I am passionate about digital art and have enjoyed creative storytelling across a variety of different platforms, often combining animation and humour in the celebration of regional characters. A qualified graphic designer and animator, I have worked on the design and promotion of national marketing campaigns and have designed and installed temporary animated public artworks in gallery, high street and festival settings. As a writer, I have experience of producing advertising copy and scripts and was selected for Vision and Media’s ‘Drafted Scheme’ for North West screenwriters. I was also shortlisted for the Northern Writers Award Channel 4/Lime Pictures prize in 2015.

Having recently worked as a Research Artist during Bangor University’s Dementia and Imagination study, I have seen the power of humour in public engagement and witnessed for myself how cartoon art can tackle difficult subjects. Now, with the help of the AA2A scheme, I am keen to undertake a pilot animation project that aims to help consultants explain operations and surgical procedures to children undergoing hospital treatment. I am greatly inspired by The University of Chester’s long-standing reputation in Education and am especially keen to learn how children take on information. I am also keen to investigate how cartoons can further be used in both healthcare and social care and its use in intergenerational care and co- engagement.

This AA2A scheme would allow me to gain access to computer programmes, facilities, and sound recording equipment that I don’t currently have access to and enable me to use the universities excellent library facilities, animation suites and augmented reality. My aim is to produce a 1 minute taster tape of this project which I can pitch to specialists at local children’s hospitals for feedback and development.