Emma Youell

Describe what you do as a creative.

I am a motion graphic designer, which means I create animations and videos. I am also a videographer and editor, so I can go out and record content for videos and also edit the videos and then make them ready for wherever they need publishing, whether it will be YouTube, Facebook, Instagram or TikTok etc.

Emma founded Bezier Pictures.

Tell us briefly about yourself so we understand where you come from. What’s your family background?

I am a 31-year-old female with a huge passion for history. My hobby in my spare time is metal detecting and I officially record my finds with the Portable Antiquities Scheme, which is run by the British Museum. As a child, I grew up in Ramsgate, where, for generations, my family had lived. As an older child, I had moved to Dartford and lived here ever since. After my nan passed away in 2015, I also realised that I didn’t know anything about my family history, so I became deeply interested in genealogy. With such a deep interest in history, I love taking on projects that have a heritage theme.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

In a famous Band, Police Woman, archaeologist and forensic Scientist.

Can you remember your earliest experience with art?

At Christmas, presents were always art kits and sets and I remember being given a sketchbook with plain pages I used to begin by drawing pre-existing cartoon characters such as Mickey Mouse and the Simpsons.

Why did you start doing what you do? What are your reasons? What's your story?

There were many paths I could have taken during choices made at School, one was forensic science and the other was going into the military. I ended up following the art path after studying Art Graphics, Fine art and Media studies. I headed off to university wanting to study Graphic Design. After applying and being told the course was full, it was suggested to me that I should take the Motion Graphic Design course instead, which I agreed to. After graduating in 2013, I’ve not looked back and It is what I’ve done ever since, I love what I do.

What turns on your creativity? What triggers your need to create and make art?

Stories from history and gaps in the market covering themes I am interested in, for example, Metal Detecting. I am also inspired when I take time out to watching films and TV shows, the intros and title sequences can trigger creativity sparks.

What do you like best about your work?

When I am animating, I am often told what to show on the screen, but not how to show it - I like that I have the creative freedom of how I make things appear on the screen, it gives me creative control and I am able to best advise on what works and doesn’t work for video.

When were you most satisfied with your work? What is your golden moment so far?

My most golden moment so far in my career is when I had the opportunity to go into the Bank of England and photograph HRH Prince Charles and Camilla arriving to view a banknote display of all of the new polymer printed banknotes.

What is the most exciting part of your work at the moment?

For the past 9 years, I have worked in-house within companies in central London. I have now decided to take the leap and go freelance and also begin setting up my own video production company. This is the most exciting thing for me at the moment as I am able to be in control of my creativity and all of the projects I work on.

What is your dream project?

I commissioned a script to be written about the true story that happened to my Great Grandmothers husband. He was on the HMS Hythe in 1915 when the British steamship was hit by another friendly ship off the coast of Gallipoli. The HMS Hythe sank and killed over 150 men, most from the local area of Tonbridge. My dream and my passion is to bring the script to the screen in the format of a short film.

Your idea of happiness?

Doing what I love, telling great stories and leading a happy home life.

What art/creativity-related book should everyone read?

If you are interested in marketing and brand an interesting read is The Brand Gap by Marty Neumeier.

Tell us a lesson life has taught you.

Do not hide the things you are passionate about, be true and honest. Look after yourself and do what makes you happy.