Sharna Campbell is a mature student, a mother, and an evolving visual storyteller. Returning to education later in life has been one of the most transformative decisions she has ever made. It has challenged her to grow not just academically, but also creatively, emotionally, and personally. Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood with university life hasn’t been easy, but it has shaped who she is as an artist and as a person.

The journey has not only taught Campbell about animation and design—it has also deepened her sense of purpose, resilience, and identity. Before joining university, she was more of a traditional drawer than a digital animator. Drawing was always a comfort to her—a space where she could express emotions, reflect on experiences, and connect with her surroundings. Campbell saw the world through lines and shapes, finding beauty in the everyday. Animation, especially 3D animation, once seemed like a distant and highly technical field that didn’t feel like it had room for the kind of storytelling she loved. But once she stepped into the course, her eyes were opened to the depth, creativity, and emotional power that animation could hold.

Being part of the course has helped Campbell realise that animation is not just about movement or visuals—it’s about connection. It’s about bringing something meaningful to life, frame by frame. She discovered how digital tools can work hand-in-hand with traditional skills to create powerful narratives. She has moved from simply drawing what she sees to telling stories rooted in emotion, culture, and real-life experiences. Animation has become her bridge between art and storytelling.