Andrew Kiernan

Animation

Where are you from?

Newcastle

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

As a mature student, I was willing to move to study on the right course, but luckily Northumbria has the best animation course available in the country, right on my door step.

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

Newcastle is a fantastic city with wonderful, character-filled people. I have travelled up and down the UK, as well as abroad with work, and nowhere beats the town and Northumberland in general. It's a beautiful, historic place.

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

What surprises me most about Newcastle is the depth of artistic talent that this area breeds. There is so much brilliant art around here, the people do it because they love art. It's inspiring to be near those people and even better that I'm working with them now.

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

It was a big change coming from a full time job to university but it wasn't nearly as hard to settle in as I'd thought. The tutors and staff were welcoming and very helpful and the students in general were great to get to know. Coming back to university is the best choice I've made.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

Being back in learning and being challenged again has been thrilling. Being immersed in an environment buzzing with ideas and concepts is fantastic.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

The insight that the tutors are able to give is the biggest asset I think. Being able to talk through ideas with someone who know there stuff is great.

What is your favourite place on campus?

Our studio, it's great to have a space to swap ideas and help each other out.

What is the best thing about your course?

That it's much more than just an animation course, the skills learnt here are transferable between softwares and projects, it's not just copying tutorials but gaining knowledge and experience with it!

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

To plan. I used to attack briefs, straight into software, and produce rubbish. Hugo hammered home the need to plan, get a grip of what you want to do, then go make it. I thank him greatly for that!

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 love to work any where I can make a living from animation and design. I hope to move to Abu Dhabi after I graduate and gain work there for a TV company maybe. The general skills I've gained are the most important such as plan and preparation.

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

I went on the 1st year visit to Florence and Rome. It was a brilliant way to see two magnificent cities and get to know the rest of the people on my course.

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

It'll be the best choice you'll ever make!

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

My confidence has greatly improved yes. Being made to present ideas and such all the time was terrifying at first but after awhile you realise everyone's in the same boat and we are all on each others team. I wouldn't have realised things like that with Northumbria University.