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Dan Kelby

Lecturer, BA (Hons) Animation

Dan Kelby is a Lecturer on BA (Hons) Animation at Norwich University of the Arts. Dan is a graduate of the University and began his creative career working as a Graphic Designer. In 2014 he returned to his first love of animation and launched a freelance business providing character designs, concept art and illustration for the entertainment industry. Since then, he has worked for a variety of international clients from his home studio in Norwich. Dan is a multi-skilled artist whose teaching encourages the continued practice of artistic fundamentals. He has a particular love for life drawing and is continually inspired by the creativity of all the University’s students.

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Staff profile image of Dan Kelby. Dan wears a plaid shirt over a white top, and is stood in front of the windows in the Media Lab

I have spent over 15 years working in the creative industries as a graphic designer, illustrator, character designer and concept artist, and have had the pleasure of seeing my work reach the eyes of many via publishing, advertising, television and even an animated movie. My clients include Disney TV Animation, Cartoon Network, Blink Industries, nWave Pictures, Lucasfilm Press and Passion Animation.

In my freelance career I cultivated a busy practice working remotely for clients in the United States, Europe, and the UK, which I hope will inspire students to consider pursuing remote-based working as a viable alternative to relocating for work post-graduation. After attending international animation conventions I truly believe that community is at the heart of our industry, and I am passionate about sharing my knowledge of the freelance world and ways that students can ‘break in’ to their chosen field.

Like many creatives I have always been “the arty one”; wiling away many hours as a child creating my own worlds through the medium of visual storytelling. As an adult, I am privileged to have been able to turn my artistic calling into my career, and it is my pleasure to return to my alma mater to pass on what I have learned to future generations of artists.

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Lecturer, BA (Hons) Animation

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