KB: Tell us something about yourself Salim
I am a self-taught artist, born and raised in Kenya. I grew up in Nairobi consuming comics, Saturday morning cartoons and also games as a child. I can't remember a time when I was not drawing.  My wife and I created Avandu studios to produce our content.
KB: How would you describe your creative process when it comes to illustrations?
I would describe it as a journey through history, combined with my hope for the future as I reference the present.  I say that because I borrow heavily from our culture through books and other historical material I find in bookshops and the museum. I look at it for inspiration and then do some sketches as I try to incorporate more modern elements into the design but still maintain the cultural aspects of the design.
KB: What tools do you work with to make your illustrations and do you have a preferred one?
I have a Wacom tablet that allows me to work digitally from start to finish. I also have a sketch book that I love to use because I started off in the era before digital things. So I love working on both tablet, pen and paper.
KB: What does NAICCON mean to you as an illustrator?
NAICCON is where we get to meet different people and show them what we've been working on for them. It's time to get to see how people feel and think about what we do. So we really appreciate the NAICCON team for creating that space for us and the fans to engage with each other.
KB: Do you have any memorable experiences at NAICCON? Do share
Yes. It was our first NAICCON where we exhibited and showcased our first game called Space Dodger which we later changed to Operation Mlinzi. It was our first face to face exposure to the local audience. It was great because we received a lot of love from the attendees.
KB: What can fans expect from you at this year's NAICCON event?
I can't say much but they should definitely expect a new comic and some dope posters.
KB: What are your thoughts on the Kenyan comic and studio illustration scene so far?
I love it, I see many young people who love to draw and want to tell their own stories which is a great thing. What I feel is lacking is the training institutions that are not yet able to fully cater to these young kids and impart to them the necessary skills and drive that is required to survive in this industry. Because the industry will grow on their shoulders and no one else is coming to help with that load. So the future is bright but we have to roll up our sleeves.

About The Author

Author
Oliver

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