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Arts University Plymouth graduate’s award-winning animation screens at BFI Future Film Festival 2025
Friday, 21 February, 2025 — Discover how Arts University Plymouth graduate Conor Mullin developed his animation skills on BA (Hons) Illustration, leading to his RTS-nominated short Singularity screening at BFI Future Film Festival 2025.
<p dir="ltr">Arts University Plymouth graduate <strong><a href="https://conormullin.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conor Mullin</a></strong> (BA (Hons) Illustration, 2017–2020) is making his mark in animation, with his latest short film 'Singularity' earning industry recognition. The film, which won a <strong>Bronze Award at the Latitude Film Awards</strong> and was <strong>nominated for the RTS Student Television Awards 2024</strong>, will next be showcased at the <strong><a href="https://www.bfi.org.uk/news/bfi-future-film-festival-2025-nominations-jury-prizes-announced" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BFI Future Film Festival 2025</a></strong>—a prestigious event spotlighting emerging talent in filmmaking.</p>
<p>Originally from Kent, Conor completed his <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-illustration">BA (Hons) Illustration</a> degree at Arts University Plymouth in 2020 and continued his creative journey by progressing to study MA Animation in Bristol. His distinctive storytelling—blending stop-motion, digital techniques, and observational humor—demonstrates the interdisciplinary, industry-focused skills fostered at Arts University Plymouth.</p>
<h2><strong>From BA (Hons) Illustration to award-winning animation</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr">While studying BA (Hons) Illustration at Arts University Plymouth, Conor developed a strong foundation in thumbnailing, visual storytelling, and mixed-media experimentation—key skills that underpin his success as a filmmaker.</p>
<p dir="ltr">He credits the freedom to explore different creative approaches and the supportive environment provided by his tutors as instrumental in shaping his artistic development.<br /></p>
Still from Conor Mullin's 'Singularity'
The Illustration course at Arts University Plymouth set me up with skills that helped me progress into the animation industry. I built foundational skills in thumbnailing, which I now rely on when developing narratives and storyboarding. The tutors were really supportive when I started to implement animated elements into my illustrative work, and that freedom to explore my interests has been invaluable in my current projects.
— BA (Hons) Illustration graduate Conor Mullin
Conor Mullin working in the studio on 'Singularity'
<p dir="ltr">Arts University Plymouth’s specialist BA (Hons) Illustration and BA (Hons) Animation & Games degrees encourage students to explore their own creative paths, offering opportunities to collaborate across disciplines.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The university’s industry-standard animation and film facilities, including a stop-motion studio, green screen, and motion capture technology, provide students with the tools to experiment and develop their craft.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-illustration"><strong>Explore BA (Hons) Illustration at Arts University Plymouth</strong></a><br /></p>
<h2><strong>What is Singularity?</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr">Conor’s latest short, ‘Singularity’, is a darkly comic sci-fi film that explores themes of isolation and what we do when faced with nothing to occupy our time. The film has been gaining momentum, securing:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Bronze Award at Latitude Film Awards</strong></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>RTS Student Television Awards 2024 nomination (Postgraduate Animation category)</strong></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Selection for BFI Future Film Festival 2025</strong></p></li></ul>
<p dir="ltr">The BFI Future Film Festival is one of the UK’s leading events for emerging filmmakers, offering networking opportunities, industry mentorship, and screenings at the British Film Institute’s Southbank venue in London.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/futurefilmfestival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Learn more about BFI Future Film Festival</strong></a><br /></p>
Still from Conor Mullin's 'Singularity'
<h2><strong>Illustration and animation at Arts University Plymouth</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr">If you're inspired by Conor's journey, Arts University Plymouth offers specialist degrees designed for aspiring animators, illustrators, and digital storytellers.</p><h3><strong>BA (Hons) Illustration</strong></h3>
<p dir="ltr">Develop your own artistic voice while mastering storytelling, printmaking, digital illustration, and character design. The course offers:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Industry-ready skills in editorial illustration, graphic novels, and animation</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Cross-disciplinary collaboration with Animation, Games, and Film students</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Access to professional-standard print and digital facilities</p></li></ul>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-illustration"><strong>Find out more about BA (Hons) Illustration</strong></a></p><h3><strong>BA (Hons) Animation & Games</strong></h3>
<p dir="ltr">A specialist course for students interested in 2D & 3D animation, game design, and visual storytelling, with:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Industry-standard software like Toon Boom, Maya, Unreal Engine & ZBrush</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Collaborative projects with Film & Screen Arts students</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Access to Europe’s largest immersive dome for 360-degree animation projects</p></li></ul>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-game-arts-animation"><strong>Find out more about BA (Hons) Animation & Games</strong></a><br /></p>
We always encourage our students to push their creative practice during their time with us, and Conor's journey from graduating BA (Hons) Illustration to creating award-winning animation is a perfect example of that. He worked hard to build industry-ready skills during his studies, and this payoff is well deserved!
— Sam Rowe, Senior Lecturer and joint Course Leader for BA (Hons) Illustration
<h2><strong>Take your creativity further with MA Communication Design</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr">For students looking to refine their skills and develop a professional creative voice, <strong>MA Communication Design</strong> at Arts University Plymouth offers an exciting opportunity to push the boundaries of visual storytelling, branding, and design communication.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The course is designed for graduates of Illustration, Graphic Design, and other communication disciplines, and is ideal for students who want to:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Explore narrative-driven design across multiple media</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and industry projects</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Develop a unique creative signature for commercial or personal practice</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Tackle real-world challenges through brand-led campaigns and research-led design</p></li></ul>
<p dir="ltr">With access to our Fab Lab, Digital Print Bureau, Multimedia Studios, and Imprint Lab, students can experiment with both traditional and emerging technologies to develop innovative, future-facing design solutions.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/ma-design-communication">Register your interest today</a></strong><br /></p>
Animatic from 'Singularity'
<h3><strong>Start your creative journey</strong></h3>
<p dir="ltr">Applications are now open for <strong>BA (Hons) Illustration</strong>, <strong>BA (Hons) Animation & Games</strong>, and <strong>MA Communication Design</strong>. If you’re passionate about illustration, animation, or storytelling, <strong>join a creative community that will help you turn your ideas into industry-ready work.</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/apply"><strong>Apply Now </strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/open-days"><strong>Book an Open Day</strong></a></p>
