Name: Wynand (the munki) Groenewald
Age: 25
Current Occupation: animation director/lead animator/technical lead
So what is exactly is it that you do? Supervise animators and make sure to keep a level of consistency and quality in the animation. Also, I animate.
Why in the world would you choose a career in animation? I’ve always wanted to be an animator – ever since the day I realized that one could get paid for drawing. (turns out it’s harder than it sounds, but the fun makes up for it)
Did you study, how did you go about learning your trade? I did art in school, studied traditional animation for 2 years at City Varsity, and after working, did an extra year later to specialize in 3D animation.
Give us a brief run down of your average working day? There really is no average, each one is very different. It’s usually a mix between meetings, script readings, animating, and the occasional interview.
What type of challenges do you face on an ongoing basis? Every day has a new challenge (which is brilliant). Working with so many creative minds means there’s never a dull moment. I must say though that computers and software are probably the biggest challenges
Do you recommend studying to get into your field? Definitely! In fact I recommend studying further after you get into your field as well. Knowledge is power, man. U can never have enough.
Quick questions:
Funniest moment of your career: When chickenpeeg arrived at the office.(The FirstStep team raises eyebrows)
Highlight of your career so far: Seeing the first episode of an animation that I helped to make getting aired on national TV (woot!)
If you weren’t a Munki you would be a Banana (The FirstStep team are starting to get concerned)
What’s your biggest inspiration? Cartoons on TV (especially Invader Zim)
And your influences? Cartoons on TV (especially Invader Zim)
Your favourites:
Favourite food: Mom’s Lasagne
Favourite Country: South Africa
Favourite Cartoon: (one guess)
Favourite City: Mordor (The FirstStep team are now extremely worried!)
Your message to young South Africans: As soon as you know what you want to be, go for it with everything you’ve got and don’t let anyone stop you – or even slow you down. Oh, and laugh out loud whenever you can. (…but trust me on the sunscreen)
