Bio
I have always had a deep routed love for animation. From cutting up shoe boxes in order to make little sets and characters, to tracing over illustrations in children’s books, art and storytelling were always a huge part of my life growing up.
I attended BallyFermot College and that is where I truly fell in love with animation. There, I met so many incredible and like-minded people while also having the opportunity to study what I had always loved growing up. My childhood passion suddenly became a potential full-time adult job! I was inspired and excited!
Three years went by and I graduated from BCFE. I continued painting and took the next step by setting up a studio with a friend from college. It was a big, old warehouse, broken up into artist studios and sound rooms, with a large open space for exhibitions. The best part was I had my very own set of keys! The place was amazing, and I spent 2 years there, learning and growing as an artist. I held exhibitions and pretty much just danced around to Motown music while splashing paint all over canvases! It was so much fun, and I learned a huge amount about color, light and design. I also learned how hard it is to put a price on your own work. However, at the same time it was an incredible feeling to have people appreciate and buy your artwork – especially people who weren’t just my mother.
Although painting my own personal pieces, requested portraits and ruining people’s walls with murals, was fun, I realized I was starting to miss the drive I once had towards wanting to work full time in animation. I learned an incredible amount during my time at the studio, but I also realized it was time to move on and get back on the path which I felt I belonged in, animation.
This led me to take evening courses with Animation Skillnet which helped me to not only develop my skills as an artist but to learn as much as I possibly could within the field of animation (You can find the list of evening courses I took on my Linkedin ,link in contact details).
Ten evening courses in, I decided it was time to take a leap of faith and so I applied to every animation company in Ireland. I was so excited to start my dream and I was willing to do whatever it took. I wanted to learn and get as much experience as I could. Lucky for me, THE “BrownBag Films” got back to me. They offered me one week’s work experience and that opportunity changed my life.
I started out by helping out around the studio and eventually began to get to know people. My confidence grew, my passion blossomed, and I became more determined than ever to make my position permanent.
Two more weeks work experience eventually led me to receive a paying job as a production assistant. As a PA I got to help out with some 2D work, and that is where I truly found my place. I applied and got the job as a junior 2D artist and 6 months later became a full 2D artist.
Not only have I learned an incredible amount from the people within the studio, but I have also been able to share my skills with others. I have trained other 2D artists, given talks and presentations in schools, mentored students and given portfolio reviews.
I have worked incredibly hard over the past five years and today I am proud to have made my childhood dreams come true. I am so excited to see what is in store for me next.
Darren.