Creative Media students were recently treated to an inspiring visit from Ian Harding, a talented stop motion animator based in King’s Lynn. Ian, who has worked on several exciting projects in the world of animation, shared his insights and expertise with students, giving them a behind-the-scenes look at the art of stop motion.
Ian’s impressive portfolio includes work on short films, adverts and independent animations. He has a passion for storytelling through stop motion, a medium that brings characters and ideas to life, frame by painstaking frame. Ian shared how his journey began right here in King’s Lynn and how his local roots continue to influence his work today.
During his talk, Ian explained the meticulous process of stop motion animation, from creating intricate models and sets to capturing hundreds of tiny movements with precision. He also showed clips from some of the projects he’s been involved in, offering students a glimpse into the creativity and dedication required to succeed in the industry.
Ian said, “I think it’s good to have students explore different mediums because today, education focuses more on computer programmes. Being able to do something physical with their hands and be creative enables them to explore a different world. It’s also super important to keep physical art alive and stop animation helps with that.’”