Meet our new Digital Media tutor Kennedy

Meet our new Digital Media tutor Kennedy

My name is Kennedy Kioa Faimanifo. I am Samoan / Maori.

Where did you go school?

I grew up in South Auckland. Finlayson Primary, Weymouth Intermediate and James Cook High School.

What would you say is your strongest skillset?

As a Digital Artist I have been fortunate enough to be exposed to all forms of digital media. I love it all anything artistic and creative. I would say my passion for characters and digital drawing.

What kind of projects have you worked on in your career ?

My career highlight would have to be working for Weta Digital. I spent a few years there and worked on projects like Maze Runner, Mortal Engines, Game of Thrones and the latest upcoming Avatar 2. I've also worked in Australia on full Animated Feature films. In addition I have worked on awesome projects like Kung Fu Panda and Monsters vs Aliens TV shows.

What kind of subjects were you passionate about in school?

I've always been into drawing. Growing up we knew no one who had entered this field of work. I had an uncle who was a graphic designer and he supplied me with paper as a kid. Going into high school it was definitely Art but more Graphic Design. We had a great teacher who took no rubbish, she pushed us and I was lucky enough to be taught in a more hands on era. I never really used Computers for Digital Art until I was in my 20's.

What motivates you to teach at Whitecliffe?

I have always wanted to give back to my community. I want to show young Polynesian and Maori all the techniques I was taught early and see them succeed faster than ever have.

It all starts here at Level 4. I taught and developed curriculum in Levels 5, 6 and 7 but I found I wasn't really reaching out to the Polynesian, Maori demographic. I have over 13 years’ experience in digital art, animation, design, character art and have run my own businesses and connected with many extremely talented artists from around the world.

I hope I can give someone the opportunity to experience the same but better. I'm from South Auckland, I live in South Auckland and my kids are here too. Look forward to the challenge.