AS a youngster in the West of Scotland leafing through his favourite comics, Andrew Elder was dreaming of Gotham City not Greenock.

But comics were always more than just a hobby, and he grew in determination to become involved in the creation of titles read by millions worldwide. Looking back, Andrew credits his time at James Watt College as the first step toward succeeding in this highly competitive field.

Andrew enrolled at the college after leaving school in 2001. He already had the inclination to develop his artistic skills but ended up discovering an academic path that proved to be perfect for him. He began working towards a Higher National Diploma in 3D Animation and Electronic Media and was among the first group of students to graduate from this course in its inaugural year. He said: “I chose the course because it seemed ideal. I had always had a passion for comics and graphic novels, as well as film and animation. I really wanted to study something that would lead me into employment in the field.

“During the course I felt I really learned a lot. As part of it, I undertook several work placements, which helped me see the reality of the industry.”

After graduating in 2003, Andrew initially took up a place at Dundee University, entering an animation degree in the second year. But shortly after beginning his undergraduate studies Andrew came to realise that it was time for him to strike out on his own to make a living from his passion. Looking back at this decision, Andrew remarked: “I left university because I was really keen to actually get on with doing the job. I felt the course at James Watt had equipped me well enough to gain employment, so I applied for and received a grant from The Princes Trust to help me set up.

“I decided that becoming a colourist for comics would be the best route into the industry. Cowboys and Aliens was my first project and this successfully led on to numerous other contracts. I’m now the regular colourist on two Batman titles for DC Entertainment and have had various contacts with Marvel Comics; the publishing house behind titles like Spiderman and X-Men. Most of the work comes from the US but I’ve also been involved with numerous projects closer to home.”

Design lecturer Martin Tierney was Andrew’s tutor during his time at James Watt College. He invited him back to speak to the current crop of 3D Computer Animation students recently; an event which learners have described as ‘inspirational’. Commenting on Andrew’s time at the college, Martin said: “He was a strong student and was part of the pilot year for the course. It hasn’t surprised me that he has gone on to receive international acclaim. He has shown great determination and has all the extras above and beyond raw talent that you need to succeed.

“The students got a great deal from the visit; it gave them a real idea about the level of quality required to carve a career in the field. Andrew did a demo and gave them some good hints about how to get ahead. The learners have an incredibly high opinion of him; and rightly so.”

Looking to the future, Andrew is planning to continue his various comic projects as well as diversifying into the development of games for smart phones and script writing for film. His debut script The Monsters has already attracted interest from BAFTA award winning producer David Murdoch with a view to potentially picking it up for production.

James Watt College