With a background in modelmaking, illustration, character design, graphic design and more, I proudly call myself an illustrative maker: someone who cannot only come up with concepts and stories but also bring them to life with physical craft! At the heart of my work is a desire to help people and connect with audiences emotionally. I often explore real world topics through lighthearted, character-driven design, using humour and charm to engage and inform audiences of all ages. My recently obtained degree in modelmaking and my prop maker role at Aardman help me materialise practical solutions that are also imaginative, fun loving and bring a smile to people’s faces.

Matisse Howells

With a background in modelmaking, illustration, character design, graphic design and more, I proudly call myself an illustrative maker: someone who cannot only come up with concepts and stories but also bring them to life with physical craft! At the heart of my work is a desire to help people and connect with audiences emotionally. I often explore real world topics through lighthearted, character-driven design, using humour and charm to engage and inform audiences of all ages. My recently obtained degree in modelmaking and my prop maker role at Aardman help me materialise practical solutions that are also imaginative, fun loving and bring a smile to people’s faces.

Available to hire

With a background in modelmaking, illustration, character design, graphic design and more, I proudly call myself an illustrative maker: someone who cannot only come up with concepts and stories but also bring them to life with physical craft!

At the heart of my work is a desire to help people and connect with audiences emotionally. I often explore real world topics through lighthearted, character-driven design, using humour and charm to engage and inform audiences of all ages. My recently obtained degree in modelmaking and my prop maker role at Aardman help me materialise practical solutions that are also imaginative, fun loving and bring a smile to people’s faces.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Model Maker at Self-employed / Freelance
March 1, 2024 - March 31, 2024
First freelance experience turning verbal prompts into trendy greetings cards; negotiated prices and time scales; expanded Adobe Suite skills.
Illustrator at Freelance
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2023
Freelance illustrator developing children's ideas and stories, engaging in live creative workshops, and producing book-ready illustrations; work featured on the company website.
Model Maker / Stylist at Freelance
July 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025
Produce high-quality models for clients with rapid turnaround; moulding, casting, spraying and finishing; prop styling for advert shoots and workshop scenes.
Illustrator at The Bank of Dreams and Nightmares + The Story Works
January 1, 2024 - Present
Illustrator for ongoing projects; develop characters and visuals; published works featured on company site.
Prop Maker / Set Dresser Intern at Aardman Animations
September 1, 2025 - September 14, 2025
Two-week internship in the art department on an upcoming Shaun the Sheep feature; contributed to prop creation, set dressing, and cross-unit collaboration.
Prop Maker / Set Dresser Trainee at Aardman Animations
November 1, 2025 - Present
Trainee role contributing to prop making and set dressing across multiple units; worked closely with animation and lighting teams; ongoing freelance trajectory.
Model Maker at Buglife (external client)
October 1, 2024 - February 28, 2025
External client project highlighting the impact of artificial light at night on invertebrates; developed an interactive pop-up book for workshops and events; showcased by Buglife.

Education

BA (Hons) Modelmaking at Arts University Bournemouth
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2022
Storyboarding Foundations Course at Aardman Academy
January 11, 2030 - May 2, 2026
A Levels at Harrogate Grammar School
January 11, 2030 - May 2, 2026

Qualifications

First Class Honours, BA (Hons) Modelmaking
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2022
Aardman Academy Storyboarding Foundations Course
January 11, 2030 - May 2, 2026
A Level Graphics Subject Award
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Education, Professional Services