Our Story

We are a small but energetic studio based in the beautiful North Essex countryside.

Where it all started

From our beginnings in a converted grain silo back in 2004, we have grown to become one of the UK’s leading providers of high-quality CGI visuals. The core members remain to this day, and we’re proud to have a skilled and knowledgeable team alongside them that has now been together for many years.

We are renowned for our high levels of customer service and reliability.

Meet the Team

Paul Smith
Paul SmithCo-founder & Director of Production
Paul’s experience in digital art stretches back to the early 90’s. He was an early adopter of 3d software and is a former draughtsman and illustrator.

A creative and innovative thinker, Paul is constantly testing new concepts in digital art, and as a former amateur racing driver, he likes to move fast! When he’s not expanding his mind, Paul is spending too much time on the golf course (according to others!). He’s also a Yoga & Pilates fanatic, likes watching motorsport and football and is waiting patiently for his beloved Coventry City to return to the Premier League.

Martin Hopwood
Martin HopwoodCo-founder & Account Director
Martin is our Account Director and comes from a strong background in property advertising.

Using that knowledge he’s established an impressive and loyal base of clients that still use our services today. To escape the rigours of work he can often be seen on the beaches of Lowestoft on an invigorating walk, taking in a West End show or on the terraces at his hometown club Leyton Orient. He also has a shady musical background which he seldom reveals!

Rob Cox
Rob CoxProduction Manager
Rob is one of CGEye’s longest serving artists with a university background in multimedia.

With so many years’ experience Rob can effortlessly gauge the needs of clients and works with the team to offer the best possible solutions. When not heading up the production team, Rob can be found at the movies, down the Gym lifting or watching an England rugby game and failing to remember a single players name yet again.

Joel Bruty
Joel BrutySenior Artist
Joel is one of our most senior artists having a first class degree in Multimedia under his belt.

Having worked on a wide variety of projects during his time, Joel is able to create impressive CGI work with a quick turn around, transforming our client’s ideas into a reality for them. When not creating CGI’s Joel likes to spend time with his family and gaming. The team also thinks he practises his voice impressions in front of the mirror – which he assures us he definitely doesn’t do!

Joe Woodruff
Joe WoodruffSenior Artist
Joe is a Senior Artist at CGEye and has a university background in computer games design.

Joining the team in 2013, Joe can fulfill the needs of any client be it Interior, Exterior or Animation projects. He enjoys pursuing new methods and techniques to push the quality of work both personally and in the studio. After hours he can be found spending time with his wife, watching anything James Bond related and even swing dancing!

Andrew Barnard
Andrew BarnardCG Artist
Andrew joined the team in 2014 after obtaining a degree in multimedia, animation and web design.

Since joining, Andrew has worked on a number of products and loves the diversity the role brings. Quality for the customer is always at the forefront of his mind. Outside of work Andrew is currently renovating a property, but still finds time to build the occasional Lego model.

Neil Smith
Neil SmithCG Artist
In 2017 Neil joined our team of highly skilled artists.

He brought with him 20 years experience in 3d visualisation and animation. He also has an HNC in construction, worked as a site engineer for AMEC construction and has worked for Scott-White & Hookins as a CAD technician. Neil is a keen motorcyclist and in his spare time loves riding the twisty roads of North Essex and Suffolk.

Dawn Felton
Dawn FeltonStudio Administrator
Dawn worked as an insurance claims handler for nearly 30 years, and plays a key role at CGEye keeping things ticking along. She used to run for Essex and still jogs to keep fit. With 3 grown-up sons and a very large dog to manage, she still finds time for gardening, reading and yoga. Phew!
Gill Smith
Gill SmithClient Liaison
Gill has extensive experience in customer relations, having previously been the Centre Manager for two busy serviced office buildings in London. More recently she’s been working in education, but is back working with adults….. in the loosest sense of the word.