
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)
2021 – Present day
2D Animator & Character Designer
StudiOxygen Africa (Malawi)
2015 – 2019
Visual Artist
Zaluso Arts (Malawi)
Education
2012 – 2015
Bachelor of Arts
University of Malawi, Chancellor College
Fine Arts
