Laura Beattie

Class of 2020

Before IM: I attended Ballyclare Secondary School where I completed A-Levels in Media Studies and English Literature. I also completed an A-Level in Moving Image Arts in Ballyclare High School.

After IM: I am currently working as a Graphic Designer for Twinkl.

My Interactive Media course

During IM

One of my favourite modules was ‘Interactivity for Social Enterprise’. I worked as part of a team to develop an exhibition for GreatPlaceNorthBelfast to engage users about the heritage and culture available in the North of the city. We also developed an interactive media campaign to engage young people and families in heritage and culture in North Belfast. With the goal to help foster a spirit of regeneration and stability for building and spaces that need to be sustainable in the future.

I also loved the opportunity to take part in the Tutoring in Schools programme ‘Generation Animation’ where I got the opportunity to teach Primary School aged pupils how to produce their own stop motion film.

I made a lifelong friend on this course – we often collaborate on freelance and volunteer projects during our time at University and after graduation.

After IM

I am currently working as a Graphic Designer for Twinkl. Twinkl is an international online educational publishing house, producing teaching and educational materials. I work as part of the Ireland team along with content writers, editors, illustrators and designers to create educational materials for the Irish curriculum. I have created motion graphics for Yoga partnerships and designed educational content packs for a partnership with ISPCC (Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children).

Over the past two years I have also had the opportunity to design and produce a children’s book called ‘Zoe’s Big Day Out’ in collaboration with illustrator ThisLemonLife. This book is provided to children attending Asthma and Allergy appointments in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust with the goal of reducing anxiety by informing children about what to expect on the day.

In 2023 I had the opportunity to deliver the Motion Graphics workshops and lectures for a semester for the interactive Media course. It has been interesting to see the dynamic of delivering a module as I was in the students position back in 2018. Seeing the university experience from the other perspective has been really beneficial for me.