What can give you the edge in today’s media landscape? How to identify the things that make you stand out the most? What is the value of an art craft in a digital world? Let’s find out in this industry panel hosted by Motion Hatch.
Hayley Akins will be joined by Justin Jegat, Cat Johnston, Erwin van de IJssel, Izzy Barszcz.
Former production coordinator, Justin Jegat joined TVPaint in June 2025, led by his studio experience and his crave for technical solutions to artistic needs
TVPaint is the industry-leading 2D animation software trusted by studios and animators worldwide from independent creators to major productions. Built around a natural, hand-drawn workflow, TVPaint gives animators the tools to bring their ideas to life frame by frame, exactly as intended.
With a background in stop motion animation, Cat Johnston mixes skills learnt in that industry with her own unique illustration style and design sensibility to create a strange universe of fantastical creatures. Over the years Cat has worked for a wide range of clients in a multitude of mediums: from illustration to character design, large scale window displays to tiny props and sets for stop motion. And she has made a varied menagerie of puppets for both animated and live action films and commercials.
Previous clients include Penguin, Linda McCartney Foods and Facebook. She recently spent 4 years working in the costume department at Laika and doing look development for their upcoming film Wildwood.
Design at Nexus Studios is led by celebrated Creative Director, Erwin van den IJssel. Beginning in motion design, Erwin expanded his skillset into directing for both animation and live action; meticulously tailoring each project to its own unique needs. With over 15 years of directing experience, Erwin’s multi-disciplinary expertise is unparalleled; elevating brands with elegance and style.
Izzy Barszcz is a Senior Lecturer in Animation at the University of the Arts London, an animation director and wild swimmer. She teaches across BA and MA courses, with a particular interest in experimental approaches, materiality and collaboration. Her creative work explores social justice, environmentalism and representation. NFTS alumna, 2021
Motion Hatch is an online learning hub for freelance motion graphic designers and animators. We offer training materials, resources, a community forum and a bi-weekly podcast discussing the ins and outs of the business side of motion design. It was founded by Hayley Akins as a resource to help motion designers and animators get advice and support with the things that sometimes seem hard and boring – like knowing what to charge clients, how to protect your business with contracts and much more.
