Tell us about your film career so far...what experience do you have? What skills have you development and how? How did you gain the knowledge you currently have?

My film experience primarily stems from my recent MA at the Royal College of Art, culminating in my creation of a short puppet film, String Theories. I have always had a keen interest in film, especially where there is distinctive production design. After finishing my BA in Fine Art, I was inspired by Annie Atkins' work in The Grand Budapest Hotel to pursue a career in graphic design. However, I followed a commercial path because it felt like the most accessible option at the time. It gave me a strong foundation in research, visual storytelling, and presenting ideas.
During my MA programme, I took a unit called “Temporal,” which focused on time-based media, particularly film. Through this, I developed skills in everything from writing and storyboarding to audio production and editing. This hands-on experience was invaluable, giving me insight into the full spectrum of filmmaking.

What challenges have you faced? How have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was moving beyond the constraints of commercial graphic design. While there are many aspects of the work that I still enjoy, I had often been feeling creatively restricted, working mostly on screens and for purposes that didn’t always align with my values.
After a seven-year career in the commercial world, I stepped back and reassessed my direction. Applying for the MA at RCA was a pivotal moment. Being accepted allowed me the creative freedom and the autonomy that I had been missing. That year was transformative, letting me reconnect with hands-on creative work and allowing me to rediscover my love for storytelling.

What are your career ambitions? What is your plan to get there?

I'm drawn to the art department in film and HETV, particularly roles that blend design with practical, creative skills, like set decoration and prop making. Long-term, I'm aiming for a career that offers creative freedom and allows for variety; in terms of the media, and ways of working. For example, my ideal scenario would be collaborative working in film, interspersed with periods of focussing on independent projects.
In the short term, I’m looking to gain as much experience as possible and learn from experienced practitioners in the field. I plan to use my graphic design experience to keep me financially stable whilst I develop my creative practice and gain experience in the film industry.

What tips and advice do you have for those also on a similar journey trying to establish their film careers?

Take every opportunity to connect with and to learn from others in the industry. Breaking into any creative field, especially film, can be challenging without established contacts, which is why I chose to create my own work. Building a portfolio and developing your unique voice independently is a powerful way to stand out.
It’s also important to stay patient and open to new opportunities. I’ve only just graduated, but creating my own film has already been a huge step forward. While time will tell if it leads to my first job in film, I’m confident that the experience has set me up well for future collaborations.