability.

The open day workshops made a huge impression. I saw the studio spaces, took part in drawing sessions and met lecturers who made everything enjoyable. Their enthusiasm confirmed that this was somewhere I could see myself thriving. That moment of walking into the stop-motion studio for the first time felt like finding the right creative home.

Learning New Techniques and Preparing for a Creative Career

During my time here, I’ve had the chance to engage with the Cardiff Animation Festival, and I’ve now put my name forward for a placement working alongside professionals. Opportunities like these mean a lot, especially when navigating study with a disability, and I’m grateful that the course makes sure those chances keep coming.
The facilities have played a big part in my development - from the workshop spaces to the software and equipment that make stop-motion possible. I’ve learned new techniques, discovered tools like Blender and 3D processes I hadn’t known before, and developed skills I never expected to gain. My goal is to work for S4C as a Welsh-speaking animator, and I’m creating my third-year project in Welsh with that in mind. For anyone joining the course, my advice is to speak to the lecturers as they are incredibly supportive and will guide you every step of the way.