Interview with Maja Bogdanienko: Rising Star in games animation

Can you tell us about the Rising Star competition? 

Maja: ‘Lecturer Neville Marcinkowski, one of our frequent sources for opportunities, brought the Rising Star competition to my attention. I checked it out and was immediately drawn in, particularly because the organisation, Grad in Games, is based in the UK. I am keen on experiencing the working culture and projects there, as it is quite different from what I am accustomed to in the Netherlands and my home country, Poland.’ 

What was your project for the competition about? 

Maja: ‘My project was specifically tailored for this competition, which posed quite a challenge as I was juggling university projects at the same time. With just a week left before the deadline, I decided to really dive in.’  

‘We got a couple of themes to choose from, mine was “crowd-pleaser”. My concept revolves around creating a malicious leader who feeds off power and merciless. I collaborated with another student, Roshant Elvin, who created the environment for my animation. It was a narrative-driven animation inspired by the tension-filled scenes in movies like Gladiator, focusing on expressing emotions through movement.’ 

What did winning this competition mean for you?  

Maja: ‘I travelled to the UK to attend the event's grand finale. It was an exciting celebration where the jury announced the winners. Winning was undoubtedly a thrill, but the real reward was the opportunity to connect with fellow animation enthusiasts. Knowing that others resonated with what I created was incredibly validating and motivating. It reinforced my belief in my abilities and has given me a significant boost of confidence moving forward.’  

What did you learn from this project?  

Maja: ‘This project pushed me to delve deeper into the narrative aspects of animation. It wasn’t just about acquiring technical skills anymore; it was about effectively conveying emotions and storytelling through animation. This experience has undoubtedly enriched my workflow and approach to future projects.’  

What are your plans for the future?  

Maja: ‘I have already accepted a work placement offer, which I will be starting in Belgium this September. Beyond that, I am keeping my options open. Before attending BUas, I worked as a cinematographer and editor. Films hold a special place in my heart, making it challenging to choose between pursuing a career in games or in the film industry. So, I am considering exploring opportunities in cinematic animation. Ultimately, I want to continue experimenting and growing in both industries before deciding on a more concrete career path.’ 

For those interested in connecting with Maja and exploring her work further, you can find her on LinkedIn and Artstation.