BA/MArt Concept Art Returns September 2026

BA/Mart in Concept Art and Experience Design

Our BA/Mart in Concept Art and Experience Design returns in September 2026. 

Concept artists help to shape major projects in the creative industries by developing the underlying artistic vision.

Concept Artists develop the visual ideas and themes that shape the look and feel of projects, working closely with directors and producers. 

Meet Your Tutors: Concept Artist Will Brosch

Concept Artist Will Brosch

This September we welcome back Environment Artist Will Brosch to teach Concept Art to our First Year Undergraduate Students at Escape Studios. 

Our BA/MArt in Concept Art and Experience Design focuses on digital design for industries such as games, animation and film, as well as experiential design for events, theme parks, installations and museums.

Will Brosch is an experienced Environment Artist, and Art Lead with a background in Freelance 2D Concept Art and Illustration. 

BLISS Wins Best Animation at Tekka Film Fest

Many congratulations to the makers of BLISS, the latest short film from our second year animation students at Escape Studios, which has won Best Animated Short Film at the Tekka Film Festival. 

BLISS is a satire on modern digital consumerism; it was directed by Cedeal Al-Mawery and produced by Vansh Bhathela.  Axel Camacho was the writer and art director. 

This is the film's first festival award. 

"Project Umbrae" Wins "Best Trailer" Award

Many congratulations to the makers of "Project Umbrae", which has won "Best Trailer" at the Tamizhagam International Film Festival.

Project Umbrae was a collaboration between students studying the Art of Video Games and the Art of Computer Animation.  

Project Umbrae is a first person psychological horror experience inspired by PT Visage and the Resident Evil series of games.  Alexis ventures into the basement of the remote house owned by her Aunt - with fateful consequences. 

You can find the Project Umbrae trailer at Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/1190412394. 

You can find Project Umbrae at The Rookies here. 

https://www.therookies.co/entries/46742. This is its first festival award.

The Art of Caricature at The Cartoon Museum

Does My head Look Big in This? - The Art of Caricature is now on at the Cartoon Museum in London's Fitzrovia.  Come along and enjoy an exhibition of the best caricatures going back over three centuries. 

The Cartoon Museum is at 63 Wells St in London's Fitzrovia, and is dedicated to cartoons, and the history of cartooning.  The permanent exhibition was curated by The Guardian's Steve Bell.

Political Cartooning is arguably the only art form invented in Britain; The UK was the first country to end censorship in the 18th Century, giving rise to political satire - and a free press.

The Cartoon Museum celebrates cartoons, comics and caricatures, and is the only museum of its kind in the UK.

Introducing "Sweet & Salty"

Introducing "Sweet & Salty", the latest short film created by our second year animation students.  "Sweet & Salty" tells the story of two rival restaurants in a busy town. The film was directed by Oleksandra Zakorodon and produced by Sarina Musab.  You can find "Sweet & Salty" here at The Rookies

Steve Sole Teaches Concept Art September 2026

Steven Sole

This September we welcome back film-maker, designer & visual development artist Steven Sole to teach Concept Art to our 2nd year undergraduate students at Escape Studios. 

Steven Sole joins us from Framestore and also from Tiger Aspect Productions, where he was Art Director on the hit TV series Mr Bean.  

Our BA/MArt in Concept Art and Experience Design focuses on digital design for industries such as games, animation and film, as well as experiential design for branded events, theme parks, interiors and museums.  

Introducing "Pretty in Pink"

Introducing "Pretty in Pink", the latest animated short film created by our second year 2d animation students at Escape Studios, working together as a team. "Pretty in Pink" was directed and produced by Eric Dulieu. 

Cartoon Museum "Young Comics Maestro" Award

The Alison Brown Young Comics Maestro Award 2026 Competition is now open - London's Cartoon Museum is looking for the next big comic artist.  

If you're under 18, send in your very best comic strip (three pages max) to enter the competition and get your work in front of judges from The Beano, The Phoenix, and (of course) The Cartoon Museum.   The deadline for entries is Sunday 23 August 2026.

"Symphony" Wins "Best Animation" in Tamizhagam

Symphony of The Morning Rush wins Best Animation

Congratulations to the makers of "Symphony of The Morning Rush", the latest 2D animated film created by our graduating class of animation students, which has won Best Animation at the Tamizhagam Film Festival. 

Symphony of The Morning Rush was written, edited and directed by Eva Gifford, and produced by Michael Koden.  Emily Davidson was the art director, and Amelie Pignon was the animation director.  The original score was composed by Alexander Lidster. 

Animation Taster on Tuesday 21 July 2026

We're hosting a new Animation Taster on Tuesday 21 July 2026 at Noon to 1.30pm UK time, taught by short course and MA animation tutor Lee Caller.

Animation Taster  Sessions are a great chance to learn about character and creature animation, and find out how we teach at Escape Studios. 

This Animation Taster on Tuesday 21 July 2026  offers an introduction to the art of 3D Animation, exploring what it’s like to work as a professional animator. 

You will learn how to use Autodesk Maya and get a hands-on introduction to 3D Animation techniques. No prior knowledge of Maya - or any software - is required.   

"Unknown" Wins "Best Anim" at Cinematic Film Fest

Congratulations to Escape Studios' animation student Alessia Gori whose short film "Unknown" has won the award for "Best Animation" at the Cinematic European Film Festival. 

Alessia Gori is studying for her master's degree in the Art of 3D Animation at Escape Studios.  

This is Alessia Gori's first film, and her second festival award. 

"Protose" Wins "Best VFX" at Athens Film Festival

Congratulations to the makers of "Protose" which has won "Best VFX" at the Athens Art Film Festival. 

"Protose" tells the story of a meatless steak invention that goes horribly wrong. 

"Protose" was created by our graduating class of students at Escape Studios. 

It was produced and directed by Yusuf Uddin.  Adam Armstrong stars as the chef.  This is the film's second festival award. 

Escape Studios Visits King Bee Animation

King Bee Animation and Martyn Niman

Escape Studios visited King Bee Animation this week, for a one day animation workshop introducing students to the art and craft of animation.

King Bee is located in the historic Elstree Studios in North London, notable for being the location of the original 1977 Star Wars movie.   

Introducing BLISS

Introducing BLISS, the latest short film from our second year animation students at Escape Studios, working together on a group project. BLISS is a satire on modern digital consumerism, and was directed by Cedeal Al-Mawery and produced by Vansh Bhathela.  Axel Camacho was the writer and art director. 

Learn Blender with Escape Animator Thomas Potter

Create Low Poly Characters in Blender with Thomas Potter

Many congratulations to Escape Studios' animation student Thomas Potter whose Blender Modeling Channel now has over 30,000 subscribers at YouTube. 

Thomas Potter has created his own YouTube channel which teaches students how to model low poly 3d characters step by step.  All of Thomas's Blender content is completely free. 

"KattiBao" Wins "Best Super Short" in Florence

KattiBao - An Embrace wins "Best Super Short in Florence

Congratulations to the makers of "KattiBao - An Embrace" which has won "Best Super Short" at the Florence Film Awards.  

KattiBao was a collaboration between students studying the Art of Games, The Art of Animation, and Character Creation.  KattiBao was written, directed and produced by Grace Lam.  Arin Awojobi was the Art Director, and Mia Cliff was the cinematographer. This is its first festival award. 

How Much Do Animators Earn?

How much do animators earn? This 2025 salary guide from the Animation & VFX Union BECTU gives a good picture of the current market rates in the UK.

Salary transparency is something our industry doesn't always do well, so rates cards like this are very useful, especially for junior artists negotiating a salary for a new role, trying to get a realistic idea of what they can expect to earn. 

Note that much depends where you live in the UK. The difference in the cost of living between London/the South East and the rest of the UK is significant.  If you're further away from London, your expenses are usually lower, but salaries also tend to be lower. 

So whether these are good rates really depends a lot on your location.  In addition rates are, of course, lower for junior roles, for folks looking to break into the industry for the first time. 

Escapees Akash Modi, Grace Redi, Allie Maraqan & Matt O'Reilly Join ILM's Jedi Academy

Akash Modi, Grace Reid, Matt O'Reilly & Allie Maraqan

Many congratulations to Escapees Akash Modi, Grace Reid, Matt O'Reilly and Allie Maraqan who are all joining ILM's Jedi Academy as VFX "Padawans". 

Industrial Light & Magic's Jedi Academy is a six month paid internship at ILM, arguably the world's leading VFX house, responsible for multiple hit movies and series. 

Escape Students Visit Blinkink Animation Studio

Escape Studios visits Blinkink - July 2026

Escape Studios thanks animation studio Blinkink for their kind hospitality in welcoming our students for a Studio Tour of their their North London premises.

Blinkink is one of the UK's leading animation houses, responsible for multiple hit films and TV series, and winners of many awards - including an Oscar nomination.  

Animator's Survival Kit in The Animation Library

Animator's Survival Kit

We have recently added more copies of Animator's Survival Kit - our most popular book on animation - to the Animation & VFX Library on the 11th Floor at 6 Mitre Passage.

The Animator's Survival Kit is the standard textbook for animators and the most comprehensive book available for learning animation.  

We now have over a dozen copies of the Animator's Survival Kit (with more on the way) in the 11th Floor Animation & VFX Library at 6 Mitre Passage.  The ASK can also be bought as an eBook download for the iPad.  

"Scars" Wins Best Animation at London Movie Awards

"Scars" wins "Best Animated Short" in London

Many congratulations to the makers of "Scars", which has won "Best Animated Short" at the London Movie Awards.  

The film was a collaboration between our graduating class of students studying the Art of Games, The Art of Animation and Character Creation - working together across disciplines to create a group project.  

Scars was directed by Charlie O'Sullivan, edited by Sam Blackburn and produced by Alex Sparks. Theo Craig was the Editor and Art Director.  This is the film's first festival award. 

Animation Taster Tuesday 21 July 2026 at Noon

Animation Taster on Tuesday 21 July 2026 

We're hosting a new Animation Taster on Tuesday 21 July 2026 at Noon to 1.30pm UK time, taught by short course and MA animation tutor Lee Caller.

Animation Taster  Sessions are a great chance to learn about character and creature animation, and find out how we teach at Escape Studios. 

"Protose" Wins "Best VFX" at Makizhmithran Awards

"Protose" wins "Best VFX" at Makizhmithran Film Fest

Congratulations to the makers of "Protose", one of the latest VFX shorts from our graduating class of students at Escape Studios, which has won "Best VFX" at the Makizhmithran Film Festival. 

"Protose" tells the story of a meatless steak invention that goes horribly wrong. 

"Protose" was produced and directed by Yusuf Uddin.  Adam Armstrong stars as the chef. This is the film's first festival award. 

Undergraduate Open Day on Wednesday 15 July 2026

Undergraduate Open Day on Wednesday 15th July 2026

Escape Studios is hosting a new Undergraduate Open Day on Wednesday 15th July 2026. 

The event takes place from 1:30pm to 4:30pm both in person at our North Greenwich Campus and also online.  Escape Studios' Open Days are a chance to find out about our undergraduate degrees - join us and find out more about what we do and how we teach. 

Concept Art Taster wih Mirco Pinna 14 July 2026

Concept Art Taster with Tutor Mirco Pinna 14 July

Join us on Tuesday 14th July at 12pm UK time for a free "Concept Art Taster" with Escape Studios Concept Art tutor Mirco Pinna. 

Our live online taster offers an insight into what we teach on our postgraduate and short courses at Escape Studios. Join us on 14 July to find out more. 

Tokyo Study Week for Escape Animation Students

Digital Hollywood University September 7-11 2026

Escape Studios is excited to announce a "Tokyo Study Week" for our animation students to study for five days at Digital Hollywood University in Tokyo.  

The Tokyo Study Week will run from Monday 7 September to Friday 11 September 2026 and is a chance to learn Japanese animation techniques, with a focus on the unique Japanese visual styles of anime and manga.  Classes will take place every morning, with afternoons left free for students to explore Tokyo and potentially visit animation sites such as the Studio Ghibli Museum and Studio Ghibli Park.  

Introducing "Anarchy"

"Anarchy"

Introducing "Anarchy", the trailer for a combat video game created by our graduating class of Escape Studios' students, studying The Art of Video Games.  

"Anarchy" is inspired by the style of early 2000s video games. 

James McGinty was the Lead Game Designer  and Yousif Abdullah was the Art Director and Animation Lead. 

The Roger Allers Legacy Scholarship: Deadline 4 July

The Roger Allers Legacy Scholarship Award 

The Roger Allers Legacy Scholarship Award is now open.  Applications for upcoming Directors, Story Artists and Librettists can be made here at the official CTN site. The deadline to apply is 4 July 2026. 

The Roger Allers Legacy Scholarship Award honours the legacy of Roger Allers, "an acclaimed filmmaker whose work has shaped generations through the power of stage, screen, and storytelling". 

Roger is best known for directing the global blockbuster film The Lion King (1994) and earning a Tony Award nomination for adapting it into the highest grossing Broadway musical of all time.  

Escape Studios at Annecy Animation Festival 2026

Escapees at Annecy 2026 

A group of intrepid Escapees and current students, as well as some of our some of our recent graduates, travelled to the 2026 Annecy Animation Festival last week.

Braving the heatwave, they spent a week at the world's leading animation event, going to screenings, attending events and talks, and making contacts in the global animation industry.

"Symphony of The Morning Rush" Wins in LA

Symphony wins Best Super Short in Hollywood

Congratulations to the makers of "Symphony of The Morning Rush", the latest 2D animated film created by our graduating class of animation students, which has won "Best Animated Short" at the Hollywood Gold Awards.

Symphony of The Morning Rush was written, edited and directed by Eva Gifford, and produced by Michael Koden.  Emily Davidson was the art director, and Amelie Pignon was the animation director.  The original score was composed by Alexander Lidster. 

Introducing "Cursed Pages"

Cursed Pages

Introducing "Cursed Pages", the latest VFX short created by our graduating class of students studying The Art of Visual Effects and The Art of Animation. 

"Cursed Pages" was written, directed and produced by Laura Lambert.  Kaike Pela was the 3D lead, and Calum Johnstone was the 2D lead.  

You can watch Cursed Pages at Vimeo here.

Escape Studios Visits BlueBolt VFX

Blue Bolt VFX

Many thanks to VFX house Blue Bolt which has generously hosted our students at Escape Studios for an in-person visit to their Clerkenwell premises.

Blue Bolt is the award-winning VFX studio behind many films and TV shows.  Our students gained valuable insight into the technical and creative processes behind modern VFX, as well as advice on showreels, careers and - most importantly - what it takes to break into the industry today.

The event was led by Will Hughes, Escape Studios' Talent Development Manager. 

Laura Lambert Joins "Futurefolk" Internship

Escapee Laura Lambert joins "Futurefolk" Internship, at Freefolk

Many congratulations to Escapee Laura Lambert who has joined "Futurefolk", the summer internship programme from Freefolk, one of London's leading VFX houses. 

Belle Leuschke Scheduler at Time Based Arts

Belle Leuschke joins Time Based Arts.

Many congratulations to Escapee Belle Leuschke who has joined the VFX house Time Based Arts in Shoreditch, London.

Belle Leuschke studied the Art of Computer Animation at Escape Studios, winning many awards for her work on a number of short films, including "When Life Gives You Lemons", Breakdown", and "The Descent". 

Caelan Galloway Intern at King Bee Animation

Caelan Galloway joins King Bee

Many congratulations to Escapee Caelan Galloway who has started an internship at King Bee Animation in London.  

Caelan Galloway studied the Art of Computer Animation at Escape Studios.  

While at Escape Studios Caelan worked on a number of award-winning short films, including "Crab Companion" and "The Port".

"Symphony" Wins "Best Animated Short" in NYC

Symphony wins Best Animation in NYC

Congratulations to the makers of "Symphony of The Morning Rush", the latest 2D animated film created by our graduating class of animation students, which has won "Best Animated Short" at the New York Movie Awards. 

Symphony of The Morning Rush was written, edited and directed by Eva Gifford, and produced by Michael Koden.  Emily Davidson was the art director, and Amelie Pignon was the animation director.  The original score was composed by Alexander Lidster. 

Introducing "Decree of The Lich King"

Introducing "Decree of The Lich King", the trailer for a turn-based Role Playing Game (RPG) set in a fantasy world.  Inspired by the world of Dungeons and Dragons, Decree of The Lich King was created by our graduating class of students at Escape Studios, a collaboration between students studying the Art of Video Games and the Art of Computer Animation.  Samir Rivero-Shahid was the Project Lead, and Gabriel Tomala edited the trailer.  Jahiem Antonio was the Lead Animator and Joel Seguin was the Lead Game Developer.  

Introducing "The Port"

The Port

Introducing "The Port", the latest short film created by our graduation class at Escape Studios.

In "The Port" Lucie, a marine biologist, stumbles across a horrifying creature in an old abandoned seaside building. 

The Port was a collaboration between students studying the Art of Games and The Art of Computer Animation. 

The Port was written and directed by Sohaib Mehar and produced by Amelia Chwesiuk.  You can find The Port at Vimeo here.

Introducing "First Night, Last Dance"

First Night, Last Dance

Introducing "First Night, Last Dance", the latest 2D animated film created by our graduating class of 2D animators at Escape Studios. 

First Night, Last Dance tells the story of a raindrop that comes to life, only to venture out into the heat of the desert sun.  

First Night, Last Dance was written and directed by Grace Chandler and produced by Rose Brooksby-Conroy. 

Introducing "Venus Tie Trap"

Venus Tie Trap

Introducing "Venus Tie Trap", the latest VFX short created by our graduating class of students at Escape Studios. Venus Tie Trap was written, directed and produced by Edie Queen-Jones, and co-written and co-directed by Rupin Odedra, who was also the 2D Lead.  

Mark Youssef was the 3D Lead, and John Heberden stars as the office worker.   You can watch Venus Tie Trap here at Vimeo. 

Introducing "Sunset Ecstasy"

Introducing "Sunset Ecstasy"

Introducing "Sunset Ecstasy", a Persian themed fantasy video game created by our graduating class of students at Escape Studios. 

"Sunset Ecstasy" was a collaboration between students studying the Art of Video Games and The Art of Computer Animation.  Sunset Ecstasy was produced by Kye-Takeuchi Brown. Leony Ye was the art director.  You can find Sunset Ecstasy here at Vimeo.

Introducing "Fashionably Late"

Fashionably Late

Introducing "Fashionably Late", the latest VFX short film from Escape Studios.  Fashionably Late tells the story of a competition runner who wakes up late - and finds herself in a world of trouble. 

Fashionably Late was produced by William Brooke, based on an original pitch by Daniela Al-Hilli.  Thomas Cunningham wrote the script.  The athlete was played by Ash Brittleton.  You can find "Fashionably Late" here at Vimeo. https://vimeo.com/1190139530

Introducing "Project Umbrae"

Project Umbrae

Introducing "Project Umbrae", a first person psychological horror experience created by our graduating students at Escape Studios. 

Project Umbrae was a collaboration between students studying the Art of Video Games and the Art of Computer Animation. 

You can find the Project Umbrae trailer at Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/1190412394

Introducing "Armed"

Introducing "Armed"

Introducing "Armed" , the latest 2D animated film created by our graduating class of animation students.  

Armed was written, directed and produced by Fred Mackenzie-Williams. The Art Director was Heidi Thompson. 

Armed tells the story of a cyborg boxer who faces a rematch after a devasting loss. Can she win the big fight, or will her opponent bring her down? You can find Armed at Vimeo here. 

DNEG feedback to our MA VFX Students

Many thanks to our VFX Industry Partner DNEG and DNEG artists Laura Morton, Arda Kutlu and Atilla Menteş for giving invaluable feedback to our Escape Studios MA VFX CG and Compositing students on their Team Project short film proposals.  

Introducing "Sparky"

Meet "Sparky"

Introducing "Sparky", the latest short VFX film from our graduating class of students at Escape Studios. "Sparky" tells the story of a robot dog that comes to life.  

"Sparky" was a collaboration between students studying the Art of Computer Animation and the Art of Visual Effects.  Rae Silapasoonthorn was the  writer, director and producer.  Sebastian Armstrong stars as the gamer.  You can watch Sparky at Vimeo here. 

"Symphony of The Morning Rush" Best Anim at EEFF

Symphony of The Morning Rush wins "Best Animation"

Congratulations to the makers of "Symphony of The Morning Rush", the latest 2D animated film created by our graduating class of animation students, which has won "Best Animated Short" at the Eastern European Film Festival. 

Symphony of The Morning Rush was written, edited and directed by Eva Gifford, and produced by Michael Koden.  Emily Davidson was the art director, and Amelie Pignon was the animation director.  The original score was composed by Alexander Lidster. 

Introducing "Protose"

Introducing "Protose", the latest VFX short from Escape Studios.  "Protose" tells the story of a meatless steak invention that goes horribly wrong. "Protose" was produced and directed by Yusuf Uddin.  Adam Armstrong stars as the chef.  

Introducing "KattiBao - An Embrace"

 

Introducing "KattiBao - An Embrace", the latest short film created by our graduating class of students at Escape Studios.  KattiBao - An Embrace was a collaboration between students studying the Art of Games, The Art of Animation, and also Character Creation.  In "KattiBao", two characters, Thidamana and XiXi face off in a stylised competitive dance.  The film was written, directed and produced by Grace Lam.  Arin Awojobi was the Art Director, and Mia Cliff was the cinematographer.

Escape Studios Animators Visit Framestore

Escape Animators visit Framestore

Friday 22nd May was the last day of term for our Second Year Undergraduate Animation Students, and the term ended with a visit to London VFX house Framestore, led by Escapee Ana Erbasu, and Ian Landman, Framestore's Head of Recruitment. 

Our students visited Framestore's Chancery Lane HQ, and saw some of the impressive work done by Framestore across its many divisions.  Kevin Richards reports.

Calling All Escapees: Rookies Deadline 22 June 2026

The Rookie Awards 2026

This year at our annual summer Expo our students presented some of the best work ever created at Escape Studios. 

The next step for our students, especially those graduating this summer, is to enter The Rookies, the international competition for young creatives; part contest and part showcase for rising talent - all our students are strongly encouraged to enter. 

Entry for the 2026 Rookies closes on 22 June 2026. 

Introducing "Scars"

 

Introducing "Scars", the latest short film from Escape Studios.  Scars tells the story of an elderly veteran suffering from a flashback to the Great War.  The film was a collaboration between our graduating class of students studying the Art of Games, The Art of Animation and Character Creation - working together across disciplines to create a group project.  Scars was directed by Charlie O'Sullivan, edited by Sam Blackburn and produced by Alex Sparks. Theo Craig was the Editor and Art Director. 

Escapee Vincenzo Meola Joins FreeFolk VFX

Escapee Vincenzo Meola joins FreeFolk VFX

Many congratulations to Escapee Vincenzo Meola who has joined FreeFolk VFX.

Vincenzo Meola studied the Art of Visual Effects at Escape Studios, specialising in 2D Compositing.