Alumni spotlight: Daniel Brown, MSc Creative Technology

After graduating from Leeds Beckett University with an MSc Creative Technology degree in 2019, Daniel Brown has built a successful career as a freelance creative technologist specialising in projection mapping, virtual reality and interactive installations.

Reflecting on his journey to date, Daniel shares insights into his career, the role Leeds Beckett played in his development, and his advice for aspiring creative technology professionals.

Daniel took a varied route into his current career. After completing an undergraduate degree in Film Production, he worked in a range of creative roles, including documentary filmmaking, video DJing for live music events, and creating 360° video content for VR headset experiences. In 2015, Daniel moved towards his current career in projection mapping:

"I chose projection mapping as I had experience in filmmaking, especially with experimental/abstract filmmaking. The creative style of this approach to filmmaking match projection well, so it seemed like a logical progression. I decided on postgraduate study as I felt that I needed to formalise my work and gain industry experience - much of my work pre-postgraduate study had been freelance, so I wanted to expand my professional and industry understanding."

When asked about choosing to study a postgraduate degree at Leeds Beckett University, Daniel said:

“I was initially impressed by the course content, and the studios at the Headingley campus. The course had a wide range of creative tech modules, along with theory-based modules on project management. 

The availability of the computing and production studios, along with being able to use hardware such as 360° cameras and LIDAR scanners, meant I was able to gain experience using these with support from course leaders and technicians.

"I also chose to study at Leeds Beckett as it is a well-respected university with a good reputation, and many of the lecturers come from an industry background, which helped me prepare for future employment.”

Through connections made whilst at Leeds Beckett University, Daniel secured part-time work on a six-month university-backed research and development project. Completed alongside his second and third semesters, the role gave him valuable hands-on industry experience and helped launch his career in creative technology.

For Daniel, his postgraduate degree was about more than developing technical skills:

“The Masters degree helped me not only to further develop and solidify my skills, it allowed me to engage with industry, via networking with my regular and guest lecturers. I already had it in my mind that my goal was to get a career from my postgraduate degree, so I was well primed to seek out contacts to help this. My degree helped me to do just that!”

Today, Daniel works as a freelance creative technologist, delivering projection mapping, virtual reality and interactive installation projects for organisations across the digital creative sector. Some of his key projects have included working with York Minster on a projection mapped stained-glass window and River Island for in-store interaction projections.

Daniel recently returned to our university as part of Leeds Digital Festival 2026, where he partnered with fellow Leeds Beckett graduate Vincent Gallagher (MA Music Production). Together they delivered a beginner-friendly projection mapping workshop designed to introduce participants to one of the creative technology sector's most innovative disciplines. The workshop explored how digital content can be mapped onto physical spaces and how the technology can be used to create immersive experiences.

Since graduating, Daniel remains connected to the university and the people who supported him throughout his studies:

“It's great to be part of a community that continues to help each other over the years. I was able to host the projection mapping workshop at Leeds Beckett after reaching out to my dissertation supervisor, who helped me with my dissertation in 2019. 

"These contacts and relationships are still strong after many years. Many of my friends and colleagues attended Leeds Beckett University at some stage, and everyone speaks highly of their time there.

"When I meet current Leeds Beckett students out and about, they are excited by their course and learning journey. This shows that the community spirit is strong for the past, present and future.”

Reflecting on his own career journey, Daniel believes that building relationships and sharing your ambitions can open unexpected doors:

“Talk to everyone you can about what you do, either online or in person. It is important to ‘put yourself out there’ and be seen and known for what you can offer. It's also a good way to manifest outcomes - if you tell people that you plan on doing something, it makes it feel more like a reality, and these conversations can pave the way to make your ideas come to life. A seemingly innocuous chat can lead to new work opportunities and personal connections.”

Find out more about postgraduate study at Leeds Beckett.