“I cannot express how important my placement was and how it changed me.”
BA (Hons) Animation student Hanna Gorczynska spent 12 months on placement with video production company Deadline Digital, gaining hands-on industry experience and building confidence in her craft. Working independently in a professional environment gave Hanna the chance to apply the skills she’d developed during her degree.
“During my placement at Deadline Digital I worked as the sole animator. My responsibilities included producing animation and motion graphics for various clients, mainly the NHS. I also supported my colleagues by providing graphics and animations for their films and edits. I designed icons for Deadline Digital’s website, created desktop wallpapers and made social media GIFs.
“All stages of animation, from pre to post-production, came into play. The course gave me a solid understanding of Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere Pro and Illustrator, which I relied on daily. I had to storyboard, design characters and meet tight deadlines. Being the only animator meant I really leaned on everything I’d learned on my course.
Hanna originally chose animation at Sheffield Hallam because of the balance it offered between creativity and career-building.
“I wanted to stay connected to art, but I also wanted to learn industry-standard tools. Animation felt like the right fit. I chose Hallam because it offered a placement year and it was close to home. Now, after everything I’ve experienced, I know I made the right choice and I’d make it again.
“We’ve got studios for stop motion, 2D and 3D animation, all equipped with Cintiq tablets and professional software. There are also areas for hand-crafted work and sound recording. I often arrived early or stayed late to work in the studios — having uninterrupted time like that made a huge difference to my creativity and focus.”
“Outside of the classroom I helped deliver workshops, including assisting at a stop-motion puppet design session at Rotherham College. I was able to attend the Manchester Animation Festival, which was both a fun break and a great learning experience. I got to see a range of work and attend talks. One conversation I had there with producer and director Imogen Sutton — though brief — stayed with me and helped carry me through my final project.
“The most significant, personal opportunity to apply my learning was a 12-month-long placement. I cannot express how important it was and how it changed me.”
The course has helped Hanna develop technically and personally, with support from tutors and student services.
“The best thing was the feeling of being seen - my strengths, my weaknesses, all of it. My tutors helped me grow as both an artist and a person. Academic advisers were always approachable. Hallam Help was great for anything outside my course, and the careers team helped me with my CV, cover letters and planning my next steps.
“My tutors all have industry experience and the course reflects that. What we’re taught is what actually happens in the workplace. We also had sessions on freelancing — how to manage finances and taxes and what to watch out for. It’s the kind of advice you can only get from people who’ve done it.
“Going forward, I’ll continue my creative practice. I feel a strong pull to share what I’ve learned with others.”