.about James Kearsley

 

The bit where I get to talk about me..

I've always had an interest in art, design and technology so it's not a surprise that i'd end up working in web design, 3d animation or visual effects. Or all 3...

My interest in creative ventures started early - from drawing as a kid at an early age, to using the inherent lack-of-speed of an old macintosh (circa 1986) to make animations using the complete lack of refresh rate. Of course this wasn't very professional and I ended up studying Art and Design in school and college, where I learned the very basics (but importance) of things such as colour theory, form and shape. I also got my first taste of sculpture, which would prove more handy than I thought when I became able to model in 3d.

I started off my career producing CAD drawings for various design companies - architectural, mechanical, building services and even telecommunication firms. It was at this stage that I decided to start learning HTML and website design in my own time - in the desire to produce something more creative, that expressed my artistic side. An obvious move after learning basic web design was to learn Flash, so I did this in my own time (often juggling many things!)

I've always found that I can teach myself new abilities quite quickly, something i'm very grateful for and my interest in flash animation and interface production sparked a further interest into 3d vector animation, ending up in learning film-standard 3d animation and visual effects software. It didn't happen as quickly as that though! It was at this point that I started freelancing in the areas of web design, incorporating 3d, video and multimedia elements into my web work. I decided to learn accompanying skills with After Effects for compositing and motion graphics, camera tracking software, Photoshop, Illustrator and the like. I felt the more skills I could offer, the more work I could seek.

When I first started learning, my first goal was to put my unused talents and desire to express creativity to use. Once i'd achieved that level, my second goal was to turn it into a continuing venture that would grow with me - which is what JK Studios has become, many years after I started my first ever project. I like to think that the skills that i've taught myself have always been with the intention of levering an ability to do more, which is an ethic I carry over to the JK Studios brand - a variety of skills that are different but complimentary to one another.

Since I started teaching myself, i've been able to work on increasing bigger projects and with an expanding portfolio, i've been able to offer additional services. In 2007 I attended Escape studios - Europes leading CG & VFX training facility and in 2008 I was nominated for a Visual Effects award at the Escape awards, held at the Tate modern. I did not win unfortunately, but it represented a milestone from sitting and teaching myself something some 8 or 9 years prior, to be able to be in a room with the best of those in the industry in the heart of London. I now work with other creatives on various projects as the need demands and offer the skills we bring to the table as a growing business under the JK Studios brand.

When i'm not occasionally busy working overnight to hit production deadlines (anyone in animation knows what this can be like), I pursue other creative ventures...drawing, the occasional painting, but mostly guitar playing, writing and recording. A while ago I took up buying guitars and re-painting them in custom styles. Something that is enjoyable but far too long-winded to make any sort of career out of...it's also pretty messy.

I have 10 GCSE's and a few A-levels from School.

I like to keep myself fit with weight-training and (new for 2009) - running. Dont book me into any marathons just yet though.

I enjoy the usual things any 29 year-old likes...pub, cinema, bowling, relaxing in with a film and of course the good old Xbox and Wii. Occasionally (usually in Summer) I like to get out and go powerkiting, whether it be on a board, buggy or just my feet. I have a passion for music festivals - my next one would be my tenth, together with a love of Formula 1.