About Matt
Freelance Animator
Hello, I’m Matt.
Based in Cardiff, I’m a freelance animator who specialises in 2D animation inside After Effects.
I’ve been working in the industry for 15 years.
For over a decade, I served as the Animation Director and Co-founder of Jammy Custard Studios, where I had the pleasure of working with renowned brands such as BBC, PREMIER LEAGUE PRODUCTIONS, REEBOK, UK GOVERNMENT, INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE, ARLO, RSPB, SKY, THREE, SUPERDRUG, and more.
I have a diverse portfolio from my experience animating for online and broadcast marketing, explainers, social media, video games, TVCs, live visuals/installations and music videos.
After Effects
I have been using After Effects since University (2007) for 2D animations, character rigging, motion graphics, VFX and compositing. I’m a proficient user and have honed my skills to develop fast and efficient workflows, mindful of rendering times.
I enjoy character rigging and have extensive experience with tools like Rubber Hose, DUIK, Limber, and Joysticks N Sliders. However, the most effective rigs, in my experience, strike a balance between minimalism and the freedom to manipulate shape layers. This approach ensures I can animate the action I want without being confined by rig limitations.
Workflow Videos
From working with many animators at varying levels of experience (graduates to seasoned animators), I’ve been surprised at how messy and long-winder their workflows can be. This has likely come about from bad habits when working alone, but it has resulted in jobs taking much longer to accomplish and harder to collaborate with when teams are involved.
There are ways to make life so much easier when working in Animation and it can be as simple as having a Folder Structure or a File Naming Convention.
I’m on a quest to build a collection of workflow resources of videos and downloads to help Freelance Animators and Motion Designers improve their workflow, so they can work more efficiently and put their energy into creating something amazing.
Hobbies
Board Gamer
Outside of animation, I’m also an avid player (and collector) of board games, I especially enjoy the social aspect and thrill of having everyone around the table playing together. Some of my favourite Board Games are Dungeons & Dragons (5e), Munchkin, Quacks of Quedlinburg, Ticket to Ride, Fluxx and Captain Sonar.
Music Enthusiast
As often as I can, I enjoy going to local gigs and festivals, especially to discover up-and-coming acts. Music can be so revitalising and exciting. I could go on and on about the joys of listening to music and the thrill of discovering a new artist.
Some of my favourite artists include BC Camplight, Editors, The Comet Is Coming, John Grant and Dutch Uncles.
Fun Fact: My little claim to fame!
Through helping some film production friends, I ended up in a Manic Street Preachers music video. I was meant to be an extra, but someone thought it was a good idea that I was brought into the main cast and therefore had to “act” alongside Craig Roberts. I couldn’t stop smiling throughout the shoot at how ridiculous it was that I was there. It was a lot of fun to be a part of.
The experience was made even more surreal when the band would use the Music Video as part of their live set, to my surprise as I watched them perform at Glastonbury. Does that technically mean that I’ve also played Glastonbury?