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Joseph Rowell

Lecturer, BA (Hons) Animation and Visual Effects

Joseph Rowell is a Lecturer in Animation and Visual Effects. After graduating in 2015 he gained extensive experience in the visual effects industry before joining the Visual Effects team in 2021. His work bridges the gap between creative storytelling and technical execution, and he brings this integrated approach into his teaching.

Joseph maintains a strong interest in industry developments, with a particular focus on emerging technologies in animation and visual effects. He is dedicated to incorporating these advancements into the classroom to ensure students are equipped with current, industry-relevant skills and knowledge.

BA Animation and Visual Effects Lecturer Joseph Rowell standing in front of green wall at Norwich University of the Arts

A lifelong fascination with fantasy worlds and games sparked my passion for storytelling and imaginative design. This led me to traditional clay sculpting, an early way to bring my ideas into physical form. Over time, I discovered a powerful synergy between traditional art and digital technology, allowing me to explore new modes of visual storytelling and expand the possibilities of narrative expression.

Throughout my career in the creative industry, I have worked extensively as a generalist on a wide range of projects, from film to advertising. This has allowed me to gain a solid understanding of multiple disciplines within the CG pipeline—including modelling, texturing, simulation, and compositing. This broad foundation has given me a holistic view of production workflows and a deeper appreciation for the collaborative nature of CG art.

Among these disciplines, I developed a particular affinity for lighting. Through hands-on experience, I came to appreciate how lighting serves not only a technical function but also a deeply expressive one—shaping mood, guiding the viewer’s eye, and reinforcing the emotional arc of a scene. My connection to CG lighting is rooted in its narrative power, and it remains a core focus of my creative work today.

Looking ahead, I am passionate about bringing this knowledge into the classroom. I aim to foster learning environments that help students confidently combine their creativity with the technical demands of the CG world. By using teaching techniques that bridge artistic vision with practical skill, I strive to empower the next generation of digital artists to tell meaningful stories with confidence and originality.

Lecturer, BA (Hons) Animation and Visual Effects Lecturer, BA (Hons) Animation

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