Grade 9s are in the process of choosing subjects, and along with that decision thoughts of their future career path could cause further trepidation. There are many career options available but choosing one that fits in with one’s personality, goals and aspirations could be quite challenging. If you are still juggling options and would like an insight into some exciting and creative career options, we’ve put together a profile on an amazing person who has embarked on an atypical, but incredible and successful career.
A cartoonist is an artist who draws cartoons – a drawing that depicts subjects often in an exaggerated and humorous way. A political cartoonist makes a point about a political issue or event.
Esteemed cartoonist and artist Dr Nanda Soobben has created art pieces that have spurred conversations throughout the world. The internationally acclaimed is known for his thought-provoking cartoons.
Belonging to two eras – the apartheid and post-apartheid era, he has a wealth of experience and knowledge from which to draw inspiration. “My interest in cartoons started as a voice against apartheid,” Soobben said.
But his cartoons are more than a mere depiction of what is happening in the world or our country, its success lies in his passion for the art form.
Apart from his humility and his creative genius, another quality Soobben is admired for, is his profound responsibility to share his knowledge and skills.
Not only has he mentored some of the country’s celebrated cartoonists like Yalo of the Sowetan, but 20 years ago he opened his own school of art, The Centre of Fine Arts, Animation and Design (CFAD). Students at his school are offered an integrated skill set that allows for specialisation in the final year.
“Integrating the skills opens up opportunities in all spheres of art for students,” advised Dr Soobben.
He has acquired numerous awards and accolades the world over – but it was his first award given to him when he was nine years old that had veered him on the path of art.
Although he was discouraged from taking art as a career – he was advised that it was not a lucrative career path – he earned a Diploma in Graphic Design at the ML Sultan Technikon in Durban. Later he studied animation at the Parsons School of Art in New York.
It was in America where his career as a cartoonist really took off.
Today, his work is a part of some of the best private and public collections, including as far afield as the famous Smithsonian Museum in Washington, USA.
Dr Soobben recently opened another CFAD school in Cape Town.
We’re waiting with great anticipation for him to open his next school in Johannesburg.
