“Digital animation is something that is not nearly covered enough in South Africa and people need to know the countless possibilities such a platform brings,” he says.
Digital animation is creating realistic images, among other things, by using free programmes which are available on the internet.
“The pressure put on students by educational institutions like high schools and society in general when it comes to choosing the right career can be quite daunting.
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“In the midst of propositions to become accountants and lawyers, I have found an interest in digital animation and art.”
André states that there isn’t much awareness about digital animation in South Africa.
“I have seen many animators and digital artists ditch their dreams and I thought it necessary to attempt to enlighten the public.”
André’s interest in digital animation started four years ago when he watched the animated film, Wall-E.
Instead of following the story-line, André was obsessed with figuring out how the backgrounds of the film were created.
He came across YouTube videos explaining how to use programmes to animate images.
“When we were in Grade Nine, some of my friends expressed interest in animation and games when asked what they wanted to be when they grew up, but when we reached Grade 11 and they were asked the same question, they didn’t know what they wanted to do anymore.
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“I suspect the pressure of fitting into society and making a career choice that is viable dampens creativity and instills uncertainty regarding an opportunity that not much is known about and causes a lot of doubt.”
André says there are many career opportunities for someone taking up digital animation.
“The important thing to do is to start with a portfolio of your work as soon as possible. People in this industry will most likely want to see examples of what you can do.”
Digital animation can be used for artistic impressions or architectural visualisation of future buildings and many more visuals, depending on what the digital artist puts their mind to.
“The more realistic your images are, the more people will like them.
“People need to realise there is hope and [there are] possibilities with this line of work,” says André.
*Note: All of the above artwork was created by André Janse van Vuuren
Blender, a free digital programme can be used to create digital animation.
