Rosa Lykiardopoulos is ready to push the boundaries of storytelling in design and animation

Rosa Lykiardopoulos is a resourceful senior Motion Graphic Designer, Compositor, Animation Director, illustrator, and Photoshop Artist. Her magnetic style, strong instinct for storytelling, and multilingual skills—combined with an incredible eye for detail and excellent technical knowledge—make her an indispensable collaborator. Rosa’s work has been featured in books, magazines, galleries and festivals. Past clients include Nike, Pepsi, Marvel, Cartoon Network, BBC, BT Sport, BT TV, Sainsbury’s, Motorola and many others.

Did you always want to pursue a career in post-production?

I started post-production a bit by chance. From very early on, I knew I wanted to do animation. I was very inclined to stop motion, but I bought a computer and started playing with a software called POSER. I don’t think it even exists anymore. My boyfriend was working for a Sports Post Production company. He told me they were looking for after effects animators to join the design team. He got me an interview, and they asked me if I knew After Effects. And I said yes! Although I didn’t have a clue how to use it. Somehow I got the job (some things are meant to happen!), so I ran home and spent the weekend doing tutorials!

Where did you train?

I’m entirely self-taught. Since studying film direction at Eliseo Subiela’s film school in Argentina, I planned to specialise in stop motion films. But life took me in a different direction, and now I love post-production.

How did you get your break in the industry?

Although I had already worked in post-production in Argentina, my clients and experience weren’t enough for the London market when I came to the UK. So it took me a good two years of working in restaurants to survive and applying to jobs through Mandy.com. Until one day, the miracle happened, and I got my first London job. A breakfast TV show for Channel 4 where the GFX were prepared the same morning before going live. Starting time: 3 am! After that, I got the opportunity to join Blueberry, and I haven’t stopped working since then. It’s been 18 years.

Are there any women in post who have inspired you?

Yes, Klaudija Cermark. I worked with her at AMV BBDO. She worked in the London industry for ages and even wrote a book, “How to get into and survive Film and TV Post Production.”

How much creative control do you have when working on a project?

It depends on the project. Some are entirely structured from start to finish. Storyboard, assets provided, brand guidelines, and so forth. Others are the total opposite—and the best ones for me! I am currently working on lots of music videos: editing, grading and adding FX. It’s probably one of my favourite things to do. Maybe it is because I am not working for massive clients yet, but every project is in my hands for now. And I have complete creative freedom, which is a dream come true for us designers.

What attracts you to a project?

If it’s animation, I am in! Otherwise, it depends on the creative freedom, the client (it’s not the same working for NIKE as for a local supermarket!), and how much time they give me to work on it.

Are there any particular types of projects you’d love to work on?

Yes, animation ones! The ones that have some kind of animated story or animated characters. I like to tell stories through my work. I do corporate videos when I have to do them, but I am keener to work on projects with some kind of message or story. And I like to work on sports promos, as usually the sports producers are looking to try new styles and are very open to pushing the boundaries. And, of course, keep editing music videos. I would love to work for a prominent Latin artist like J Balvin.

What advice do you have for other women pursuing a career in post-production?

Let’s do it!

See more of Rosa’s work in illustration, animation, and design on her website, or learn about her personalised children’s posters. Interested in working with Rosa? Visit her Blueberry profile and reach out to us!