TAKE 5: Naddya Adhiambo Oluoch-Olunya

Naddya Adhiambo Oluoch-Olunya is an illustrator and artist living and working in Nairobi. She recently opened Sunflower Pictures, an animation studio “committed to producing fresh, nourishing and high-quality content.”

1. What kind of training does one need to do what you do?

At Sheridan College, (Ontario, Canada) I learned good draughtsmanship.

I'm a naturally intuitive person, but animation demands precision and structure. My degree introduced me to this discipline.

You also need to be curious, always observing people, stealing their habits and storing them in your sketchbook.

2. What made you decide to return home and practice your art here?

 I decided to work here because I found work that was challenging and fulfilling.

For five years, I worked for ZanaAfrica, a social enterprise that produces high quality sexual and reproductive health information targeting girls through comics. As supervising illustrator, I led creation of the Nia Comic. The comics follow Nia's journey as she navigates the ins and outs of growing up. After leaving Zana, I started my own studio, Sunflower Pictures.

Some of the projects the studio is working on include a virtual reality game called Ngimurok, which will be released in February 2019 at Africa Nouveau.

We also have an animated short film called Uzi, about a perfectionist seamstress and her impatient daughter who are on a mission to create the world's most beautiful dress.

3. What challenges do you, as an illustrator, face in terms of getting jobs, pay and sourcing materials?

The biggest challenge is getting people to understand the value of the work. Digital drawing materials can be hard to find too. They can be found in Nairobi but they are imported with a premium.

4. What inspires you? How would you describe your work to a stranger who does not necessarily appreciate art?

People inspire me. Their tiny beauties, their private weaknesses - my work is about observing and listening to people, translating the energy through my body and showing them something true about themselves.

5. Congratulations on your recent exhibition. What would your ideal showcase look like, if money was not a barrier?

Thank you. My ideal exhibition would happen in a movie theatre, at the premiere of my 2D Animated feature in Nairobi. Watch this space!