From Student to Digital Artist: Former EKC Group student turns passion into career at A+C Studios

From building his own computer at college to working on global campaigns for brands like LEGO, former EKC Broadstairs College student Jay has carved out a successful career as a Digital Artist at leading animation studio A+C – and he’s just getting started.

Jay’s journey began at EKC Broadstairs College (then known as East Kent College), where he studied IT, Computing, and Media.

It was here that he first began exploring his creative and technical skills, designing games, writing code, and even constructing his own PC from scratch.

But more than just technical know-how, the course gave him a deeper understanding of how software and hardware interact – and, crucially, how to work collaboratively on creative projects.

“The course was a good way to dive deep into how everything works,” Jay said.

“It helped me learn not only the tools, but also how different components talk to each other. That foundation helped me massively in my role now.”

Former EKC Group student Jay Smith becomes Animator at A+C

After graduating from college, during lockdown, Jay got in touch with A+C Studios, based in Margate, and compiled a portfolio of 2D animations he’d created in his spare time to send in.

“They were busy with a few LEGO projects at the time and asked me to help with some cleanup work,” he explained.

“I was familiar with the Adobe Suite, so I jumped right in.”

Initially brought in as a freelancer, Jay quickly proved his worth. Within a month, A+C offered him a full-time role as a Junior Artist.

Just over a year later, he was promoted to Digital Artist – a title that reflects the broad range of skills he’s developed, from 2D animation to 3D modelling and digital post-production.

At A+C, Jay plays a key role in the studio’s post-production pipeline. Whether he’s animating, modelling, or refining visuals, he thrives in a creative team environment where collaboration is at the heart of everything.

“There’s a great team-based workflow here,” he said.

“Everyone plays a part, and you never know what we’ll come up with next. Everyone has a different role depending on their talent, and that diversity of input really shapes our projects.”

Jay’s passion for animation and digital art has taken him far, and now, he’s encouraging the next generation of creatives to follow their instincts.

“If you’re passionate about animation, just get your work out there,” he said.

“You don’t need a degree or formal teaching experience. Just show what you can do. There’s so much hidden talent out there – you just need to put yourself forward.”

He also sees a bright future for local talent in the area, thanks to initiatives like Margate Digital, a creative hub designed to support emerging artists and digital innovators across Thanet.

“I think Margate Digital is going to change everything,” he said.

“There’s so much creative talent in Margate and Thanet, and people just need the encouragement to share it.

“If you’re struggling, there are always people here to help. This is a great place to grow.”

Jay’s story is a shining example of how dedication, creativity, and a bit of courage can turn a passion into a profession – and how East Kent’s next generation of digital artists are already shaping the future of animation.