Creative Media students at the College of West Anglia enjoyed an inspiring talk from Ian Harding, a talented stop motion animator based in Lynn.

Ian shared insights into his career in the animation industry, offering students a behind-the-scenes look at the creative and technical processes involved in stop-motion animation. With experience spanning short films, advertising, and independent projects, Ian provided a valuable real-world perspective of working within the creative sector.

He spoke to students about his animation journey, explaining how his passion for storytelling through stop motion began locally and how his roots in Lynn continue to influence his work. He highlighted the painstaking nature of the medium, bringing characters and ideas to life frame by frame through detailed models, sets and precise movement.

As part of the session, Ian showcased clips from projects he has worked on, giving students an insight into the level of creativity, patience and dedication required to succeed in animation. The talk also explored the balance between digital and physical creativity, encouraging students to experiment with a range of techniques and approaches.

Ian said: “Stop motion gives students a hands-on way to create something away from screens and apps, encouraging them to use their imagination and express their personalities through their work. Bringing characters to life with care and attention to detail helps keep this traditional form of animation alive, while giving the students the freedom to explore their creativity in a meaningful way.”