Statement of Purpose
My name is Maria Alekseeva. In July 2025, I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from HSE Art and Design School in the Animation and Illustration specialization. I worked on the short film graduation project, «KEY, SEA, PARACHUTE, ” under the supervision of Dmitry Geller. During my studies, I created short animated films, music videos, commercial spots, animation for a contemporary art exhibition, posters, and illustrations.
During my undergraduate studies, I immersed myself in the field of independent animated film. This has been an invaluable experience for me, as I am captivated by the art of directing, and independent animation grants almost limitless freedom of self-expression. Currently, I am interested in pursuing motion design in the Master’s program as a way to delve into a more commercial area of animation that is more closely tied to design. I want to acquire more skills in graphic design and 3D graphics while continuing to develop my animation abilities. Personal connection with instructors during study is very important to me, which is why I chose in-person learning.
After completing the Master’s program, I plan to continue working as an animation director and designer in a studio or as a freelancer. I believe the Master’s degree will enhance my skills, enabling me to tackle more complex and diverse animation and design challenges. Following graduation, I would also be interested in teaching within the field of animation.
Art is serious business!
Short Animation Film Runtime: 4 min. 30 sec. Technique: 2D, digital cutout in After Effects, frame-by-frame animation Year of Creation: 2023 Festival Participation: Jury Diploma at the «SuzdalFest» Animation Film Festival 2024, Jury Diploma at the International Student Film Festival «Kinoproba» 2023, «Insomnia» Festival 2024, «Multpraktika» Festival 2025
A story about creativity and the constraints within it. An artist gets trapped by the system and its boundaries, striving not to lose their sense of self.
The Spirit of Galka
Promotional Animation Video Duration: 2 min 25 sec Technique: Stop-motion animation Year of Creation: 2023 Festival Appearances: «Kinoproba» 2024, «Suzdalfest» 2025, «Insomnia» 2025
The cartoon was created for the Moscow underground restaurant «Galki.»
The myth of the curious and generous Galki spirit, who once taught people to speak. Now, he dwells in the restaurant, delighting in the chatter of people’s conversations.
Ballad «The Lament of the Pear Tree»
Animation Clip Running Time: 3 min. 58 sec. Technique: digital cutout animation in After Effects, frame-by-frame animation Year of Creation: 2024 Festival Participation: «Suzdalfest» 2025, «Insomnia» 2025
Music video for a Circassian ballad performed by Bashir Khatsuk.
The song is filled with regret over how carelessly people cut down beautiful trees that could still grow and provide benefit.
PATIRITILAP — Pyotr Nalich. Music Video.
Animation Clip Duration: 1 min 32 sec Technique: Computer cutout animation in After Effects, frame-by-frame animation Year of Creation: 2024 Festival Participation: «Insomnia» 2024
Music video for the song «Patiritilap» by the musical group Petr Nalich.
A ridiculous story about curiosity and the lust for treasure. Its foundation is built from six random words, a collage still life made from vector drawings, frame-by-frame animation, and ceramics by Marina Akilova.