Reflecting on My Skills and Identity as a Character Animator


After two years of studying Character Animation at Central Saint Martins, I’ve developed a solid understanding of animation principles, movement, and production workflows. Over time, my creative focus has shifted from static images to dynamic storytelling, and I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for how characters move and express emotions. Through course projects, I discovered that my animation style leans toward atmospheric scenes and calm, subtle narratives. I enjoy simulating traditional media such as colored pencils, watercolor, and sketchy textures using digital tools. My preference is for realistic motion rather than exaggerated or abstract animation.

Before my postgraduate studies, I studied game design and art during my undergraduate years and created motion graphics using After Effects. At the MA level, I expanded my skills by learning software like TVPaint, Blender, and Procreate Dream. I also became familiar with sound production tools, including microphones and recording studios. For my graduation project, I mainly used Procreate Dream. Compared to TVPaint, it offers greater flexibility with brushes and is more convenient for mobile, personal use. It allows me to quickly achieve my desired visual style. However, it’s less suitable for team production due to limited export options and a lack of compatibility with industry-standard workflows. On the other hand, TVPaint is ideal for clean, traditional cel animation and is better suited for collaborative projects.

One of my strengths is creating a soft, immersive atmosphere through delicate lines and textures. I’m confident in my ability to craft a mood and visual identity for my work. However, I recognize that I need to improve in areas such as character tension, physical dynamics, and storytelling clarity. To address this, I’m working on analyzing films and doing more sketching to understand body language and emotional acting more deeply.

Although my long-term goal is to work in the game industry as a character designer, studying character animation has greatly enhanced my understanding of how characters come to life. It’s no longer just about how they look, but how they move, behave, and interact. This experience has made my character designs more vivid and expressive.

I’m forming a clearer professional identity by combining my background in game art, my passion for visual storytelling, and the animation skills I’ve developed. I hope to build a career that bridges design and movement, where characters are not only visually compelling but also emotionally believable.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *