Breaking the Mould: How a Young Creative Found Her Future in Motion Graphics & Animation at AOD
View(s):- AOD Alumna, Chaya Weerasinghe Transforms Her Passion Into a Future-Proof Career in Design
A Childhood Dream Finds Its Direction From her earliest years, Chaya Weerasinghe dreamed of being an artist. She spent hours sketching in notebooks, gifting her creations to friends, and developing a natural flair for storytelling through visuals. Yet, societal expectations often valued careers in medicine, law, or engineering, while creative paths were less understood and rarely encouraged. Excelling in subjects like English Literature and French, Chaya found conventional academic pathways restrictive. She needed an education that would nurture her creativity while equipping her with practical, professional skills to build a sustainable, future-ready career.
Discovering a Creative Pathway After O/Ls
After completing her O/Ls, Chaya sought a path aligned with her passions. The Foundation Programme at the Academy of Design (AOD) offered a one-year course providing direct entry into internationally recognised BA degrees awarded by Northumbria University. Unlike traditional A/L streams, it allowed students to explore multiple disciplines from fashion and interior design to graphic communication and animation while gaining exposure to real-world projects from the start. Initially cautious, her parents were reassured after speaking with families whose children had thrived at AOD. They saw the programme not as a shortcut, but as a structured, credible stepping stone into a professional creative career — one offering both fulfilment and industry recognition.
Foundation Programme: Confirming a Creative Career
Enrolling in 2021, Chaya’s Foundation year became a turning point. The programme encouraged exploration, helping her discover a deep passion for Motion Graphics and Animation Design. Early freelancing allowed her to gain practical experience while still a student, building confidence and a professional network. Progressing into the BA (Hons) Motion Graphics and Animation Design awarded by Northumbria University, she honed her skills in 2D and 3D illustration, animation, and visual storytelling. The industry-focused, project-based curriculum mirrored real-world briefs, enabling her to build a professional portfolio and develop a clear sense of career direction even before graduation.
Real Experience Before Graduation By graduation, Chaya had over four years of hands-on experience. She worked as a 2D Game Artist for “A Fishy Tale” at the Marga Institute, creating 150+ illustrations, characters, and environments rooted in local culture. Now a Senior Illustrator for Education and Social Impact with 5+ years in the industry, she combines 2D/3D illustration, animation, and game design to address global issues through visual storytelling. She was Lead by Environment Artist at Retroid Ltd in the UK, managed a team and asset workflows, and worked as a Vector Illustrator for Wirestock in the USA on global marketing campaigns. Alongside freelance work, she launched The Tiny Company, a cat adoption board game with handcrafted mini figurines from her university final project, showing how creative education can lead to real-world impact and enterprise.
Awards and Recognition Chaya’s talent was consistently acknowledged throughout her studies at AOD. She earned the Best Concept Developer award in both 2022 and 2023, and the Best Storyteller award in 2024. Her graduation exhibition at Cinnamon Life marked another milestone, with industry professionals engaging with her work, offering constructive feedback, and encouraging her to commercialise projects. This recognition affirmed the professional relevance of her creative output and inspired her entrepreneurial journey, showing that academic success and real-world application can go hand in hand.
Why This Matters for Parents and Students
AOD’s approach blends creativity with employability, as seen in Chaya’s journey. The Foundation Programme built her confidence, encouraged exploration, and introduced her to industry tools. In the BA, she refined these strengths through real-world projects, mentorship, and opportunities to present work to clients. By graduation, she held a recognised degree awarded by Northumbria University, a strong professional portfolio, and the confidence to step directly into senior creative roles. Her story illustrates that guided artistic talent can become a respected, future-proof career — opening doors across education, entertainment, advertising, and social impact, while also enabling graduates to contribute meaningfully to global challenges.
Enroll Now: September 2025 Intake Open
The BA (Hons) Motion Graphics and Animation Design programme begins this September. For post-A/L students and O/L graduates seeking a future-ready path where passion meets purpose, this is the moment.
Call or WhatsApp 074 112 0276 to speak with an advisor, or visit AOD at Colombo Innovation Tower on weekdays. Learn more at www.aod.lk
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