Episode 178: How Awards Have Powered an Animator's Business with Emma Youell
Release Date: 01/14/2026
The Business Awards Show
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info_outlineHow Awards Have Powered an Animator's Business with Emma Youell, investigates the rise of the creative force behind Emma Youell Design. In this edition of The Business Awards Show, we discuss Emma's rapid rise from freelancer to award-winning business owner.
As an introduction, Emma shares her fascinating journey, starting with her "accidental" entry into the world of motion graphics. Despite initially wanting to avoid the corporate world, she found her niche in the financial services sector, learning how to turn complex, "boring" subjects into engaging, spicy content. She also opens up about her passion for the heritage sector and how her hobby as a metal detectorist influences her creative work.
The heart of the conversation focuses on Emma’s incredible success with business awards. In just under two years, she has navigated local, national, and even global award ceremonies. Emma discusses the "click moment" when she realised she needed to learn how to run a business, not just do the creative work. Furthermore, she got clarity on how entering awards could help her build vital trust in the marketplace.
Emma reveals the very real impact of being a finalist, including how a single networking event led to a whopping £12k contract—for an award she didn’t even win! She also offers great advice on overcoming imposter syndrome, reminding listeners that they are the experts in their own fields.
Key Takeaways:
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How animation can solve business problems, from FAQ videos to event graphics.
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Why the "evidence" in your award entry is just as important as the creative work itself.
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The power of networking and "being in the room" with other high achievers.
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Emma’s top tip: Don’t be afraid to rave about your own wins!
If you’re looking to scale your business or want to see how animation can level up your brand, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
About Emma
Emma graduated from Ravensbourne in 2013 with a BA Hons in Motion Graphic Design. As a motion graphic designer, videographer, and editor , she has gained valuable experience across various industries. Her projects range from explainer videos to social media promotions, tracking and compositing for informational videos, and motion graphics for events, showcasing her adaptability and versatility.
In her spare time, Emma loves everything about history. She has been on TimeTeam, Great British History Hunters and Digging for Treasure: Tonight, and has been a metal detectorist and amateur archaeologist for 7+ years.
Emma's work has been featured on BBC News, ITV News and Sky News. She has also been published in the Evening Standard, The Bank Remembers: 100 years on, Alchemist Magazine.
In 2025, Emma won the Creative, Digital, and Innovation Award in the Kent Creative Awards.
{1:30} What made Emma so passionate about animation and why she started her own business.
{4:56} Is it better for a creative to work alone?
{6:18} How companies employ animation.
{7:32} Emma's favourite industries.
{8:12} The work Emma does in the heritage sector.
{8:49} How awards appeared on Emma's radar.
{11:16} Choosing which awards to enter.
{12:43} Applying for global, national, and local awards within twelve months.
{15:13} The impact Emma experienced by entering awards.
{16:37} The PR gained by by being an awards finalist and winner.
{18:51} Being a finalist at the Lloyds British Business Awards.
{21:50} Winning a local business award in Kent.
{22:44} Emma's plans for her business.
{28:05} Emma's business tips.
Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk
Connect with Emma: https://emmayouell.com/motion-reel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emmayouell1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma.motion/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmayouell/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@emmayouell
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/emmayouell
Behance: https://www.behance.net/emma-youell