Emmy-nominated animator, Rik Goddard’s passion for creativity was sparked during endless hours spent drawing and creating in Primet’s art classrooms.

Rik, a former pupil at St Michael and All Angels Primary School in Foulridge, also got his first taste of the creative facilities at Nelson and Colne College while studying at Primet. It was at Nelson and Colne College where Rik continued his creative journey studying A Levels in Graphic Design and Printmaking followed by a Foundation Course in Art and Design. He then progressed to De Montfort University to study a BA (Hons) degree in Multimedia Design followed a few years later by a postgraduate degree in 3D Animation at Central Saint Martins College, London.

Rik said: “After graduating, I initially struggled to find work in the design and creative industry so temped at various jobs including as a gardener for Pendle Borough Council and a telemarketer for a catalogue company. I then found work as a web designer which I did until I completed my postgraduate degree. After that I started working on animated TV series and commercials and I've been doing that for 20 years now.”

Throughout his career, Rik, who is now based in Lisbon, has collaborated with renowned clients such as Coca-Cola, BMW, McDonald’s, Sony, ASDA/Wal-Mart, BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network. He has contributed to many high-quality projects, including TV series, films, TV commercials, and game cinematics, at respected studios such as Axis, Nexus, Rushes, This is Jelly, Seed, Illoura, Aixsponza, Cabeza Patata, and Sony Entertainment. In 2020, Rik worked on the Emmy nominated animated visuals for Wyclef Jean’s lockdown stage show at the Apollo, New York.

Looking back on his time at Primet, Rik said: “Some of my best memories of my time at school were spending time in the art department and without wanting to brag, scoring the winning goal from the halfway line in the students v teachers leavers’ football match!”

Rik’s advice to current students is to find what you love doing and look to make that your job in some way then life will be so much sweeter.