HENRY CRUICKSHANK

Henry makes work from his home in Edinburgh, Scotland. He graduated from Edinburgh College of Art in 2003 and as a freelance animator has worked for the BBC, Red Kite, Impact Arts, Once Were Farmers, Vomo and West Highland Animation. He is a member of the Scottish Animation Group, along with many ECA graduates and freelancers. His short animation Get Bizzy (2003) was funded by Scottish Screen.

Henry secures commercial projects for the most part through contacts working within the industry. He also works as an illustrator, produces comics, and teaches animation at a further education college. The majority of his time is spent running art workshops, using art as a vehicle for change and making a difference to the lives of young people.

STATE OF PLAY

When Henry graduated in 2003 there were a few funding schemes that filmmakers could develop their practice with. He was funded by Scottish Screen to make a film, but even by the time he had finished this, other opportunities seemed to have disappeared.

With online platforms, Henry appreciates the opportunity to get work to an audience. It gives him the motivation to make work knowing that there’s an audience out there, rather than making a film that might get shown to a small, selective audience at a film festival.

“If the idea of working within the industry drives you, and working as part of a team, do a couple of years at college, then dedicate yourself to work experience. If you’re looking to be more creative, to produce work yourself and be more independent, look to go to art college. Though be prepared that finding an actual job after art college will take a while.”

Image: Henry Cruickshank, Christmas Card (2012), Simple