As the games and animation industries increasingly demand technical artists who bridge creativity and code, four final-year students from South East Technological University (SETU) demonstrated exactly this fusion at Kilkenny Animated Pathways 2025 (3-5 October).
Their presentations on innovative final-year projects captivated second-level students and highlighted the exciting career possibilities in technical art.
Freya Prananta, Rachel O'Connor, Caitlin Brennan, and Naoise Ryan, all specialising in the intersection of art, design, and programming, showcased work that pushes the boundaries of interactive media. Freya is developing a Muse dash-style game controlled by a live drum kit, while Rachel uses a hands-free Leap Motion controller to allow players to mix potions and cure characters through gestures alone. Caitlin is building a platformer in Phaser that integrates skeletal animation systems for fluid, dynamic character movement, and Ryan is creating a game inspired by Octopath Traveler and Paper Mario, using advanced shader programming to achieve a distinctive visual style.
Key projects presented:
- Freya Prananta, Muse dash-style game controlled by a live drum kit
- Rachel O'Connor, Hands-free potion mixing game using Leap Motion controller
- Caitlin Brennan, Platformer with skeletal animation in Phaser
- Naoise Ryan, 2D 3D Octopath Traveler and Paper Mario-inspired game with advanced shaders
The students' presentations were complemented by hands-on demonstrations of award-winning second year IDAD games Starburst and Buzzzz vs Harvesters, giving attendees a comprehensive view of the creativity and technical ability developed throughout the programme.
Programme Director Philip Bourke also presented a session on bringing game characters to life, exploring how gameplay animations, VFX programming, art, and thoughtful design combine to create compelling interactive experiences. Throughout the weekend, SETU lecturers engaged with over 150 prospective students interested in pursuing careers in animation and technical art.
Lecturers and industry professionals provided further insights into the programme's approach. Anita Dice (3D Artist), Roxanne Burchartz (2D Artist), and Phil Morris (UI/UX Lecturer) explained how the IDAD programme's three core pillars, art, design, and programming, work together to prepare graduates for careers, research opportunities, and Erasmus exchanges across Europe.
"Kilkenny Animated Pathways provided an excellent platform for our students to share their ideas and inspire the next generation of creators. Technical art is a vital and expanding area across the animation and games industries, and events like this highlight the exciting opportunities available to our graduates."
Philip Bourke, Programme Director of IDAD at SETU.
“In the age of AI, it is more important than ever that students develop strong technical skills in digital art.Technical artists who can combine creativity with programming and design expertise will be at the forefront of innovation not only in animation and games, but also in industries such as film, visual effects, user experience, immersive interactive design.”
Nigel Whyte, Head (Carlow) of Department of Computing at SETU.
“The success of the Pathways to Animation sessions at Kilkenny Animated shows just how much demand there is from second level students eager to learn about careers in this field. We had fantastic participation from colleges across Ireland, with some focusing on animation and others, like SETU, bringing a strong emphasis on technical art. Every session was oversubscribed, and we are already planning for 2026.”
Natalie Cullinane, HR and Talent Manager at Cartoon Saloon.
About the Interactive Digital Art and Design programme
The Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Computing in Interactive Digital Art and Design (CAO Code: SE608) at SETU combines art, design, and programming to prepare students for careers in animation, games, interactive media, and emerging digital industries. The programme offers opportunities to specialise in technical art, supported by industry-focused teaching, Erasmus exchanges, and strong links with the creative sector.
