Siwaphiwe Mpofu
Johannesburg,GP
Summary
Recent graduate with foundational knowledge in animation and hands-on experience gained through academic projects and internships. Strong teamwork, problem-solving, and time-management skills. Prepared to start a career and make meaningful contributions with commitment and drive. With a background in information systems, possesses strong coding and software development skills that allow bridging technical and creative spheres to deliver innovative, dynamic projects. Specializes in character concept art, modeling, texturing, and 3D animation, with a growing interest in 2D animation, rigging, and scripting. Motivated by bringing characters and environments to life, blends art and technology to create relatable, engaging stories. Always striving to grow and develop in any role taken on, firmly believes that one can never know enough. Enjoys learning from peers and those around, eager to assist others and provide guidance when needed. Values clear and effective communication, critical thinking, and efficient problem-solving as a team player. Approaches work with maturity, integrity, staying organized, adaptable, and calm under pressure while focusing on the bigger picture. Aims to continue building skills and creativity in an environment that values innovation and storytelling to make a difference through art and technology.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
Collaborative Student Projects
- Contributed to student-led music video projects outside formal coursework, playing a pivotal role in creative development and execution
Character Design & Concept Art Workshop
The Animation School
- Completed a week-long Character Design and Concept Art workshop during my second year at The Animation School, led by French industry professional Rémi Farjaud
- Known for his work on Assassin’s Creed and with Blizzard Entertainment, Rémi shared expert techniques in character design fundamentals, world-building, and bringing dynamic concepts to life
- This immersive experience helped me strengthen my skills in creating visually compelling characters and enhanced my understanding of character aesthetics, storytelling, and form—all foundational elements I continue to incorporate into my own work
Thusanani Project Volunteer
De La Salle College
- Company Overview: Collaboration with Nthabalala Primary School, Limpopo Province
- Engaged in the Thusanani Project, a school-sponsored initiative promoting social responsibility and community upliftment in rural Limpopo
- Traveled to Nthabalala Village to assist with maintenance and student engagement at Nthabalala Primary School, supporting the school’s commitment to social justice and inclusivity
- Strengthened community bonds and gained insights into educational disparities, promoting awareness and empathy
- Helped advance the Thusanani Project’s mission to inspire private schools to bridge social divides and support underserved communities, embodying values of respect, inclusivity, and active service
- Collaboration with Nthabalala Primary School, Limpopo Province
Performance Coordinator, Concept artist, Character Modeller and Texturer and Animator for Third-Year Film Project
The Animation School
01.2024 - Current
- Coordinated the animation team to maintain a consistent animation style across various animators, providing constructive feedback and support to keep work on schedule
- Helped draw and created concepts for the characters utilised in the film and assisted in storyboarding and pre-production planning
- Modelled and textured Characters and Assets that were utilized in the film
- Animated shots in the film along with 2D Effects
- Managed administrative tasks, tracked deadlines, and ensured timely submission of deliverables, overseeing communication across rigging, modelling, and animation departments
- Utilized tools including Autodesk Maya, Unreal Engine, Blender, Photoshop, Krita, Marvelous Designer, Zbrush, and Substance Painter to enhance workflow and project quality
Marketing Representative
The Animation School
01.2024 - Current
- Represented The Animation School at industry events, including Avi Jozi and Comic Con Johannesburg as part of the Marketing Department
- Responsibilities included introducing prospective students to the school’s courses and short courses, answering questions, addressing concerns, and guiding interested attendees through the application process
- I also managed data collection, recording details of those interested in applying, and facilitated an interactive drawing competition
- During Avi Jozi, I worked two days (12 hours total), and at Comic Con, I worked three days (10 hours total), gaining valuable experience in public engagement, program promotion, and event coordination
MIFA Mentorship Programme
Annecy International Animation Film Festival
06.2024 - 06.2024
- Company Overview: Participated in leadership and skill development programs, and networking with international industry professionals
- Selected as part of a South African delegation travelling to Animation Festival Annecy France, funded by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) to represent South Africa
- I had a transformative experience as part of the MIFA Annecy Mentorship Program, exploring the animation industry on a global scale at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival
- The mentorship gave me invaluable industry exposure and introduced me to animators from around the world, expanding my perspectives and skills
- Working at the South African Animation delegation booth at the MIFA expo allowed me to network with international and local studios, learning about industry nuances, emerging technologies and representing South African animation interests
- I connected with creators of notable projects like Arcane and Ultraman, learning firsthand about their workflows and storytelling techniques
- Inspired by new animation techniques, especially from Japanese and German studios
- Participated in leadership and skill development programs, and networking with international industry professionals
Animation Intern
Wondermerk Studios
01.2024 - 01.2024
- Developed familiarity with Blender through various projects and explored 3D fashion production processes
Animation Intern
Chocolate Tribe
01.2022 - 01.2022
- Received an in-depth and hands experience and view of the animation production pipeline in a professional studio setting and learned basic operations in Unreal Engine
Member, Environment Committee
Johannesburg Junior Council
10.2016 - 03.2017
- Company Overview: One of South Africa's oldest youth-focused non-profit organizations, empowering young leaders across Johannesburg through leadership development and community service
- Served as a Councillor in the Johannesburg Junior Council (JJC), empowering young leaders across Johannesburg through leadership development and community service
- Actively contributed to the JJC’s Environment Committee, collaborating with other inspired young leaders from 40 schools across Johannesburg to address environmental issues affecting youth
- Organized and participated in impactful community events, including: Leucon Prison Visit – Interacted with juvenile inmates to support and inspire rehabilitation, January 2017
- JJC Leadership Camp – Strengthened teamwork and leadership skills through workshops and exercises, February 2017
- Youth Ball – Contributed to event planning and execution, October 2017
- Accumulated over 60 hours in JJC activities, enhancing my skills in leadership, teamwork, and community engagement
- One of South Africa's oldest youth-focused non-profit organizations, empowering young leaders across Johannesburg through leadership development and community service
Education
Diploma in Digital Animation -
The Animation School
01.2024
Bachelor of Commerce - Information Systems
University of Johannesburg
01.2021
National Senior Certificate -
De La Salle Holy Cross College
01.2018
Skills
- Communication
- Prioritization and Time Management
- Interpersonal and Teamwork
- Flexibility and Adaptability
- Self-Motivation and Resilience
- Leadership and Organization
- Problem-Solving
- Emotional Maturity
- Project Management
- Character Design and Concept Creation
- Illustration and Digital Art
- Coding and Software Development
- Animation and Video Editing
- 3D Software Proficiency
- Technological Skills
Accomplishments
- Triggerfish Studios Bursary Recipient, 01/01/23
- Top Achiever in Character Design, 01/01/24
- Student Exhibition Showcases, 01/01/24
Languages
English
Xhosa
Afrikaans
Showreelandprojects
https://youtu.be/_1W-7Dz7WQI?si=VzEE0G0P8GdeABAl, Music Video 1, https://youtu.be/ats2jlUFb5g?si=LRsXRK5dvLq9D3ud, Music Video 2, https://youtu.be/_xUqeFFDpgo?si=NvvC1G1JC6OmU9rf
References
- Carl Marnewick, 3rd Year Lecturer, University of Johannesburg, Available upon request, cmarnewick@uj.ac.za
- Mikylah Spangenberg, Lecturer: 2nd Year, The Animation School, +27 78 803 7667, mikylah@theanimationschool.co.za
- Gabriella Coppin, Marketing Manager, The Animation School, +27 72 884 4380, gabriella@theanimationschool.co.za
- Amanda Naidoo, Student Advisor, The Animation School, +27 84 587 8312, amanda@theanimationschool.co.za
- Lebohang Kunou, Industry Training & Development Officer, The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), +27 82 766 2999, lebohang@nfvf.co.za
- Tanya Blaeser, Lecturer: 3rd Year, The Animation School, tanya@theanimationschool.co.za
Extracurricular Activities
MIFA Mentorship Programme, Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Annecy, France, 06/01/24 Character Design & Concept Art Workshop, The Animation School, Second-Year Experience, 01/01/24 Johannesburg Junior Council (JJC) Member, Environment Committee, 10/01/16, 03/01/17 Thusanani Project Volunteer, De La Salle College Collaboration with Nthabalala Primary School, Nthabalala Village, Limpopo Province, Not Provided
Hobbies and Interests
- Photography
- Gaming
- Reading
- Illustration
- Athletics and Fitness
Leadershippositions
- Head of House Committee, De La Salle Holy Cross College, 01/01/17, 01/01/18
- Councilor (Prefect), De La Salle Holy Cross College, 01/01/17, 01/01/18
- Council Member, Johannesburg Junior Council, 01/01/16, 01/01/17
- Debating Captain, De La Salle Holy Cross College Debating Committee, 01/01/17, 01/01/18
- Environment Head, De La Salle Holy Cross College Environment Committee, 01/01/17, 01/01/18
- Third year group Coordinator, University of Johannesburg, 01/01/21
- Third year Performance Coordinator, The Animation School, 01/01/24
Timeline
MIFA Mentorship Programme
Annecy International Animation Film Festival
06.2024 - 06.2024
Performance Coordinator, Concept artist, Character Modeller and Texturer and Animator for Third-Year Film Project
The Animation School
01.2024 - Current
Marketing Representative
The Animation School
01.2024 - Current
Animation Intern
Wondermerk Studios
01.2024 - 01.2024
Animation Intern
Chocolate Tribe
01.2022 - 01.2022
Member, Environment Committee
Johannesburg Junior Council
10.2016 - 03.2017
Bachelor of Commerce - Information Systems
University of Johannesburg
National Senior Certificate -
De La Salle Holy Cross College
Collaborative Student Projects
Character Design & Concept Art Workshop
The Animation School
Thusanani Project Volunteer
De La Salle College
Diploma in Digital Animation -
The Animation School
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