UWE graduate Kendra Stout working on new Disney series
After graduating from UWE (Bristol School of Animation) in 2020, Kendra moved back home to Seattle to work on some stop-motion projects, before landing her current role at Icon Creative in Vancouver.
Icon works closely with Disney and Pixar on multiple projects, and Kendra is now wrapping up on ‘Firebuds’, a new Disney Junior animated show, following a group of children whose parents work in emergency services, featuring music and some very friendly talking cars.
Kendra enjoys working in television as ‘they give you more interesting shots, more challenging tasks, so you can showcase your work and develop your skills a lot quicker. When I started out I was working with an amazingly supportive director, which meant I learned a lot and got a lot faster at animating shots.’
Her advice to current students and new graduates is ‘don’t do ghost hours [working extra hours you are not getting paid for] – it’s an easy habit to get into and it means your employer won’t know how quick you are and give you too much work. My other piece of advice is don’t be afraid to ask for what you’re worth. Companies will often try to lowball you. Take into account your level of experience and market rates, and make sure you are getting what you deserve for your work.’
Luis Cook, senior lecturer in Animation, said “It’s unsurprising that Kendra has ended up working for Disney and Pixar – she animated every day on every project she could get her hands on while at UWE – always seeking criticism, not praise – and always with a smile on her face! In doing so she built an incredibly strong character animation reel.’
