Manchester Animation Festival: My Overall Experience

I really enjoyed my time at Manchester and I definitely think it was worth the money that I spent on the trip. Not only were the events and screenings very interesting and entertaining, but I really pushed myself to try and talk to new people in-between the events, rather than just sitting and waiting (though sometimes I did do some sketching, so at least I was productive at times).

MAF Sketches

On one of the days I sat with a group of students during lunch, who turned out to be studying at Manchester. I got to know them all a bit, and we talked about what our courses were like because I was genuinely interested in the work that they were producing and what was happening in the world of animation outside Leeds. We later exchanged social media's so we could stay in touch and keep up to date with the work we were producing.

Manchester Students: ShivPhelps BellaWatsonArt CassandraSketches Nês Peres

I also got talking with two other students, one of which was studying at Bournemouth the other at Canterbury. Again I exchanged social media so I could see the things they were up to, and I actually ended up going to a couple of events with these two students, which was pleasant.

SinéadStoddart LucyJenkins

All in all my experience at Manchester Animation Festival was a pleasant one, and I'm really pleased with myself that I was able to go out and talk to new people, especially as it's something I usually struggle with.