Durban animator draws inspiration from the world around her

ON Friday, October 28, the globe celebrates International Animation Day, which recognises and celebrates all those involved in the world of animation and all aspects of animation.

The annual day was established by the International Animated Film Association and commemorates the first Theatre Optique, the first public performance of animation.

Local animator, Clare Louis, who works as an animation producer/director at Katanimate Animation Studio in Durban, shares about her love for animation and where it all started.

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“I always dreamed of making it into the world of visual effects for film, but animation and illustration always featured in my earliest memories. I studied fine art at UKZN, then graphic design at Durban University of Technology (DUT), and I completed my Master’s in 3D animation at Wits University in 2006,” Louis explained.

She added that she draws inspiration from animators around the world but especially from animated films.

“Often when people ask what inspires me, I reply that it is different things. I absolutely love epic stories, especially where the protagonist overcomes adversity, like in Rocky. In terms of animation, I love the blending of cultures that we’re seeing more often now and the incredible level of detail that animators can reach to make up a character’s expression. I particularly love how they did it in Disney’s Encanto and Arcane on Netflix,” she said.

Speaking on local projects she is working on, Clare added that she is the producer of an animated show called Knittyville, which will soon air on SABC.

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“Knittyville is a show set for preschoolers. The series follows the adventures of a curious five-year-old, Purl, and how she experiences the world around her in the colourful village town of Knittyville. Durban served as the inspiration for the show, and all our voice actors come from a 5km radius of our studio,” she said.

Clare, who mentors young animators at DUT, urged young people to get started early.

“There are so many avenues now open to people today, which I didn’t have as a young animator. Go onto YouTube, make use of free software to develop your animation skills, and keep at it. Animation has the potential to open up so many doors for you as a career path,” she said.