e-card 09 - 1st Prize winner - 'Ethel' by James Chilton
James explained, “I am a big fan of Giles and the Grandma character in those cartoons was an inspiration. I wanted her to be innocent looking, but not. Before my own Grandma died she had spinal problems and she was so short that we only saw her head above the window when she came round. I just used these ideas and tried to make it funny and different. I couldn’t believe it when I won. Having my work shown in Pictureville at the Animation Festival is probably the highlight of my year (as it is only November I can’t be completely sure yet!)”
James is eighteen and came to Bradford College last year having left school halfway through his A Level courses. “I had a tough time at school and didn’t enjoy it. This is such a confidence boost. I feel I have finally found what I am good at.” James is also delighted to have won a placement at Hallmark. Hardworking James has a part-time retail job as well as studying full-time, and with typical humour, says “I am really looking forward to working in an environment where I am not stacking shelves!”