Rachel Larkum

Lecturer
Faculty:
Faculty of Arts, Humanities, Education and Social Sciences
School:
Cambridge School of Art
Location:
Cambridge
Areas of Expertise:
Illustration, drawing and book art , Graphic design and typography , Animation
Courses taught:

With over 25 years of experience working within the creative industries, Rachel's experience ranges from 2D animation, 3D computer animation, interactive work and design in a variety of disciplines from children’s TV to computer games, interactives and design.

[email protected]

Background

Rachel started her academic career with a BA Hons in Illustration and Graphics from Edinburgh College of Art, followed by an MA in Animation at The Royal College of Art. Her professional path led her to diverse roles in the animation industry. Initially, she worked as a 2D animator in Sydney, Australia, contributing to children’s TV productions. Later, she ventured into interactive animation for Cartoon Network in London, where she worked on the series Power Puff Girls and Dexter's Laboratory. Later moving into 3D animation, she joined Sony Entertainment in London, working as a 3D animator on a wide variety of Sony computer games. Rachel's expertise also extended to children’s TV, where she engaged in 3D animation for ITV on a live action/3D computer animated series. Beyond entertainment, she applied her design skills in the rail industry, working as a graphic designer/animator, as well as working for London based PR/Design agencies, creating design work for large brands like Canon, producing graphics and motion work.

Rachel's animation work has been showcased at various animation festivals across the UK and her graduation RCA film was bought and screened by Channel 4 in 1995.

Alongside her professional endeavours, Rachel has over 15 years experience lecturing at art schools throughout the UK. Here she has shared her expertise in animation and graphics at art schools such as London College of Communication, Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts, Greenwich University, London Southbank University, Edinburgh, and Glasgow School of Art. Rachel is currently external examiner at Middlesex university on the animation and games course.

Research interests
  • Animation
  • Motion graphics
  • Graphic design
  • Illustration
Teaching

Rachel currently teaches on the following modules:

  • Professional Sequential Practice - Module lead
  • Animation Skills - Module lead
  • Sequential Structures and Contexts
  • Animation Practice
Qualifications
  • Art Foundation - Buckinghamshire University
  • BA (Hons) - Edinburgh College of Art
  • MA Animation - The Royal College of Art
  • PG Cert in Art & Design Education - UAL