DESPITE pursuing a unique and creative career choice, an animator and artist has drawn up a successful future that has now come "full circle".
After studying graphic design and IT at Carmel College, Jamie Stockley was encouraged to follow his side passion of animation - in spite of his concern about a lack of local jobs in the field.
Deciding to follow his artistic passion, Haydock-based Jamie has gone on to work on many highly-rated animation shows, such as Tim Burton's Frankenweenie, Roary the Racing Car, and the BAFTA-winning Clangers.
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Gaining years of experience in stop-motion animation and puppet making, Jamie has now risen to become an Art Director at Altrincham-based Factory Create; a highly-respectable animation studio that has contributed to countless shows and series.
More recently, Jamie has also been freelancing his art and 'doodles' for a range of commercial and residential clients around the North West, such as Halloween and Christmas displays as well as large-scale business murals.
And after forging his own artistic path, Jamie has been giving talks at his old college and university to encourage more people into the creative industries - and has also been featured in the World of Glass' 'Creative Roots' exhibition which celebrates the work and achievements of local residents.
Jamie, 37, said: "I've always been passionate about animation but I remember thinking that animation was more of a dream than a reality, being from St Helens.
"After giving these educational talks, it feels like everything has come full circle now I'm the one giving the advice to young people - and the World of Glass exhibition made me emotional because my granddad always used to take me there when I was younger.
"I've had some really great feedback from my work and murals, which is really rewarding for me.
"I love what I do and I don't really have a day off because I'm still just really excited by the work, and especially now that I can show younger people that they can do this."
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