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Akulu Lipenga

Junior

Hey! I'm Akulu, illustrator/character designer/animator. Currently a freelancer and here to see just how far we can take this art thing!

Biography

Hello, I'm Akulu, a name that translates to "Big" or "Elder" in my mother tongue. Growing up with such a distinctive name was a unique experience, to say the least. I'm an artist, illustrator, character designer, and animator based in the vibrant cultural landscape of Malawi.

 

My journey into the world of art began with a degree in Fine Arts, but I've always been driven by a strong sense of self-teaching and artistic exploration. After completing my college education, I ventured into co-founding an artistic collective known as Zaluso Arts with a dear friend. Zaluso Arts became more than just an agency; it evolved into a hub for all things creative.

 

However, as life unfolded and my personal artistic vision continued to evolve, I made the decision to step away from Zaluso Arts after about five years. The collective still thrives today, led by individuals who joined after my departure. Zaluso Arts is something of an artistic enigma in Malawi, where the visual arts industry is still in its nascent stages.

 

Since leaving Zaluso Arts, my focus has been on defining my unique artistic career path while staying true to my creative vision. My time with the collective involved a lot of administrative work and managing other artists, but my core aspiration is to enhance my skills as an artist so that I can bring my creative visions to life more effectively. 

 

Over the years, I've been diligently self-teaching, expanding my skill set, and honing my craft. One important lesson I've learned is the immense value of being surrounded by artists who are more experienced and talented than I am. To this end, I'm on a quest to find an environment that provides structure and opportunities for growth beyond what my current surroundings can offer.

 

Throughout my career, I have predominantly created illustrations for musicians, non-profit organizations, individuals, and corporate entities. Recently, I've ventured into the world of animation and have been dedicating more of my energy to character design, with the hope of one day contributing to a studio's creative endeavors.

 

My artistic journey is a continuous exploration, and I'm excited to see where it leads me next in the ever-evolving landscape of creativity

 

 

Skills

Roles

  • Advanced
  • Intermediate
  • Intermediate

Work Experience

2022 – Present day

Character Designs

Twin Drums (Berlin)
Designed captivating characters for role playing game asset booklet. Working close with the creative team to bring their vision to life by crafting unique and visually appealing characters.

2021 – Present day

2D Animator & Character Designer

StudiOxygen Africa (Malawi)
As a 2D Animator & Character Designer at StudiOxygen Africa, I played a crucial role in producing visually engaging content. I focused on crafting character designs for both 3D and 2D animations.

2015 – 2019

Visual Artist

Zaluso Arts (Malawi)
As a Co-founder of the innovative art collective, I undertook a multifaceted role that spanned visual artistry, graphic design, administrative responsibilities and event organisation.

Education

2012 – 2015

Bachelor of Arts

University of Malawi, Chancellor College

Fine Arts