Finlay Crowther

Animation

Where are you from?

Huddersfield.

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

I came up to Northumbria for an Open Day and liked the campus and facilities that the design courses were offering. I had originally applied for two courses at Northumbria but when I came for my Animation interview and was given more insight into the course I knew this was the course and university that I wanted to come to.

What do you think of Newcastle and our region and what are your favourite things to do?

Newcastle is a great city. It's compact so you have everything you need close together and walk from one end to the other in 20 minutes. It's close the the coast and there is also beautiful countryside near by so your not confined to the city either.

What has surprised you most about living in Newcastle and this region? What has impressed you most?

The thing that surprised me the most is how friendly everyone in Newcastle is. There is also a great variety of cultures living in Newcastle which means there are loads of different types of restaurants to eat at which is great.

Did you find Northumbria University welcoming? Was it easy to fit in?

What I loved about starting University was that I felt I could get along with anyone, even people I wouldn't have normally talked to because of the mature attitude that everyone has at University, to making new friends and meeting new people.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

Meeting so many new friends and experiencing living away from home in a new city.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

Course staff, course mates and my Sports team (Northumbria Jitsu).

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

Course staff and Sports team coaches.

What is your favourite place on campus?

Sport Central.

Have you joined any sports teams, clubs or been involved in any volunteer projects? Tells us about the highlights?

I have been part of Northumbria Jitsu for since my first year of Northumbria. This year I am President of the team who are current BUCs champions and I placed 3rd in BUCs for my belt category. I am also course rep for my course.

What is the best thing about your course?

The choices of paths that can be taken through to course to achieve what you want to get out of the course and creative freedom on module briefs that are set. A good mix of technical and creative ability.

What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt to date?

Surround your self with as many of the best people you can find.

What do you want to do in the future? What skills have you learned/improved that you think will be of most use in your future career?

I would really like to move to London or America to work for a studio as an Animator on upcoming films.

Have you worked on any projects with businesses or been on a placement? What were your most memorable experiences?

In my final year we did an open brief with the Baltic and Channel 4 which was great. We also recently entered a competition by D&AD to design an ident for a cinema brand called DCM.

Have you taken up any opportunities to travel with your current course/undertake field trips? If so, please tell us about them.

In my first year I went on a field trip to Vienna and Berlin and in my second year I went to Florence and Rome. These where some of best trips I'd ever been on and I really got to know my course mates a lot better whilst on these field trips.

If you could offer some advice to students thinking of coming to study here what would you say?

Make the most of your time at University by getting to know as many people as you can and having a great time because its over quicker than you know.

How do you feel you have changed as a person since being at Northumbria University, Newcastle (e.g. confidence)?

I have become more confident in myself and my ability to get a job when I graduate. My skill set in animation has grown vastly. I have also made so many friends that I hope to know for the rest of my life.