Over the past few months, we’ve been working with talented animator and nature lover Rob Ling to create a short film that celebrates dogs, the joy of walking in natural spaces, and our incredible coastal wildlife.
We were delighted when Rob joined us on this project to promote wildlife-aware walks and share the story of Finn the dog and his coastal adventure. Click below to watch the short animated film.
Rob kindly agreed to answer a few of our questions – about his work on the project, what he personally values about spending time in nature, and his practical tips for anyone beginning to draw dogs, wildlife or natural landscapes.
What did you enjoy most about working on our animation?
The most enjoyable part was injecting a sense of character and fun into the animals, whether that was a small waddle of a bird or Finn the dog stopping to sniff. Whenever I draw or animate, I trust my instincts and lean into ideas that make me smile, and this project really encouraged that playful, character-led approach.
This isn’t the first project you have worked on that has focussed on nature and the importance of protecting it. What do you personally value about spending time in nature?
Having a five year old son, it’s incredibly important to me that he grows up knowing and valuing the natural habitats around us. I think art and nature go hand in hand, and I want him to see the beauty and worth in what’s already there, not just as scenery, but as something meaningful and worth protecting.
Do you have a dog, or did you grow up with a dog? If so, tell us about them! What do you enjoy most about walks?
I grew up around lots of animals, including dogs, and they were always a big part of everyday life. What I’ve always loved about walking with a dog is the slower pace; stopping, sniffing, and noticing things you’d normally rush past. It’s a really simple way of reconnecting with your surroundings, which definitely feeds into how I observe and draw nature.
Do you have any top tips for someone starting out drawing wildlife, dogs, or nature scenes?
My biggest tip is to be yourself and experiment. In an age of fast media, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or compare yourself to others. Grab some pens and pencils, go outside, and draw… a lot! I always keep a sketchbook close by, as you never know when inspiration will strike.
Thank you to Rob for taking the time to answer our questions, and for all the work on our animation. We couldn’t be more delighted with the result 💙
