Raymond offers 3D animation and visualisation services, bringing products to life, from wind turbine site planning and offshore/subsea machinery to whisky bottle labels. The business launched in 2020, and Raymond’s been transforming ideas into a visual reality out of Skene Business Centres' Queen’s Gardens property since November 2024.

“My background? I started out building oil tools on the workshop floor, and from there moved into the offices doing drawing work’, says Raymond. ‘When it comes to the animation I’m self-taught, and what gives me an edge is that I’ve worked in the oil industry and I understand the technology.’

‘When I first launched the business I tried to operate from home’, continues Raymond, 'but it was a nightmare, too many distractions! I viewed a few office rental options in Aberdeen and Dyce but most of them simply weren’t that well kept. Queen’s Gardens is so clean (a cleaner comes in every working day) and the building's well maintained. It’s a great location in the West End of Aberdeen, a nice area with a good postcode and address, plus onsite parking, it’s just nice. My mother and uncle used to work for Skene House so it’s familiar name in our house.”

Raymond works out of a four desk office, installing his own furniture but didn’t change much more. Framed covers of World Oil magazine decorate the shelves because Raymond designed the cover illustration, he also has his own 3D printer, coffee machine to suit his tastes, and grand lego builds add colour and personality.

“You get one monthly bill, at a flat rate, at SBC. I don’t worry about the electric, phone or internet, I just focus on my business. I don’t meet many of my clients, but when American customers visit they love the period features at Queen’s Gardens, the old granite and the heritage of the building - they think it’s amazing. From my perspective, having invested in technology, it’s also a secure building with alarmed codes. On the social side, I enjoy walking into town for lunch and I appreciated the SBC Christmas Party. It was good to meet and network with others who work out of SBC, I’d happily see more social events. Several of us are doing the Aberdeen Kiltwalk, so that’ll be fun and it’ll be nice to spot familiar faces.”

Raymond now works for clients ranging from Oil States, Expro and Kinetic Pressure Control to Lerwick Distillery.

“If launching a company isn't a little scary, you're not pushing hard enough! That apprehension actually ignites innovation. I'm eight months into my SBC journey, and their support is key; it takes away the worry so I can focus on clients. Love what I do and keen to connect!”

To find out more and browse demos visit techfx.scot or email info@techfx.scot

Author and photography: Janice Hopper

"Queen’s Gardens is so clean (a cleaner comes in every working day) and the building's well maintained. It’s a great location in the West End of Aberdeen, a nice area with a good postcode and address, plus onsite parking, it’s just nice."