bring rafiki to life

<a href="https://www.ngendo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="">Ng'endo Mukii</a> is an Annie award-winning and British Animation Award nominated film director. She is most well known for ‘Enkai,’ an episode on the Disney+ animated anthology, Kizazi Moto.At the prestigious Design Indaba conference in South Africa, she presented her talk ‘Film Taxidermy and Re-Animation,’ proposing the use of animation as a means of re-humanizing the ‘indigenous’ image; a people whose ‘real’ image is burdened with stereotypes of being the ‘Other.’Ng’endo is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, and holds a Master of Arts in Animation from the Royal College of Art in London. She is an alumni of the beautiful Berlinale Talents, the distinguished Urucu Media REALNESS Screenwriter’s Residency (South Africa), and the incredible Goethe Institute BahiaVila Sul artists’ residency (Brazil).Her mixed-media and inter-genre approach to filmmaking, particularly focused on the experiences of African women, gives her an incredibly unique visual language and makes her a preeminent voice in animation.She lives and works in Boston, as a Professor of the Practice at The Museum School (SMFA) at TUFTS University.

Mike Buckland is the Director of Production at Triggerfish Animation and has served on the company’s leadership team since 2006. He has produced award-winning films including Adventures in Zambezia, Khumba, and Seal Team for Netflix.He co-produced the Oscar-nominated Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes and several acclaimed Julia Donaldson adaptations for the BBC. More recent credits include Kiya &amp; The Kimoja Heroes for Disney, Supa Team 4 for Netflix, Aau’s Song for Star Wars: Visions Season 2, and Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire for Disney+.His leadership has been instrumental in establishing Triggerfish as Africa’s first truly global animation studio

Animation Mentor's <a href="https://www.animationmentor.com/animation-program/" target="" rel="" title="">3D Character Animation program</a>&nbsp;and a full scholarship to one 12-week course.Course placement will be determined by our admissions team based on the winner's experience level.Scholarship provided: $2500

1st place

Full scholarship to winner's choice of any one&nbsp;<a href="https://www.animationmentor.com/workshops/" target="" rel="" title="">Animation Mentor 6-Week course</a>&nbsp;or the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.yellowbrick.co/animation" target="" rel="" title="">New York University Animation Industry Essentials course</a> Scholarship provided: $900

2nd Price

3rd Price

<ol><li value="1">WIP Screenshots: &nbsp;A minimum of two images showing your progress (e.g., blocking stage and spline stage).</li><li value="2">Turntable Playblast - Showing the animation motion clearly (Optional but recommended) </li><li value="3">Final Animation Video&nbsp;</li></ol>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;- Max 20 seconds&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - MP4 format&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - 1080p resolution&nbsp;

Deliverables

Criteria for Submission<ul><li value="1">Must use the official Rafiki rig provided by CGAfrica</li><li value="2">Only Rafiki character allowed</li><li value="3">Use of environments or props are optional</li><li value="4">Use of &nbsp;textures or materials are optional</li><li value="5">Must be original work</li><li value="6">No plagiarism or reused animation clips</li></ul> Process for Submission<ul><li value="1">Visit www.cgafrica.com</li><li value="2"><a href="https://cgafrica.com/login" target="" rel="noreferrer" title="">Login</a> or <a href="https://cgafrica.com/signup" target="" rel="noreferrer" title="">create an account</a> if you don’t have one</li><li value="3">Complete your User Profile</li><li value="4">Then visit the competition page and click on Enter to submit your entry</li></ul>

Submission Guideliness

Entries will be judged by industry professionals using the following weighted criteria<h3 dir="ltr">Performance &amp; Acting (30%)</h3><ul><li value="1">Clarity of emotion</li><li value="2">Expressiveness</li><li value="3">Storytelling through motion</li></ul><h3 dir="ltr">Animation Fundamentals (25%)</h3><ul><li value="1">Timing &amp; spacing</li><li value="2">Weight &amp; balance</li><li value="3">Body mechanics</li></ul><h3 dir="ltr">3. Personality &amp; Character (20%)</h3><ul><li value="1">Faithfulness to Rafiki’s personality</li><li value="2">Charm, humour, wisdom</li></ul>4. Facial Animation (15%)<ul><li value="1">Expression quality</li><li value="2">Eye direction &amp; emotion</li></ul><h3 dir="ltr">5. Creativity &amp; Originality (10%)</h3><ul><li value="1">Unique interpretation</li><li value="2">Memorable performance</li></ul>

Judging Criteria

<a href="https://www.animationmentor.com/" target="" rel="" title="">Animation Mentor</a> offers online a nimation courses taught by a team of over 100 working professionals from Pixar, DreamWorks, Blizzard, Weta Digital, Riot Games and Industrial Light &amp; Magic, to name a few.It all starts with our world-class partnerships with animation professionals, studios, and software developers. These partnerships — along with our dedicated, industry-focused curriculum — help prepare students for a career in the animation industry.Students learn how to thrive in the studio production environment, using our custom interactive online campus in tandem with professional studio workflows.

<a href="https://creatures.africa" target="" rel="" title="">Creatures Animation Studio</a> is a leading award-winning 3D animation and storytelling studio based in Kampala, Uganda, East Africa, dedicated to crafting high-quality animated content rooted in African narratives and inspiring values.With a focus on original storytelling that celebrates culture, creativity, and imagination, Creatures has produced acclaimed works such as the animated short A Kalabanda Ate My Homework and continues to expand its universe with series like Kunda &amp; Friends.The studio’s services span 2D and 3D animation production, visual storytelling, and creative media projects, collaborating with notable partners and organizations on diverse visual narratives.

Please note that failure to comply with these terms and conditions may result in disqualification from the challenge and/or the removal of submitted entries.Participants are required to ensure that their design submissions do not infringe upon any existing intellectual property rights. Entries that infringe upon or violate the rights of any third-party intellectual property will be disqualified from the challenge.

General

<ul><li value="1">This challenge is exclusively for individual participants.</li><li value="2">Team submissions will not be accepted or considered eligible for participation.</li><li value="3">Each entry must be the sole work and effort of an individual participant.</li></ul>

Participation as a Team

<ul><li value="1">Artists retain full ownership of their work</li><li value="2">CGAfrica reserves the right to:</li></ul> - Showcase submissions for promotion - Use entries for educational and community purposes<ul><li value="1">No commercial resale without artist consent</li></ul>

Ownership of Submitted Artwork

A service and processing charge of up to 15% applies to all monetary prizesThis covers:<ul><li value="1">Payment processing</li><li value="2">Tax handling</li><li value="3">Platform administration</li></ul>

Service Charge on Competition Prizes

Please note that failure to comply with these terms and conditions may result in disqualification from the challenge and/or the removal of submitted entries.

Endnote

Cheeky Rafiki

Bring Rafiki to Life

Rafiki

The CGAfrica <a href="https://1drv.ms/u/c/56ec9e8324f932cc/IQAR-is3Jux7R6XydEOuBqe7AVTkUckqhu3S76BVqCUAW7s?e=1GmbAS" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="">Rafiki </a>Animation Challenge is a short character performance competition focused on acting through animation.Artists bring Rafiki — a quirky, wise African folklore character — to life using movement, expression, and timing only. <h2 dir="ltr">The Challenge</h2>Animate <a href="https://1drv.ms/u/c/56ec9e8324f932cc/IQAR-is3Jux7R6XydEOuBqe7AVTkUckqhu3S76BVqCUAW7s?e=1GmbAS" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="">a fully rigged Rafiki character</a> and show his humour, curiosity, wisdom, and mischief through pure performance.This challenge is about character acting, not technical polish. <h2 dir="ltr">Theme &amp; Story – The Unseen Wonder</h2>Rafiki is moving through an implied space when something small on the ground catches his attention.<ul><li value="1">He stops.</li><li value="2">He investigates.</li><li value="3">His body language shifts from curiosity to fascination.</li></ul>Through subtle movement, facial expression, and timing, Rafiki reacts to a discovery we never see. The animation ends with his response — laughter, awe, or a playful glance to the audience.What he finds is up to you.The story must be told entirely through his acting. <h2 dir="ltr"><a href="https://1drv.ms/u/c/56ec9e8324f932cc/IQAR-is3Jux7R6XydEOuBqe7AVTkUckqhu3S76BVqCUAW7s?e=1GmbAS" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="">DOWNLOAD THE RIGGED RAFIKI</a></h2><blockquote dir="ltr">Note that the character is rigged in Blender</blockquote>

Bring Rafiki to Life — 3D Character Animation Challenge

VFX Supervisor, ILM – Jury President&nbsp;

Co-Founder, Chocolate Tribe&nbsp;

Senior Director of Media &amp; Entertainment Marketing at Autodesk&nbsp;

<ul>
<li>$500 cash prize</li>
<li>All-expenses-paid trip to Morocco (1 person)</li>
<li>Invitation to LISOLO 2026 in Abidjan</li>
<li>1-year Autodesk Media &amp; Entertainment Suite license</li>
<li>Specialized AfroVFX training (Crowd Simulation on Golaem, CG Lighting on Maya, Cinematic Layout on Maya)</li>
</ul>
Access to an AfroVFX online bootcamp after the competition

<ul>
<li>All-expenses-paid invitation to LISOLO 2026 in Abidjan (1 person)</li>
<li>1-year Autodesk Media &amp; Entertainment Suite license</li>
<li>AfroVFX training series (Crowd Simulation on Golaem, CG Lighting on Maya, Cinematic Layout on Maya)</li>
<li>Access to an AfroVFX online bootcamp after the competition</li>
</ul>

2nd place

<h5>To enter the competition, applicants must:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Reside in an African country at the time of entry.</li>
<li>Be at least 18 years old on the date of entry.</li>
<li>Be the original creator of all submitted works (portfolio and storyboard) even as a team</li>
<li>Participate individually or as part of an unincorporated team (no formal studios allowed).&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Participate individually or as part of an unincorporated team (no formal studios allowed).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Who is eligible to enter the competition?

<h2>Phase 1 – Pre-Selection</h2>
<ul>
<li>Afro VFX reviews all eligible applications and pre-selects up to 30 applicants.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The official jury selects five finalists based on the relevance, creativity, and originality of their storyboards and portfolios.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Phase 2 – Selection and Integration of Finalists</h2>
<ul>
<li>The 30 semi-finalists must create a profile on the platform www.cgafrica.com to present their application to the jury.</li>
<li>The jury selects the five finalist teams.</li>
<li>Online bootcamp for integrating the finalist teams: Competition content, schedule, schedule, access to tools (assets, Autodesk Media &amp; Entertainment pack)</li>
</ul>
<h2 style="text-align:start;">Phase 3 – Final Production</h2>
The five finalists will receive:
<ul>
<li style="text-align:left;">The Autodesk Media &amp; Entertainment Collection</li>
<li>AfroVFX's free 3D asset pack (stadiums, buildings, monuments, etc.)</li>
<li>Crowd simulation training using Golaem software, as well as Layout and Lighting in Maya</li>
<li>Mentoring provided by industry experts</li>
<li>Finalists must produce a final video of no more than 1 minute and 2 seconds, in accordance with the technical guidelines provided.</li>
</ul>

Finalists are invited to supplement the AfroVFX assets with their own assets (not purchased on any platform).

Competition Process

<ul>
<li>Participants must be the sole authors of the submitted works (application and final production) and guarantee that no third-party copyright is violated.</li>
<li>The use of assets (including characters) not included in the pack is permitted, but ownership (original creation) must be proven.</li>
<li>The use of animation support tools (e.g., Mixamo) is permitted but must be acknowledged.</li>
<li>By participating, finalists grant AfroVFX and its partners a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, and distribute their works for promotional and educational purposes, with attribution.</li>
</ul>

Intellectual Property

The jury evaluates the final videos according to :
<ul>
<li>Fidelity to the original storyboard</li>
<li>Artistic creativity and originality</li>
<li>Technical quality (animation, layout, lighting, rendering, crowd simulation) Narrative strength and suitability to the competition theme</li>
</ul>
Technical Excellence (animation, layout, lighting, rendering, crowd simulation) and Narrative Impact, including storytelling quality and alignment with the competition theme.

Jury Evaluation Criteria

Autodesk is a global leader in software for architects, builders, engineers, designers, manufacturers, 3D artists and production teams.&nbsp;

<ul>
<li>Participants must respect the image and values ​​of AfroVFX and its partners.</li>
<li>Participants (finalists) are strongly recommended to participate in all activities (training and mentoring) throughout the competition.</li>
<li>Participants agree not to share the 3D assets provided by AfroVFX, either free of charge or for commercial purposes.</li>
<li>Work must not contain any offensive, discriminatory, or illegal content.</li>
<li>Participants agree not to distribute any version of their creation that violates the intellectual property rules of AFCON 2025 or by mentioning them.</li>
<li>Any plagiarism, fraudulent behavior, or non-compliance with the rules will result in immediate disqualification.</li>
</ul>

Code of Conduct

Initiated by AfroVFX, with the support of AutodesK Media &amp; Entertainment, “Mission Atlas” is a pan-African creative competition that invites 3D artists to celebrate African football through short and impactful videos.
<h2>What to expect?</h2>
Mission Atlas offers more than prizes. It is a launchpad for your creative career. Compete for a $500 cash prize, gain access to industry-leading tools, and unlock opportunities to grow professionally. Finalists join the AfroVFX network, travel to Africa, and enjoy exclusive resources. As a grand winner or finalist, you’ll gain visibility and connect directly with experts in the digital creation industry.

Mission Atlas

Bring Rafiki to life

Rafiti Character Render

RAfiki

Rofeek Ajanlekoko

Rafiki the wise sage

rafiki challenge

Kofi Owusu Ansah Rafiki challenge

SENIOR ANIMATION SUPERVISOR
WĒTĀ FX
<a href="https://www.wetafx.co.nz/about/people/animation-supervisors/sidney-kombo-kintombo" target="_self">Sidney Kombo-Kintombo</a> has been a professio nal animator since 2013 and is currently a senior animation supervisor at Weta Digital, based in New Zealand.
He graduated from Animation Mentor in 2010. Sidney has won two Annie Awards for his work on Koba in War for the Planet of the Apes and for his work in Avengers: Endgame.
He also won a Visual Effect Society (VES) Award for Outstanding Character Animation in Avengers: Infinity War.
In his spare time, Sidney is establishing an education program offering young Africans an opportunity to develop skills to tell their own stories. Sidney teaches Animation Basics and Introduction to Acting.

CEO of Kugali
<a href="https://hamidibrahimportfolio.com/" target="_self">Hamid Ibrahim</a> is an Artist who focuses on creative leadership and innovation. He is a co-founder and the CEO of Kugali.
Starting from humble beginnings in Uganda, Hamid has contributed to high-profile Hollywood blockbusters including “Lion King” (2019), “The Predator” (2018), and “Dolittle” (2020), to mention just a few.His most notable achievement is the groundbreaking collaboration with Disney Animation Studios on “Iwaju,” an African created series which marks the first time in Walt Disney’s 100 year history to collaborate with an outside studio (Kugali) to create an original animation.
In recognition of his contributions to the field, Hamid received the Alumnus of the Year Award from the University of Hertfordshire in 2021, was named one of the 100 Most Influential Persons of African Descent in 2024, and is a multi-award-nominated and award-winning production designer.

<a href="https://zerply.com/nherr" target="_self">Nicole</a> is a seasoned Supervising Animator with over 28 years of experience in the entertainment industry.
Her impressive portfolio spans a wide range of feature films, television series, video games, and theme park attractions.
Some of the notable projects she has contributed to include
<ul>
<li>Titanic</li>
<li>Space Jam</li>
<li>Blue Eye Samurai</li>
<li>Open Season</li>
<li>Surf's Up</li>
<li>Watchmen</li>
<li>Iron Man 2</li>
<li>X-Men 2</li>
<li>Gears of War</li>
<li>Call of Duty, and many more.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Full scholarship to one of Animation Mentor's 12-Week <a href="https://www.animationmentor.com/courses/3D/modeling/" target="_self">3D Character Modeling courses</a> (value $1,299 USD)</li>
<li>Half-Hour Mentorship with Sidney Kombo</li>
<li>Mentorship with Hamid Ibrahim</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Full scholarship to winners choice of any one <a href="https://www.animationmentor.com/workshops/" target="_self">Animation Mentor 6-Week course</a> (value $699-$899 USD) or The <a href="https://www.yellowbrick.co/animation" target="_self">New York University Animation Industry Essentials course </a> (value $999 USD)</li>
<li>Half-Hour Mentorship with Sidney Kombo</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Full scholarship to winners choice of any one <a href="https://www.animationmentor.com/workshops/" target="_self">Animation Mentor 6-Week course</a> (value $699-$899 USD) or The <a href="https://www.yellowbrick.co/animation" target="_self">New York University Animation Industry Essentials course </a> (value $999 USD)</li>
<li>Half-Hour Mentorship with Sidney Kombo</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>- Beauty shot (1 minimum) of your rendered character - 1920px+ on longest edge. e.g. landscape should have 1920px+ width, portrait should have 1,920px+ height</li>
<li>- Turn table shot of the character (1020x1920 minimum)</li>
<li>- Artist can use any color for shading and texturing</li>
<li>- Shaded renders</li>
<li>- Textured Renders</li>
<li>- Presentation renders of the character's front, back and side views 1,920px+ on longest edge. e.g. landscape should have 1,920px+ width, portrait should have 1,920px+ height</li>
<li>- A callout sheet presenting the major elements such as wireframes, clay renders, and texture sets.</li>
<li>- Work-in-progress artwork to show the progress of your entry including wireframes and progress shots.</li>
<li>- Exported geometry in .obj format: Upload the .obj <a href="https://onedrive.live.com/?id=56EC9E8324F932CC!1063177&resid=56EC9E8324F932CC!1063177&ithint=folder&authkey=!APKIJGSuQ9TMgvs&cid=56ec9e8324f932cc" target="_self">here </a> in a folder and make sure you save the file using your name</li>
</ul>

Criteria for Submission
<ul>
<li>- Only individual artists are eligible; submissions from studios or companies will not be accepted.</li>
<li>- Artwork should be in .jpg format and must not exceed 5MB in size.</li>
<li>- Rename your .obj filename to your name before you upload</li>
<li>- Participants are limited to a single entry. Multiple submissions may lead to disqualification. (Refer to the submission process below fordetails.)</li>
</ul>
<h3>Process for Submission</h3>
<ul>
<li>- Visit <a href="http://www.cgafrica.com/" target="_self">www.cgafrica.com</a></li>
<li>- Create an account if you don’t have one</li>
<li>- Complete your User Profile</li>
<li>- Then visit the competition page and click on Enter to submit your entry</li>
<li>- Upload your .obj file <a href="https://1drv.ms/f/s!Aswy-SSDnuxWwPIJ8ogkZK5D1MyC-w?e=rAavnG" target="_self">here</a> (Remember to rename the filename to your name)</li>
</ul>

Submission Guidelines 

<ul>
<li>- The characters will be judged on creative details, personality and execution of the original concept.</li>
<li>- The characters will embody the wonder of intersecting timelines and will tell a compelling story which produces an emotional response.</li>
<li>- Strong composition, modelling, texturing and lighting will also be crucial components in an entry’s success.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.animationmentor.com/" target="_self">Animation Mentor</a> offers online a nimation courses taught by a team of over 100 working professionals from Pixar, DreamWorks, Blizzard, Weta Digital, Riot Games and Industrial Light &amp; Magic, to name a few.
It all starts with our world-class partnerships with animation professionals, studios, and software developers. These partnerships — along with our dedicated, industry-focused curriculum — help prepare students for a career in the animation industry.
Students learn how to thrive in the studio production environment, using our custom interactive online campus in tandem with professional studio workflows.

Participants are required to ensure that their design submissions do not infringe upon any existing intellectual property rights. Entries that infringe upon or violate the rights of any third-party intellectual property will be disqualified from the challenge.

Please note that failure to comply with these terms and conditions may result in disqualification from the challenge and/or the removal of submitted entries.

This challenge is exclusively for individual participants.
Team submissions will not be accepted or considered eligible for participation.
Each entry must be the sole work and effort of an individual participant.

By participating in this competition and submitting artwork, participants acknowledge and agree that all submitted entries become the property of CGAfrica.
CGAfrica retains the right to use, reproduce, display, modify, and distribute the submitted artwork for promotional, marketing, or any other purposes related to the competition, without requiring further consent or compensation to the participant.
Participants maintain the right to be identified as the creators of their artwork. However, CGAfrica reserves the right to display or modify the artwork without necessarily attributing credit to the participant, if deemed necessary for promotional or display purposes.
Participants also acknowledge that the submitted artwork may be featured on CGAfrica's platforms, websites, social media channels, or any other media associated with CGAfrica, with no expectation of additional compensation beyond the prizes outlined for the competition.
Participants retain the right to showcase their artwork in personal portfolios or galleries, provided it does not conflict with any of the rights granted to CGAfrica.
This provision regarding ownership of submitted artwork shall remain in effect irrespective of the participant's status in the competition, including disqualification or withdrawal of the entry.

Please be aware that a service charge, amounting to a maximum of 15% of the competition prizes, will be deducted by Bank and CGAfrica. This charge covers bank charges incurred.
Participants are advised that, upon winning a prize in this competition, CGAfrica will deduct a service charge, not exceeding 15% of the awarded prize value, before disbursing the prize amount. This deduction is standard procedure and is detailed in the competition terms and conditions.
We encourage participants to carefully review the terms and conditions to understand the specifics regarding the service charge and its application to the competition prizes. Failure to comply with these terms may result in disqualification or removal of submitted entries.
For any clarifications or queries regarding the service charge, participants are welcome to reach out to CGAfrica for further information."

Service Charge on Competition Prizes - Up to 15% Applies.

Please note that failure to comply with these terms and conditions may result in disqualification from the challenge and/or the removal of submitted entries.

RAFIKI

Rafiki character model

Refiki

CGAfrica launches the 'Rafiki 3D Character Modelling Competition,' inviting 3D artists to showcase their skills in African folklore, with expert feedback and mentorship.
<h2>Character Bio</h2>
Character Name is Rafiki.
Rafiki is a quirky and wise character rooted in African folklore. With his tall, slender body and expressive face marked by tribal designs
Rafiki comes from a close-knit tribe known for their deep connection to nature and rich oral traditions.
CGAfrica launches the 'Rafiki 3D Character Modelling Competition,' inviting 3D artists to showcase their skills in African folklore, with expert feedback and mentorship.
<blockquote>Make sure you read the Rules</blockquote>
<h3><a href="https://onedrive.live.com/?id=56EC9E8324F932CC!1062977&resid=56EC9E8324F932CC!1062977&ithint=folder&authkey=!AEenUfRofMpz0XI&cid=56ec9e8324f932cc" target="_self">Download Reference Image</a></h3>

Bring Rafiki to Life 3D Modelling Competition sponsored by Animation Mentor

The Ancient City of Benin Concept Art

Benin kingdom landscape painting

The Benin Kingdom

The Kingdom of Benin

BENIN CITY CONCEPT DESIGN

Kingdom of Benin Shrine

Remnants Of An Old Civilization In a new world

Mist Warrior Village of Abomey

Hamid Ibrahim is a creative leader and innovator who is changing the face of African storytelling. He is the co-founder and creative director of Kugali Media, a visual entertainment company that creates stories inspired by African culture. Kugali is the first African company to partner with Disney
Animation to create Iwaju series on Disney TV.

As an artist, Femi explores classic and stunning storytelling. He is capable of evoking nostalgic feelings and taking his viewers on a journey of visual pleasure using his unique stylised paintings, which employ acrylic, oil, charcoal, and pastel mediums. He portrays his love for vintage art by fusing antique objects into everyday scenarios in dramatic and sometimes amusing ways. Femi is presenting the Senior Art Director at playhouse communications in Lagos Nigeria.
His paintings has been shown in Africa, America and Europe. He is at the moment represented by Insofar art gallery in Lisbon Portugal and The Camp gallery Miami Florida, USA.

Executive Creative Director at Framestore London and a Director at Framestore Pictures, our production arm.
Murray started his career as an artist at Framestore in London before leaving the UK to co-found the company's New York office.
He has won awards in both the UK and the US for his Visual Effects work. In the past few years he has focused on Framestore's creative output, working closely with the creative directors and VFX teams in the US and UK. He returned to London in 2021.
As a Director and an ECD who brings his expertise in VFX to complex storytelling, Murray is a collaborative problem solver who thrives when finding technical solutions to creative challenges, regardless of medium, ranging from model-making and miniatures , virtual production to fully CG projects. He brings equal enthusiasm to imagining Dinosaurs in the UN general assembly as he does to working with celebrity talent like Tom Holland or Rowan Atkinson.
Most recently, Butler directed action-packed, stunt-heavy, sci-fi adventure for Dell’s Alienware, and reimagined the Greek god of the sea Poseidon for Kohler. On the back of the Grand-Prix winning Sheba campaign he was recently ranked in the Top ten of directors in the 2022 Lions Creativity report.

3rd place

<h4>Environment Designs</h4>
<ul>
<li>Specifications: High-resolution completed environment designs.</li>
<li>Dimensions: 1,920px on the longest edge. The width should be 1,920px or more for landscape-oriented designs, and the height should be 1,920px or more for portrait-oriented designs.</li>
<li>Content: Designs should capture the mood, architecture, and cultural significance of the Benin Kingdom. Consider factors like camera angle, color palette, lighting, depth-of-field, and atmospheric effects.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Callout Sheets</h4>
<ul>
<li>Specifications: High-resolution completed callout sheets.</li>
<li>Dimensions: 1,920px on the longest edge. For landscape-orientedsheets, the width should be 1,920px or more. For portrait-oriented sheets, the height should be 1,920px or more.</li>
<li>Content: Each sheet should break down the individual elements present in the corresponding rendered environment concept. This includes architectural features, decorative elements, natural features, and any other significant components.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Work-in-Progress Artwork</h4>
<ul>
<li>Content: This should showcase the evolution of your entry. It provides a behind-the-scenes look into your creative process and design journey.</li>
<li>Inclusions: Silhouettes: Initial shapes and forms that guided your design.</li>
<li>Sketches: Preliminary drawings before finalizing the design.</li>
<li>Progress Shots: Various stages of your artwork, showing theprogression from the initial concept to the final piece.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Only individual artists are eligible; submissions from studios or companies will not be accepted.</li>
<li>Artwork should be in .jpg format and must not exceed 5MB in size.</li>
<li>Participants are limited to a single entry. Multiple submissions will</li>
</ul>
lead to disqualification. (Refer to the submission process below
for details.)

Submission Guidelines

<ul>
<li>Historical and Architectural Authenticity: The artwork should resonate with the historical essence and architectural nuances of the Benin Kingdom.</li>
<li>Artistic Creativity and Originality: The artwork should showcase a unique interpretation and re-imagination of the Benin Kingdom.</li>
<li>Detail and Precision in Callout Sheets: Callout sheets should be meticulously detailed, breaking down each element of the rendered environment. They should serve as a comprehensive guide for understanding and recreating the environment in 3D.</li>
<li>Mood and Atmospheric Representation: The rendered environments should effectively convey the intended mood and atmosphere. Factors like lighting, depth-of-field, and colour palette should be used to evoke specific emotions and ambiance.</li>
<li>Narrative and Composition: The environments should not just be visually appealing but should also narrate a story, drawing the viewer into the ancient world of the Benin Kingdom.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Artists must base their work on the character description.</li>
<li>Entries must be new artworks specifically made for the challenge and cannot be based on the works of another artist or film, TV, or game projects.</li>
</ul>

Original Artwork

<ul>
<li>Artists participating in this competition must be members of CGAfrica.com. Registration on CGAfrica.com is free.</li>
<li>Artists participating in the competition must subscribe to our social media platforms.</li>
<li>Entry is limited to individual artists; therefore team/studio/group entries are not eligible.</li>
<li>This competition is open to African artists of all ages.</li>
</ul>

Eligibility

<a href="https://www.framestore.com/" target="_self">Framestore</a>, a powerhouse in visual effects and creative content, is no stranger to imagination and creativity. By sponsoring the CGAfrica Competition 2022, Framestore reinforces its commitment to supporting emerging talents and celebrating the intersection of technology and art.

Foundry software has been integral to the making of every VFX Academy Award-winning film for the past decade. The company has been recognized and honoured at the highest level in the industry, including four Academy Sci-Tech Awards for Mari, Katana, Nuke, and Furnace, two HPA Engineering Excellence awards for Flix and Nuke, respectively, and an Engineering Emmy for Nuke.

This challenge is exclusively for individual participants. Team submissions will not be accepted or considered eligible for participation.
Each entry must be the sole work and effort of an individual participant.

The Coronation

A glimpse into my reimagination of Benin Kingdom

Benin City

<h2>The Ancient Civilization of Benin Kingdom - 2D Environment Design</h2>
The legacy of the Benin Kingdom, a beacon of African heritage, has inspired generations with its rich history, intricate art, and impressive urban planning. This competition seeks to celebrate and reinterpret the essence of the Benin Kingdom through innovative environmental design. Entrants are invited to draw inspiration from the kingdom’s history and architecture to create designs that resonate with both the past and the present.
<h2>Brief History of the Benin Kingdom</h2>
The Benin Kingdom, located in present-day southern Nigeria, thrivedbetween the 11th and 19th centuries. Originally under the Ogiso dynasty, the kingdom’s real consolidation began with the Oba dynasty in the 12th century. Oba Ewuare, reigning in the late 14th century, is credited with initiating the kingdom’s golden age, marked by territorial expansion, administrative reforms, and cultural flourishing. The Oba, a title for the king, was both a political and religious figure, believed to be a descendant of the god Osanobua.
The kingdom’s contact with Europeans, starting with the Portuguese in the 15th century, led to trade and, eventually, to its colonization by the British in the late 19th century.
<h3>Reference links</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Benin" target="_self">Link 01</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=ancient+benin+kingdom+architecture&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwiF86GSn-WGAxXbdqQEHbLzBTQQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=ancient+benin+kingdom+architecture&gs_lp=EgNpbWciImFuY2llbnQgYmVuaW4ga2luZ2RvbSBhcmNoaXRlY3R1cmVIgxZQogpYmhRwAHgAkAEAmAH_AqABkQiqAQc3LjEuMC4xuAEDyAEA-AEBigILZ3dzLXdpei1pbWfCAgoQABiABBhDGIoFiAYB&sclient=img&ei=oIlxZoWjK9vtkdUPsueXoAM&bih=1567&biw=3070&hl=en" target="_self">Link 02</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>The Architecture of Benin Kingdom</h2>
Benin City, the heart of the kingdom, was an architectural marvel. Wide streets, intricate walls, and moats showcased the kingdom’s urban planning prowess.
The walls of Benin, constructed over several centuries, were once considered the world’s largest pre-mechanical era earthworks. The royal palace, adorned with the famous Benin Bronzes, stood as a testament to the kingdom’s artistic and architectural brilliance.
<h3>See links:</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benin_Moat" target="_self">Link 03: Benin Moat</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Objectives</h2>
<h3>Environment Design</h3>
Create a fully rendered 2D environment concept that capture the mood,
architecture, and cultural significance of the Benin Kingdom. Consider
factors like camera angle, colour palette, lighting, depth-of-field, and
atmospheric effects to convey the ambiance and emotion of each space.
<h3>Callout Sheet</h3>
For each environment, produce a callout sheet that breaks down theindividual elements present in the rendered concept. This should include architectural features, decorative elements, natural features, and any other significant components. The callout sheet will serve as a blueprint for modelling and further development should be detailed enough to guide an art team in recreating your vision.
<a href="https://1drv.ms/b/s!Aswy-SSDnuxWwO9tQKFLFU3brQiuww?e=oUYfdt" target="_blank">Download Example of What Your Submission Should Look Like </a> 

<h2>Guidelines</h2>
<h3>Historical Accuracy</h3>
While you have the creative freedom to interpret and re imagine, your designs should be rooted in the historical and architectural essence of the Benin Kingdom. Research the kingdom’s urban planning, religious structures, and the iconic Benin Bronzes for inspiration.
<h3>Mood and Atmosphere</h3>
The Benin Kingdom was known for its intricate societal structures and spectral significance. Your environment should reflect this, be it a bustling market square, residential huts, the grandeur of the royal palace etc.
<h3>Detailing</h3>
The Benin Kingdom was renowned for its artistry. Incorporate intricate patterns, motifs, and designs that echo the craftsmanship of the era.
<h3>Sustainability</h3>
While the challenge is rooted in history, consider incorporating elements that hint at sustainable practices

CGAfrica 2D Competition 2024: The Ancient Civilization of Benin Kingdom Sponsored by Framestore

Jambo the Donkey Hero

CGAfrica, a dynamic online platform that serves as a beacon for African artists in the realm of 2D/3D art. CGAfrica is not just a platform, but a thriving community that fosters learning, creation, and sharing of unique artwork. With a strong commitment to promoting art from Africa, CGAfrica is a proud advocate for the recognition of African-born art.
CGAfrica offers an array of features to its community. The Artwork Gallery, a digital showcase of captivating 2D/3D artworks, videos, and VFX, serves as a source of inspiration for artists and enthusiasts alike.
The CGAfrica Metaverse, a technologically advanced virtual environment, celebrates the rich and diverse African culture and heritage.

$120 cash prize
A portfolio review from an expert

1st Place

A portfolio review from an expert

3rd Place

2nd Place

Artists must base their work on the character description.
Entries must be new artworks specifically made for the challenge and cannot be based on the works of another artist or film, TV, or game projects.

The outcome or decision made by the judges of the challenge is final.

Challenge Judging

Artists participating in this competition must be members of CGAfrica.com. Registration on CGAfrica.com is free.
Artists participating in the competition must subscribe to our social media platforms.
Entry is limited to individual artists; therefore team/studio/group entries are not eligible.
This competition is open to African artists of all ages.

Presentation shot: your character from different angles, which can be posed from a minimum of three (3) angles (front, side, and back). Your work-in-progress (silhouettes, back views, sketches, progress shots, etc.) should be included.

<ul>
<li>Studios and companies are not allowed to submit artwork.</li>
<li>Ensure the artwork does not exceed 5MB and is in jpg format when uploading the piece.</li>
<li>Meet the deadline; no late entries are accepted!</li>
<li>Use the provided reference image as the base for your 3D model.</li>
</ul>

Submission Criteria

Paul is a licensed medical doctor who also possesses a deep passion for CGI. <a href="https://cgafrica.com/article/the-doctor-with-a-passion-for-pixels-how-paul-chungag-is-championing-african-cgi-artists" target="_self">Read about Paul here</a>

This challenge is exclusively for individual participants. Team submissions will not be accepted or considered eligible for participation. Each entry must be the sole work and effort of an individual participant.

Service Charge on Competition Prizes - Up to 15% Applies

By participating in this competition and submitting artwork, participants acknowledge and agree that all submitted entries become the property of CGAfrica. CGAfrica retains the right to use, reproduce, display, modify, and distribute the submitted artwork for promotional, marketing, or any other purposes related to the competition, without requiring further consent or compensation to the participant.
Participants maintain the right to be identified as the creators of their artwork. However, CGAfrica reserves the right to display or modify the artwork without necessarily attributing credit to the participant, if deemed necessary for promotional or display purposes.
Participants also acknowledge that the submitted artwork may be featured on CGAfrica's platforms, websites, social media channels, or any other media associated with CGAfrica, with no expectation of additional compensation beyond the prizes outlined for the competition.
Participants retain the right to showcase their artwork in personal portfolios or galleries, provided it does not conflict with any of the rights granted to CGAfrica.
This provision regarding ownership of submitted artwork shall remain in effect irrespective of the participant's status in the competition, including disqualification or withdrawal of the entry.

Jambo the whmsical donkey

Jumbo the whimsical donkey

Jambo character sheet

Do you have what it takes to join Jambo, the whimsical donkey with an eye patch, on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Africa?
We are looking for artists to put their own idea and spin on
creating a 2D character for Jambo the whimsical donkey.
Here's what you need to know:
Name: Jambo
Species: Donkey
Appearance: Jambo is a sturdy donkey with a thick, gray coat and a distinctive eye patch covering one eye. Despite his rugged appearance, there's a whimsical twinkle in his other eye that hints at his playful nature.
Personality: Jambo is a whimsical and resilient donkey with a heart of gold. He's known for his sturdy demeanor and unwavering loyalty to his friends. Despite any hardships he may face, Jambo always maintains a positive outlook on life and approaches every situation with a sense of humor. He loves nothing more than embarking on adventures, whether it's exploring the vast savannah or making new friends among the diverse wildlife.
Background: Jambo has had his fair share of adventures, having traveled far and wide across the African landscape. His eye patch is a testament to his resilience, as it serves as a reminder of a daring escapade where he bravely faced down a mischievous band of savannah critters. Now, Jambo spends his days roaming the African wilderness, spreading joy wherever he goes with his infectious spirit and whimsical antics.
Special Skills: Jambo may not be the fastest or strongest donkey around, but he more than makes up for it with his resourcefulness and wit. He's a master at finding creative solutions to problems and is always there to lend a helping hoof to those in need. Additionally, his keen sense of humor and playful demeanor make him a beloved companion to all who have the pleasure of knowing him amidst the sweeping vistas of the African landscape.

Paul Chungag Vision Award - Jambo the Whimsical Donkey

$100
A portfolio review from an expert

The character designs will be judged on both creative and narrative details.
The outcome or decision made by the judges of the challenge is final.

Presentation shot: your character from different angles, which can be posed in at least three (3) angles (front, side, and back).
Your work-in-progress (silhouettes, back views, sketches, progress shots, etc.) should be included.
A callout sheet presenting wireframes, normal mode, and texture sheets.

Studios/companies are not allowed to submit artwork.
Ensure the artwork does not exceed 5MB and is in .jpg format when uploading the piece.

Artists must base their references on the provided concept art.
Entries must be new artworks specifically made for the challenge and cannot be based on the works of another artist or film, TV, or game projects.

Paul is a licensed medical doctor who also possesses a deep passion for CGI, backed by more than 6 years of dedicated experience utilizing tools such as Blender, Substance Painter, and Marvelous Designer. His expertise spans the realms of both medicine and computer-generated imagery.
Driven by a profound interest in fostering the growth of young African talents within the CGI sphere, Paul is committed to nurturing their skills. Moreover, he aims to elevate African artistry to a level of global recognition and prominence.
Paul's unique blend of medical proficiency and CGI expertise fuels his dedication to advancing the CGI field while concurrently advocating for the flourishing evolution of African artistic expression on an international scale.

CHARACTER MODELING COMPETITION

CGAfrica Character Design Contest Entry

Obi The Kid A Journey from Paper to Pixel

Click the link below to view the reference images, Goodluck and let creativity lead CGAfrica's legendary challenge is back! Breathe life into our character, transforming it from 2D to 3D in all its glory. 1st place wins a cash prize and an expert portfolio review, and you can claim your throne among Africa's digital heroes.
Click the <a href="https://1drv.ms/f/s!Aswy-SSDnuxWwNlcrP9Wk3NLg1zDqA?e=Bd2U85" target="_self">link </a> below to view the reference images, Goodluck and let creativity lead.
<a href="https://1drv.ms/f/s!Aswy-SSDnuxWwNlcrP9Wk3NLg1zDqA?e=Bd2U85" target="_self">CGAfrica 3D model reference 2D sketch</a>

CGAfrica 3D character design contest

Home Page

Browse past creative arts competitions on CGAfrica. View previous winners and get inspired.

Past Competitions

Bring Rafiki to Life — 3D Character Animation Challenge

Mission Atlas

Bring Rafiki to Life 3D Modelling Competition sponsored by Animation Mentor

CGAfrica 2D Competition 2024: The Ancient Civilization of Benin Kingdom Sponsored by Framestore

Paul Chungag Vision Award - Jambo the Whimsical Donkey

CGAfrica 3D character design contest

Recruitments

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Company

Contacts