Cardiff Animation Festival

Yesterday, I attended the Cardiff Animation Festival, and the experience was absolutely incredible. It wasn’t just about the specific events I attended; it was the atmosphere of being surrounded by like-minded creatives. There is something deeply refreshing about being in a space where everyone shares the same intense passion for animation.

I am particularly proud of myself for attending this event solo. Going without a "support system" can be daunting, but I successfully pushed myself to network. I initiated conversations and exchanged business cards—something that has always been a significant hurdle for me.

As an anxious person with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), networking often feels like a forced or unnatural task. However, I managed to navigate those social obstacles and share my work with others. It felt like a major win to not only get my name out there but to overcome a personal barrier in the process.

A huge part of my newfound confidence comes from the fact that I finally consider my portfolio finished. Being proud of my work makes me much more willing to share it with the world.

Moving forward, my plan is to:

• Attend more industry-specific animation events regularly.

• Continue sharing my portfolio with pride.

• Dedicate time to mastering Moho to further sharpen my technical skills.