Animation has been part of my life for over a decade now, but it all started with a spontaneous request from my partner. He was studying game development and needed an animator to create some 3D assets. Knowing I was creative, he asked me to help. At the time, I had no digital skills, but I dived into learning 3Ds Max, and somehow managed to model, rig, and animate a few characters. That steep learning curve showed me I had a knack for it, and it lit the spark that led to a career in animation.
Getting Started in Animation
After that first experience, I decided to study animation formally at university. From there, I experimented widely, made short films, and developed a deep appreciation for the craft. Living in regional New South Wales, there were no job opportunities in animation, so I worked in a marketing role for a couple of years before leaving to try freelancing.
Running My Studio
Today, I run a solo animation business from regional Australia. I work with businesses, councils, and organisations across the country to create thoughtful, engaging motion design. Being based outside a major city hasn’t limited my opportunities; if anything, it’s shaped the kind of work I do. Clients often come to me for storytelling that feels real, personal, and connected to people and place.
Challenges as a Woman in Animation
I’m fortunate that I work for myself and rarely have to deal with any widespread industry misogyny. Being a woman in animation, and in professional settings more broadly, has had its frustrating moments. From working with people who were openly ‘uncomfortable around women’, or having software I’m proficient in explained to me, as if I’m hearing about it for the first time. I once worked as an art director on a major production. I was leading a team, managing delivery, and communicating with stakeholders. I found out after the project concluded that the client had been ignoring my emails, assuming I wasn’t a key part of the team. They had complained that we hadn't sent previews of the animation at timely intervals. I had, of course, and was able to pull up the emails and prove it. The client met me with the excuse, “Oh, at that stage, I was only reading emails from important people.”
Though far from the worst situations women have to deal with, these situations are unfortunately common, especially in more traditional or male-dominated environments. But I’ve also seen the tide slowly shift. Clients and collaborators are becoming more conscious of who’s in the room, and more supportive of women taking the lead.
The Value of Women-Led Animation
Animation production is deeply technical; it requires knowledge of complex software, understanding physics and movement, creative problem-solving, and high attention to detail. But it’s also expressive, can engage deeply with audiences, and tell meaningful, emotive stories. Women are equally skilled in the technical side, but where I see us truly shine is in compassionate, human-centred storytelling. Female-led animation has a unique power to connect with audiences in an authentic and powerful way.
Working in Regional Australia
Running a creative business from regional Australia comes with its own unique set of challenges. There’s often a perception that the most exciting work only happens in the major cities, and I’ve had to work hard to prove otherwise. Access to industry events, networking opportunities, and high-speed infrastructure can be limited, and that can create barriers to visibility and growth. But these challenges have also made me more resourceful, proactive, and community-focused. I’ve found that clients value the grounded, human approach that often comes from working regionally, and I’m proud to show that high-quality, impactful animation can come from anywhere.
Finding Community
One of the biggest supports in my career has been connecting with other women and non-binary animators through online communities. Through the ‘Panimation’ network, I met a small group of incredible creatives from across Australia and New Zealand. We met up at an industry event and have stayed connected ever since. We meet regularly online to talk through creative challenges, share ideas, and lift each other up. It's been a lifeline, especially during tough times.
Giving Back
I now mentor other women in the field, including those in corporate roles who are adding motion design to their skill sets. I’ve also supported younger women just starting out in creative work, helping them navigate their first jobs and build confidence in collaborative settings.
Looking Ahead
Being a female animator in regional Australia has meant carving out a space that reflects who I am and what I care about.
These days, I’m focused on growing my animation business in regional New South Wales, partnering with organisations that want to connect with their audiences in meaningful and creative ways. I specialise in bringing stories to life through animation that highlights community, culture, and purpose.
If you’re a fellow creative, a potential collaborator, or someone curious about animation, feel free to reach out or follow along. I’m always up for a chat about storytelling, motion, or the wild ride that is creative work in Australia.