Professional Practice

Current Skillset: Work Show Reel

London Underground animation: https://youtu.be/S03DsqRMOTc

Forced Marriage Awareness Animation: https://youtu.be/ecpIQ4tL9-8

The forgotten Spitfire Model: https://youtu.be/LKD8vAJ2GrM

Environmental Awareness Animation: https://youtu.be/Sbkq7eRZ3d0

Desired Skillset: Example Works

Games:

Little Nightmares

Cuphead

Terraria

Ori and the Blind Forest

Celeste

Animation:

Peanuts

Looney Tunes

Rick and Morty

Adventure Time

The Simpsons

Potential Industry Role

After conducting extensive research and reflecting on my interests and abilities, I have discovered that working with 2D game or animation studios specializing in cartoons aligns perfectly with my aspirations. During my time at university, I honed my skills in 2D animation, focusing on the distinct styles seen in popular shows like Peanuts, Rick and Morty, Adventure Time, and games like Cuphead, Terraria, and Celeste. With a strong passion for game development, joining a 2D game studio like StudioMDHR Entertainment, renowned for their extraordinary hand-drawn animation in Cuphead, would be a dream come true. Additionally, I am genuinely interested in collaborating with animation studios that produce beloved series such as Peanuts, Rick and Morty, and Adventure Time. These opportunities would allow me to utilize my skills and enthusiasm to create captivating and visually stunning experiences.

To become an expert in this field, one needs a comprehensive understanding of 2D animation principles, character design, storyboarding, and the use of industry-standard software like Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, and Photoshop. Acquiring expertise in these areas may take several years of dedicated study, practice, and hands-on experience. Regarding hardware, professionals in this field typically utilize powerful computers or workstations equipped with graphics tablets or pen displays to bring their artistic visions to life. As for salaries, they can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and the specific studio or company. Generally, entry-level positions may offer a starting salary of around $40,000 to $60,000 per year, while experienced professionals can earn significantly higher incomes. A robust portfolio for a 2D animator should demonstrate a range of skills, including character animation, environment design, and storytelling abilities. It should showcase both personal projects and collaborative work, illustrating a keen understanding of timing, movement, and visual storytelling techniques. The beauty of this profession is that it transcends geographical boundaries. Many 2D animators have the flexibility to work remotely, collaborating with studios and clients from around the world. However, certain positions may require relocation or periodic on-site presence for specific projects or team dynamics. Breaking into the 2D animation industry can be competitive, as it attracts a passionate and talented pool of individuals. Building a strong portfolio, gaining practical experience through internships or freelance work, and networking with professionals in the field can greatly increase one’s chances of securing employment. Persistence, continuous skill development, and a genuine passion for the craft are crucial in navigating the journey to success in this exciting field.

Potential Employment Companies

Company and Studio examples:

StudioMDHR Entertainment

Chucklefish

Re-Logic

Cartoon Saloon

Amanita Design

Thunder Lotus Games

Thoughts:

After thorough research, I’ve discovered that indie game studios like StudioMDHR, Chucklefish, and Re-Logic are the best fit for my career aspirations. Their creations, such as Cuphead, Terraria, and Spiritfarer, have art styles that resonate with my own.

StudioMDHR’s attention to detail and stunning hand-drawn animation in Cuphead caught my eye. They push artistic boundaries, which aligns with my vision.

Chucklefish specializes in pixel art and retro-inspired gameplay. Games like Stardew Valley and Wargroove capture nostalgic charm while offering engaging worlds. This matches my creative desires.

Re-Logic’s Terraria, a 2D sandbox adventure, showcases their ability to build immersive game worlds with pixel art. It appeals to my artistic sensibilities and love for exploration.

These indie studios not only reflect my artistic style but also share my values of creativity, innovation, and visually stunning works. Joining forces with them would allow me to contribute my skills and passion to visually striking and captivating projects.

In conclusion, my research and reflection confirm that pursuing a career with indie game studios like StudioMDHR, Chucklefish, and Re-Logic is the right path for me.

Online presence: YouTube channel

Starting my YouTube channel, Blu’s Studio, was my first attempt in building an online presence. Although the contents wasn’t quite original, I worked hard to make the channel stand out among others. The logo of Blu’s Studio, shaped like a parrot, became a recognizable symbol that made my channel unique. I also created business cards and found other ways to show my contact information, giving my profile a professional look.

Link to the channel: https://youtube.com/@BlusStudio

Online Portfolio: Blog

Since I don’t have the budget for a custom domain, I’ve opted to use the UAL myBlog platform for my online portfolio. If I were to improve my portfolio, I would build upon the foundation presented here. I plan to enhance its design, add new projects, and highlight my artistic growth and accomplishments. Despite the limitations of the UAL myBlog platform, my goal is to create a compelling and comprehensive representation of my creative journey.

Link to the blog: https://richardbaanimationyr2.myblog.arts.ac.uk/2023/05/17/richards-portfolio-2023/

CV

This CV showcases two significant achievements I have accomplished in recent years. Firstly, it highlights the success of my popular YouTube channel, where I worked diligently to build a strong online presence. Secondly, it emphasizes my valuable study experiences at UAL (University of the Arts London), where I developed my skills and knowledge in the field.

Link to download the CV: https://ibb.co/v4ff4Ym

Covering Letter

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to express my keen interest in the animator position at your esteemed animation studio. With a strong background in both 3D and 2D animation, coupled with my creative mindset and collaborative approach, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your team’s success.

As a university student, I have dedicated myself to honing my animation skills. I have completed a BA in Animation at the University of Arts London, specializing in the Animation Arts pathway. During my studies, I actively participated in various collaborative projects, including a commissioned project for the NHS that received recognition. Additionally, I engaged in two collaborative game projects, collaborating closely with game design students to create immersive experiences.

Furthermore, I possess extensive hands-on experience as a YouTuber and animator. I am the creator and director of the successful YouTube channel, Blu’s Studio, which boasts over a million subscribers and 270 million views. Through this platform, I have produced numerous 3D animation videos, collaborating with other prominent YouTubers and horror game animators along the way. This experience has not only allowed me to refine my animation skills but also showcased my ability to create captivating content and manage projects from concept to completion.

Throughout my journey, I have developed a solid foundation in software tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, and After Effects. My focus has been on mastering the 2D cartoonish animation art style, and I continuously seek opportunities to expand my knowledge and refine my techniques.

I am willing to contribute my skills and passion to a professional animation studio like yours, known for its commitment to artistic excellence. I am confident that my diverse background, creative mindset, and collaborative nature would make me a valuable asset to your team. I am excited about the possibility of joining your organization and contributing to its ongoing success.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to engage in a detailed discussion about how my skills align with your specific needs. I have also attached my portfolio for your perusal, providing a comprehensive overview of my work. I am excited about the prospect of meeting with you in person to explore the exciting opportunities within your esteemed animation studio and learn more about how I can contribute to its ongoing success.

Sincerely,

Richard Yu

Collaborative Project Work

I had the opportunity to collaborate on an exciting game project where I served as the graphic designer, responsible for creating captivating visual assets. The game, inspired by the Chinese/Taiwanese goddess of the sea, Mazu, was designed as a delightful 2D arcade-style experience. In this game, players assumed the role of Mazu, defending fishing boats from hordes of menacing enemy creatures 

In the game Mazu’s Quest, players take on the role of Mazu, who must protect fishing boats and defeat enemies. Failing to defend the boats results in point loss, while successfully defeating enemies earns points. Notably, if players manage to defeat the green enemy, Qianliyan, and the red enemy, Shunfeng’er, these enemies will switch sides and aid Mazu in her mission. This alliance enhances Mazu’s abilities, increasing her efficiency in battling other enemy creatures. By working together with Qianliyan and Shunfeng’er, players can strategically overcome challenges and protect the fishing boats more effectively. It adds an exciting twist to the gameplay, as players navigate the dynamics of this newfound alliance to succeed in Mazu’s quest.

While my partner focused on the intricate coding aspects, I dedicated my efforts to crafting the entire visual landscape of the game. This involved conceptualizing and designing the characters, environments, animations, user interface elements, and other graphical components. It was a rewarding challenge to bring the captivating world of Mazu and her courageous sea-saving adventures to life.
Collaboration was key throughout the project, and my partner and I maintained excellent communication and constant discussion. We meticulously planned and organized our workflow, ensuring seamless coordination and smooth progress. Overcoming the complexities of balancing functionality and visual appeal posed an exciting creative puzzle. We aimed to strike a balance between a style that complemented the gameplay mechanics while remaining visually appealing. It required careful consideration of color palettes, character designs, and environmental aesthetics to create a cohesive and immersive experience for players.

Although we encountered a few minor difficulties along the way, our dedication and problem-solving skills allowed us to overcome each obstacle and deliver an exceptional final product. The collaborative nature of the project enriched my skills as a graphic designer and provided valuable insights into the game development process.

Working on this game project not only honed my technical abilities but also fostered a deep appreciation for the power of teamwork and effective communication. It was a truly rewarding experience to contribute my creative vision and graphic design expertise to bring Mazu’s heroic tale to life in the gaming realm.

I am proud of the result we achieved together and look forward to further exploring new opportunities to collaborate and contribute my artistic skills in the world of game design.

Due to the mismatched deadlines, I couldn’t deliver a functional game for testing. However, I understand the importance of supported evidence, so I have created a proof-of-concept animation. It serves as a visual demonstration of the graphical assets and style I’ve developed, providing tangible evidence of my work for this project

Link to animation: https://vimeo.com/826227807

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

This project has provided me with valuable insights into the potential industry roles I could pursue in the future. It has been a tremendous learning experience, but I acknowledge that there is still much more for me to explore and research in order to effectively navigate the challenges that may arise when I enter the field. Through my previous research, I have discovered that my art style, characterized by its simplicity and vibrant colors, aligns well with the requirements of various 2D game studios. Additionally, the collaborative experiences I have gained during this project have prepared me for the dynamics of working in teams within a professional environment. As I continue my current path, I am confident that I will be well-equipped to succeed after graduation, and I am excited about the multitude of opportunities that await me in the industry.