Recently as part of our Beyond Umuzi series of talks, we hosted our alumni Thabo Tsolo. It was an incredibly inspiring talk where he shared his success story with our community.
In the world of gaming and animation, Thabo Tsolo is a name that's making waves. With a quirky and charismatic personality, he's not just a game designer and 3D artist; he's a dreamer, a lover, and a spiritual being, simply adding depth to his creative journey.
An Umuzi alumni
His journey with us started in Cohort 12 in 2018, where he studied multimedia and animation. Like all great innovators, he began as a learner, and it's the journey of learning and growth that transformed him into an industry expert. Thabo firmly believes that his experience at Umuzi was completely transformative. In addition, his sister and cousin are also alumni of Umuzi - we have clearly become a part of their legacy.
Post-graduation, Thabo and a group of fellow graduates embarked on a journey to create their animation studio, Space Salad Studios. Their mission - is to craft unique gaming experiences, with a focus on reshaping the gaming industry by weaving tales inspired by the human experience.
They've developed a total of seven original games, each bearing the imprint of creativity and innovation. Their commitment to originality extends to crafting game soundtracks, enhancing the immersive experience for players.
The shape of success
Success has come in different shapes and sizes for this young, yet accomplished game designer. The turning point in his journey was winning his first award at Comic Con Africa for 'Doba Dash' in 2020. Thabo and his team claimed the title of 'Game of the Year'. This was followed by his collaboration with Netflix on a game called ‘Hot Buns’, demonstrating his rising influence in the industry. Thabo’s accolades are a testament to his creative brilliance: nominations for the 2023 Game Connection x China Joy Indie Game Development Awards, 2023 Sentech’s Africa Tech Week Awards, and the 2022 Fak’ugesi Rising Star Award. Another one of his shining moments came when he played a pivotal role in the Emmy-winning animation series, 'My Better World’.
Thabo, a visionary game designer, together with his team at Space Salad Studios are spearheading the enchanting world of game development. They skillfully blend storytelling and focus on gaming experiences rooted in social commentary. His mission extends far beyond the pixels and code; it's about forging connections among us humans.
In addition, he emphasises the importance of ignoring external noise, unrealistic expectations, and the notion of competition. Instead, he advocates for mindfulness, self-awareness, and collaboration as the true keys to success. Thabo encourages others to use ‘fear’ as a driving force and to identify the obstacles that stand in their path as creators. By acknowledging and overcoming these blockers, he believes, individuals can unlock their true potential.
Crafting your goals
Central to Thabo's philosophy is the belief that goals are achievable. He urges aspiring creators to put themselves out there, start with a compliment, and focus on crafting enduring creations that resonate with humanity. Focus on making everything human-centred. Crafting experiences and stories that are rooted in the core of human emotions and connections, creations can stand the test of time.
In Thabo Tsolo's artistic journey, there's a powerful narrative of learning, growth, and the limitless potential of creativity. His achievements and insights serve as an inspiring testament to the boundless possibilities of storytelling and artistry. As his journey continues, we can look forward to more groundbreaking contributions to the world of gaming and animation. Thabo Tsolo is more than a creative genius; he's a storyteller who touches hearts and connects with souls.
To hear more about how he defines success, watch his inspiring journey here.