Alanna Gormley

Bachelor of Arts in Animation

Donegal – Letterkenny

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choosing your course? 

I was previously working in live action T.V. and Film and returned as a mature student. Unfortunately, due to a sudden physical disability I had to take a career break. I decided to use this time to upskill and pivot career. With my portfolio and Recognised Prior Learning I was able to get direct entry into year 3 of the 4-year program. ATU Donegal was the ideal campus for me due to the facilities they have to offer. 

What are your favourite modules on the course?  

It would be a toss-up between “Compositing and Visual effects” and “Animation Project”. 
 
I really enjoyed “Compositing and Visual effects” due to how it was structured. We followed our lectures tutorial and then had the opportunity to use the same techniques on our own ideas. My favorite aspect was creating 3D simulations and learning new software. 
 
I loved our Animation Project module as we could be as creative as we wanted, and bring our own characters and ideas to life. 

Is there anything else about the course that you particularly enjoy or find beneficial?  

The practical animation projects give an insight into how studios and freelance projects work, and give you experience of staying on schedule, while getting to be creative. 
 
There is also the opportunity to go on work placement which is invaluable to get real life experience in the industry. 

What is the best thing about your course that you think new applicants should know?  

The course provides students with licences to software to use and try, which are really expensive to get yourself. 
The lectures are all really lovely and helpful. They are passionate about the industry and proactive in organising trips and events. 

If you were speaking with a first year student about to start your course, what advice would you give them?  

Be open to new experiences and meeting new people- joining a club or society is the best way to find likeminded people. 
 
Don’t feel afraid to talk to your lecturers and ask for help if you are finding something difficult. 

If you are involved in sport, volunteering, working or have other passions you pursue outside of your academic life, can you tell us about that?  

Outside of my academic life I am passionate about mental health and well-being and volunteer with a mental health charity. 
 
During my final semester, thanks to my Head of Department Dr. Lorna Ross, we organised a Meditation Breath Workshop for students and staff to slow down, breathe, and reset coming into the final stretch of the academic year. 

What are your plans after ATU and any long-term goals you are aiming for?  

I am hoping to get a job in the industry with an animation studio, to gain more experience. I am in development for a few projects of my own, so hopefully they will get produced! I think I would like to further my studies and potentially do a master’s degree in the future.