Feature
From Florida to Dundee
Published on 13 June 2021
From moving from Florida to Scotland at the end of high school to graduating at DJCAD with a BDes in Animation. We spoke to Faith McConnell to find out about her experience at DJCAD and what she’s enjoyed most about living in the City of Discovery.
Faith McConnell, Animation
"I found DJCAD when I began looking into doing an Animation degree and thought it was perfect. There're not many schools in Scotland or the UK that do animation, and DJCAD definitely had the stronger offering for me. After attending one of the open days and meeting some of the staff who were so lovely and skilled, I knew this is where I wanted to study."
DJCAD
"One of my favourite things about being a student at DJCAD was working in the studio that we all shared - I had my own desk and was able to study, learn and grow in a nurturing environment with my friends working beside me.
"The Library was also another really nice place to work in, I would always go up there whenever I wanted to study by myself. It's such a peaceful place, and the natural lighting is amazing. I could just put in my headphones, listen to music and really enjoy the space while I worked - I found it so peaceful there.
"I also joined a few clubs while I've been here too, I joined Archery and boxing with a couple of my friends, I also joined the University Gym which is really good. It’s a great way to meet new people, and it gave me something else to look forward to after a day of studying.
"Everyone, the staff, and students are so nice here. I've made loads of friends and some great connections for the future."
The City
"Dundee is beautiful, and it's growing too. There's a wonderful creative community here, and it's won some amazing awards, from being a UNESCO City of Design to Britain's Coolest Little City. I love how the city itself is quite compact, and it's all walkable, yet you can drive out of the city anywhere and see mountains within 10 minutes. The views over the River Tay are beautiful too. It feels like home here."
Looking forward
"Recently, I've been freelancing, working on comics projects and a couple of different commissions. I’m planning on going back home to the states to find a job. I’ve applied to a few different studios, and I’m just waiting to hear back."
Advice
"Just go for it. I’ve made so many friends here. I like that I could solely focus on studying animation, whereas, in America, I would have had to study science, math, English, and history, as well as animation. I've been able to really concentrate on learning what I enjoy the most here in Scotland.
"Focus on what you want to get out of university, try to develop your skills, and realise that this is just a learning stage in your life. Make sure you get as much out of going to university as you can, but most of all, enjoy yourself."