Eddie Ochanda is originally of East African descent from the country called; Kenya. He was born and raised in the capital city which is called; Nairobi.
Eddie has been studying art and design since first grade. After graduating from high school, he undertook a Bachelor’s course in Design (particularly focusing on artistic Illustration), at the University of Nairobi, under it’s School of Architecture, Design and Development. After two years of study, Eddie decided to set his sights elsewhere. This was due to the Institution’s limited resources, limited art and design programs, and it’s lack of artistically nurturing courses. Also because the school needed to focus primarily on theoretical and non-related courses rather than hands-on training.
Eddie and his mother began researching the best art institutions globally. Max the Mutt was listed. After seeing the level of student work showcased on Max the Mutt’s website, none of the other schools appealed to him. He was keen on attending this school as his first choice and Max the Mutt was where he wanted to be. Eddie applied immediately and was thankfully accepted into the Concept Art program.
Eddie said that the beauty associated with the art and design behind some of the most interesting films, games and shows, that he had the opportunity to watch, was what inspired him to study concept art.
Some of these include, the Harry Potter Franchise, God of War game franchise, Scoobydoo Mysteries, Earth to Echo, Bruce Timm’s Animated Batman TV series, Transformers, Lord of the Rings to name a few. He was excited by the thought he could be a part of that creation process. Including building a life and personality into a character and/or environment. As well as the ability to tell a story in the form of storyboards or beat-boards lead from a concept to a final product. All appealed to Eddie and has always been his preferred area of interest.
Eddie’s goal is to be employed in the film/television industry as a storyboard artist where he can implement different concepts and ideas into a wonderful final products. Especially since, with the help of his instructors, he’s found that it is one of his strong suits. Hopefully, in five years from now, Eddie will be a step closer to becoming a Canadian citizen and will be part of the industry that he has always admired and has influenced his artistic views in such a sufficiently great way.