Institute of Art Design + Technology Dún Laoghaire
Ireland’s campus for the Creative Industries

Michelle Bardon 

BA [Hons] Animation

Michelle is a 2D animator and illustrator who’s passionate about all aspects of storytelling. She is especially fascinated by how backgrounds and colour design can impact the atmosphere of a piece. Featured here is a showcase of work from her film ‘Golden Ties’, as well as her thesis which relates to the main themes of the film - childhood and nostalgia. Check out the links on this page to see more of her work if you’re interested!

Golden Ties

Inspired by the nostalgic joy and simplicity of childhood friendship, my film Golden Ties explores the kind of bond that feels like fate. Despite unforeseen circumstances, the characters remain connected by an ever-present golden string.



The Power of Innocence: An Exploration of the Representation of Childhood within Studio Ghibli Films.

Hayao Miyazaki’s titles often utilise the child’s intuition and empathy to construct strong-minded, capable young leads. Oftentimes these young protagonists make tremendous strides in the development of their confidence and courage through the external factors of unfamiliar journeys, in which they either chose to embark on or unwillingly pushed to experience. My writing examines the representation of childhood and explores the maturation of the protagonists through the use of narrative and visual elements in four of Studio Ghibli’s works: Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Ponyo. I also examine the pivotal moments of Miyazaki’s own childhood that informed both the creation and development of these characters and environments.