Growing up watching Don Bluth films, Tom and Jerry and Wallace and Gromit, Micky loved animation but didn’t realise it was something you could do for a living.
Today she’s doing just that, working as an animator at A Productions, namely on JoJo and Gran Gran, a multi-award-winning series produced by BBC Studios Kids & Family Productions in association with A Production for CBeebies.
It is the UK’s first pre-school animated series to centre around a British black family.
“It’s a lovely feeling knowing you’re making a positive impact”, says Micky. “Just knowing how important JoJo and Gran Gran is for audiences, it’s amazing to be a part of it.
“JoJo is a super adorable character to bring to life too.”
Originally from Mansfield, Micky studied animation at university before completing a two-year Masters course in Directing Animation at the National Film and Television School where she directed several award-winning short films.
Then, after taking part in one of A Productions’ ToonBoom animation software training weeks, she was offered a role as an animator on JoJo and Gran Gran. At the same time, she also secured funding from the BFI (British Film Institute) for her next animated short, Odd One Out, which she’s recently completed and is about to enter into the festival circuit.
Prior to working at A Productions, Micky worked on a range of design and animation projects for Bristol-based production companies, as well as digital agencies and charities.
Reflecting on her current role, Micky says: “I’ve done a lot of solo work and a lot of teamwork but not in a studio environment alongside all of the different departments. It’s cool to see it happen on a bigger scale. I love talking to the directors and learning from them.”
Her advice for those keen on a career in animation? “Finessing your skills is really important. And if you see an opportunity for training or to learn new software, go for it.”, says Micky. “Talk to people and be friendly, be approachable. Be someone people want to work with!”