Cairo-Mia is multi-disciplinary London-based creative studying SAE’s Game Art and Animation degree.
Her work explores themes surrounding Afro-fantasy, spiritualism and duality, particularly via her comic series, The Eclipse Project.
We spoke with Cairo-Mia as part of our International Women’s Day content earlier in the year and were keen to find out more about her work in our interview below…
Have you always had a passion for illustration and game art/animation?
I grew up in a creative family so music and art have always come naturally to me. I would often make beats in my room and draw mini comics and design characters. I never went to uni straight out of sixth form, I took a gap year to prove that I could achieve something alone but this gap year ended up turning into five years.
During this time I was working on my debut comic series, The Eclipse Project, and last summer I completed and printed the first book. After this achievement I was then ready to go into uni with some more direction. Game Art was always the course I was interested in as it explores world building and storytelling in addition to fine art skills.
How has the course been useful for you?
Being on this course has re-awakened my gamer self and helped me feel as though there is a place for me in the industry with my love for storytelling and world building. I am a 2D artist but now have gained skills in 3D which has been so fun and interesting. I really enjoy the challenge it’s given me.
As an artist specialising in afro-fantasy themes, could you talk a little more in depth about how you discovered this and The Eclipse Project comic book?
So my comic series The Eclipse Project is Afro-futuristic and Afro fantasy. I’ve always loved the fantasy genre more so in terms of fairies and magical girls but I hardly see accurate representation of people of colour or dark skinned women. I know that there are so many other enjoyers of the genre who feel this as well so my intention was to build the world for us. The book started off by just designing characters for myself based on my two conflicting identities, one of the moon and one of the sun. I then developed background lore about them which ended up turning into a whole story and I just kept going from there.
What is the appeal of the comic book as a creative medium?
I love comic books. I collect Marvel comics and also some independent artists. I’m a big fan of physical media and there’s just something about flicking through the pages and seeing the hard work that goes into each frame that manages to tell a story that I have always found so fascinating. My uncle, Cortland Ellis, is a comic illustrator and storyboard artist himself and, at a young age, he introduce me to animation and the comic world. Since then, I have always been inspired to follow in his footsteps .
What are you hoping to do after the course?
After this course I am hoping to get into the animation industry. Ive always hoped to work on some projects of my own but I would love to be on a team that makes a cool game and really have the chance to let my creative input shine. I’m leaning towards creative direction and visual development as I feel this encompasses the aesthetic and world building aspects I’m fond of.
Are there other areas of the creative industries you’re looking to explore as part of your studies?
Studying Game Art and Animation opens up so many avenues to go down after my course. I would love to look more into the animation side of things as well community outreach. Additionally, music will always have a place in my heart and I appreciate the opportunity to be in the same building as so many other talented musicians so maybe I can find a way to mix all of the above together.
What would you advise anyone looking to study the degree?
To anyone looking to study this degree, I think you should be aware of how 3D heavy it is but also come into it with an open mind. There’s so much to learn and even if you have used software like Blender before you have the chance to really understand the intention behind what you’re making. The lecturers really enjoy the subject too so you really feel like it’s worth it. It’s quite fast paced but the more you learn the more, you want to keep up.
What projects are keeping you busy alongside your studies?
I am currently working on book two of The Eclipse Project as well as developing a portfolio for an animation that I would like to pitch hopefully in the next three years. Along this process I have started a YouTube channel to share my work and progress which keeps me busy outside of my studies.
Connect with Cairo-Mia | Instagram | YouTube | Comic
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