What inspired you to get into animation?
I originally came from a background in fine art studying for a BA and MA. When I came to London I started working in the film industry, but I felt live action lacked the tactile element the Arts can bring so I decide to do an MA at the NFTS. The Brother Quay, Svankmajer and Susan Pitt were all strong influences in drawing me towards animation as an art form.
How did you make it a reality?
Hard work, luck and most importantly persistence.
What would you say is the biggest challenge facing women the industry?
Belief in themselves, but that can apply across the board. Of course you encounter obstacles, but the key is to believe in yourself and to build slowly and carefully. It does not come by itself.
Were there ever times where you felt like being a woman may have impacted your career, or have you ever felt professionally excluded because of it?
There are ceilings to be broken and the statistics speak for themselves, but I was either oblivious to it or just lucky as I have never felt there was anything I couldn’t overcome – even if it meant changing gears.
Did you have mentors or support networks throughout your career that really helped push you forward?
The whole animation community, teachers, filmmakers, festival goers and people you trust! Too many to name! Everyone you meet feeds you step by step.
How do you plan to help advance the idea of more women in the industry?
By supporting each other.
What advice would you give to women wanting to enter the industry?
Make a plan of what you want to achieve and the steps you think you should take, and adjust accordingly to what life throws you.
If you were hosting a dinner party who would you invite and why?
I probably simply would not host a dinner party! I hate being the center of attention and I prefer one to one communication. I love chance encounters.
Take a look at some of Kim’s amazing work.
Watch The Evening Her Mind Jumped Out of Her Head
