Successful Swedish animator, writer, director and textile designer Monika Forsberg tells us how she ended up studying for her Art degree in the UK

 

Before coming to London from Sweden in 1996 I studied photography equivalent of A levels and subsequently worked for a while as a freelance photographer. One of my projects was to design a record cover for Swedish punk-rockers Fireside. These early experiences made me realise that it really was possible to earn a living doing what I loved best.

 

Back then I had some friends in London so when I wasn't accepted at a Swedish art school, I decided to apply to a few art schools in Britain. I chose the one I considered to be the best for me, and moved over to London with the intension of staying for one year only. In the meantime I had applied to a Swedish art school again and this time I got accepted, but I decided to stay in Britain after all, as I liked the school I was attending. The classes seemed quite unconventional and the freedom really brought out my creativity.

 

After finishing my Foundation course at Camberwell College of Art, I went on to take my BA (Hons) in Illustration at The University of Westminster. I followed that with a MA (RCA) in Animation at The Royal College of Art before finally graduating in 2001.

 

Three days after I graduated from my Masters degree I gave birth to my son, so I was not rushing to try to get a job as I just wanted to be a mum for a while.

After about a year I came across the opportunity to apply to the 'Animator in Residence' (AIR) Scheme, which is funded by UK television Channel4 and the British Film Institute, and I got short-listed. Getting so close, I applied again the following year and this time I got commissioned to make a short animated film. I immediately got stuck into writing and the outcome was a Mills & Boon spoof called 'His Passionate Bride.'

 

'His Passionate Bride' (animus films 2004) received both positive and negative reactions. It was nominated for a BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts award) which was fantastic. I got to wear a nice dress at the awards ceremony and get my hair and make-up done whilst sipping champagne! It won 1st prize at the Granada Film Festival and the film has been shown at numerous festivals all around the world.

 

The negative press was when it was broadcasted on television, as the channel received a lot of complaints from upset viewers raging about it having been shown just before the watershed as the film contained sex, violence and nudity!

I also did a couple of promos for Nickelodeon UK.  They had seen the 2001 graduation show-reel from my Masters degree and liked my work and contacted me.

When I first moved to the UK I wanted to become a textile designer but then I ended up doing animation instead. But last year I was introduced to Chan Greenwood who runs John Miles partnership - a textile design company in Bethnal Green, East London. So now I go there once a week and draw half-naked women that are printed up on skirts and sold in Japan, France and USA.

 

A while back, my friend Susie Sparrow and I went to a Valentines Reject Party - a trendy alternative Valentines Day celebration in a warehouse in North London, and what we saw that night gave us a great idea for a film.  We put together a proposal to the Channel4 and Arts Councils 'Animate!' scheme, and we have now been commissioned by them to make our film which is entitled 'We Believe in Happy Endings.' In addition, I am also currently developing an animated romance series, which will be a spin off of 'His Passionate Bride' with the producer of that film, Sylvie Bringas.

 

Other future plans include teaching Animation at university level, and I am also turning another passion of mine into reality, by putting together a band with my friends where I play the cello.

 

My experience from studying in Britain has been very positive. The schools I've studied at have encouraged experimentation and individuality rather than focusing on finished professional products. I was always encouraged to try out new and unknown techniques, and to explore my ideas and passions. The context rather than just a beautiful finished product was seen as more important.

 

I missed my home country Sweden in the beginning and on and off during my stay here. English was never one of my great subjects at school, but studying here and socializing making new international friends perfected my language. Moving here made me a lot more confident and independent. Now, living permanently in the UK, I find some things easier than back home, but on the other hand getting used to a new country's system such as obtaining a national insurance number for example was a bit of a hassle.

 

Deciding to study abroad was a great decision, I don't know if I'd been any different if I had not come here, but all my experiences studying abroad, good and bad, has become a positive learning experience.

Monika Forsberg is originally from Luleå, Sweden and now lives in North London. Visit www.thatgirlmon.co.uk

Image: Detail from textile print © Monika Forsberg