Justin animated about Dragon Matrix commission

A D&A College graduate has been given the chance to put his skills to good use following on from a Vision to Virtual Reality event.

Justin Dolan, 21, has just completed a HND in Animation and is now working on the movement of characters in Dragon Matrix, being staged i n Monikie Country Park.

Dragon Matrix will transform the country park into a forest inhabited by dragons, trolls, fairies and goblins by combining a live theatrical performance with augmented reality technology.

Justin won the chance to work for Vision Mechanics, the Edinburgh theatre company behind the event, after its artistic director visited D&A College’s Gardyne Campus for a Vision to Virtual Reality event staged by lecturing staff.

Symon Macintyre was so impressed with the standard of work being produced at the college that he invited students to apply for a position.

Students submitted a short showreel of their best character movement animations and a covering letter — with Justin’s work chosen by Dragon Matrix animation project manager, Saara Vakiparta.

Course leader Dean Robertson said: “Justin’s showreel demonstrated the most ambitious and successful character movement that best matched the style required for Dragon Matrix characters.”

Justin is finding work on the project an exhilarating experience.

“It’s exciting to be working on a commission so soon after completing my course,” he said.

“It’s an excellent way for me to show off the skills that I have learned and developed at college.”

Symon added: “We very much look forward to seeing what he comes up with for Dragon Matrix, and wish him the very best of luck as he carves out his career in animation.”

Justin Dolan