In December 2025, Creative Futures Academy, in partnership with Stiúideo Fia (Connemara), the Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT), and Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet, delivered an intensive 5-day Certificate in Character Bust Sculpting.

Ahead of the in-studio delivery, participants completed a structured online preparation phase, developing original character designs and refining concepts, references, and character intent. This preparatory work allowed the on-site programme to focus fully on hands-on sculpting, material problem-solving, and professional workflows.

Hosted at Stiúideo Fia in Connemara, the course provided an industry-embedded studio environment focused on character development for film, television, animation, and screen-based design. Across the week, participants translated their designs into physical form, working through anatomy, proportion, expression, and surface detail to complete a finished character bust.

The course was led by Paul McDonnell, a master sculptor, fabricator, and creative director with nearly three decades of professional experience in stop-motion, model-making, and visual storytelling. Paul is the founder of Stiúideo Fia and has worked across film, theatre, and television, collaborating with award-winning artists and mentoring the next generation of animators and makers. His teaching style blends deep technical expertise with a passion for fostering creativity, confidence, and storytelling through craft.

Congratulations to all the students on their incredible creations. Check out some of the amazing images from the course in our slideshow below.

Images: Simon Boyle Photography