My Story
I'm Emily, a 2D animator and illustrator.
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After completing my BSc in Psychology at Newcastle University in 2013, I spent the next few years simply trying to figure out my life.Â
In high school, my art teacher scolded me for my ‘childish’ art style, and so discouraged, I lost my love for art and my desire to draw. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I picked up the pen once more, inspired by the art of Dungeons and Dragons and other TTRPGs, finding a new passion in re-learning my long lost craft and rediscovering my love of drawing.Â
Since then, I have opened my own small Etsy store selling a range of illustrated wares and taking on commission based work, before deciding to pursue my childhood dream of animating, inspired by all the Disney films I loved (and was so chastised for emulating) growing up.
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In 2024, I found myself embarking on a Master's degree studying animation at UCLan with no prior animation experience - just stubbornness, determination and a desire to learn. I graduated in December 2025 with a Distinction.
Studio Experience
I've crafted a range of projects using a variety of techniques and approaches, utilising software including Toon Boom Harmony and Storyboard Pro, Procreate and Procreate Dreams, and editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro.
Inbetweening
The process of crafting the lifelike motion of 2D characters: here I focus on maintaining consistent weight, timing, and emotional expression between keyframes to ensure a professional, industry-standard look.
Clean-Up
As a clean-up artist, I take the lead animator's framework and evolve it into the finished piece, bringing colour and life to their creative vision whilst ensuring the designs stay on-model.
Rotoscoping
I have extensive experience of rotoscoping to capture lifelike movements of characters, creatures and objects.
My Journey
I've been working as animation assistant and clean up artist, providing inbetweening and clean up work for studios such as Kilogramme Animation. Some recent work includes; the 2026 title sequence of Have I Got News For You, plus pieces for the Environment Agency and New York's Royal Ballet and Opera House.
2025 — Present
Freelance 2D Animator
2023 — 2025
UCLan University - MA AnimationÂ
I balanced part-time work with my MA in Animation, achieving a distinction in December 2025 and refining the technical skills needed for studio-ready artistry.
2020 — Present
Digital Art Self Taught Study
I rediscovered art during lockdown, opening my Etsy shop in 2022. Now, I love creating commissions and refining my skills as an illustrator.
2010 — Present
Working for "The Man"
I've worked a range of other jobs, from Managerial roles, to IT Support, to Barista work, funding my creative growth and animation projects whilst I refine my skills and build on my portfolio.
2010 — 2013
Newcastle University - BSc Psychology
Studying psychology gave me a deep insight into human behavior and cognitive processes, allowing me to develop strong research and communication skills that come in surprisingly handy.