Creative Media students at the College of West Anglia (CWA) were recently welcomed to an inspiring guest talk from Ian Harding, a talented stop motion animator based in King’s Lynn.
During his visit, Ian shared insights into his career within 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.
Ian spoke to students about his journey into animation, explaining how his passion for storytelling through stop motion began locally and how his roots in King’s Lynn continue to influence his work today. 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.
Speaking about the importance of stop motion and the role it plays, 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.”
The visit forms part of the College of West Anglia’s commitment to enriching the student’s experience through industry engagement, helping learners gain insight into creative career pathways and develop skills aligned with the demands of the sector.