Louise Ridgeway

Louise was studying classical animation at college when she became pregnant aged 18. She thought that she may have to drop out and put her career on hold, but the support of her partner and the love for her new daughter inspired her to follow her dream of becoming an animator. She went back to college after just one week and now works for one of the most successful computer games companies in the world.

Since joining Rare Ltd in 1996, Louise’s career has blossomed and she has been instrumental in the development of the animation department. She persuaded the company’s directors that an Animation Supervisor was needed.

Louise says: “Before, we fell under the ‘art’ umbrella, but I was determined to make people see animation as its own department with different needs. I would like to be heading up the department within five years – although first will need to get the supervisor role that I introduced!

“My advice to girls thinking about getting into computer games animation would be ‘go for it!’ I suppose it is a male-dominated industry, but be confident and believe in yourself and you’ll be sure to make your mark.”