School of Computing and Digital Media student profiles content store_hidden Aga Fraczak Our students and alumni

Clay, wax and plasticine are just some of the materials that Polish animator and Illustration BA (Hons) graduate Aga Fraczak uses to bring humans and animals to life. We find out how her company Aga Claymate began, and what projects she’s working on next.

Tell us a little bit about yourself...

I am originally from Poland and that’s where I grew up. I left my country when I was 18 years old to learn the language and seek better opportunities. 

What brought you to London Met?

After working in finance for many years, I decided to change something in my life and pursue a career in the creative industries. London Met offered a course that was exactly what I was looking for at the time. 

What did studying at London Met mean to you? 

It gave me time to find my path and figure out what I wanted to do next. I was able to experiment and discover new things and that helped to find exactly what I wanted to do. The animation module that was introduced on my course was a breakthrough for me as it opened new doors, and I discovered the skills that I never knew I had. I finished my course knowing exactly what I want to do. 

Can you tell us about your latest projects?

Straight after graduating from the National Film and Television School, I got a job in the prop-making department on the Apple TV miniseries Masters of the Air, produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. Working on a high-end production was a great experience and the crew were amazing. They made me feel welcome straight away and always offered help. I also had an opportunity to visit the film set which was a massive airfield in Bovingdon.

What was your favourite piece of equipment in the School of Art, Architecture and Design – and why?

Screen printing. I am always a huge fan of a hands-on approach into creating things. I enjoy the process that you go through, but the best part is seeing the outcome. The possibilities with screen printing are endless. 

What is your biggest passion in life and where did that passion come from?

My biggest passion is making, whether it is sculpting, painting or building models. It's like a therapy for me and nothing fulfils me like creating does. I never get tired of it and it never feels like a chore. Being creative helped me get through the first and second lockdown as I kept myself busy with something that supported me to stay positive and focused. 

What drives you? 

I am a person that self-motivates herself. Since I was a teenager, I've always chosen the path I felt I'd be happiest following – and even if it takes me longer, I know I will have achieved it by myself with no shortcuts. 

Did you do any work experience as part of the course?

I did my work experience at Earth London TV, which is a motion design/GFX studio. At the time, they were working on graphics for the ITV show Hey Tracey! I had done a bit of motion graphics before, but seeing the complexity of their work absolutely blew my mind.

It was fascinating to see how the graphics were created from the initial concept to now seeing it live on TV. Having an insight into seeing how a studio like that's run was a great experience. I created some ident for my work experience booklet and tried some motion tracking. The biggest challenge was that it was entirely computer-based. I found staring at the screen every minute of the day very tiring. It just reassured me that I prefer a hands-on approach and tactile art other than digital.  

What’s the proudest moment in your life? 

I think being accepted into the National Film and Television School, where each year, only 12 students get accepted for the model-making diploma. Also, being able to raise a significant amount of money to pay for the whole course with help from my friends, as otherwise I would have missed this career-changing opportunity. 

Tell us a little bit about your interests outside of uni and why they are important to you.

Since 2019 I have been running my small brand Aga Claymate that specialises in creating personalised pet and human figurines with over 50 commissions to date. I have had the most amazing clients whose responses to my sculptures have been overwhelming, and it's made my work so rewarding. Some of the sculptures had a special meaning, as they were tributes to pets or people that are no longer with us. 

What’s next in your career?

There is a lot happening in film and television now and it is exciting that the opportunities are out there. My next project is something that I can't talk about now as it hasn't been announced yet.