Zeta Hendrickse, Concept Art

1. When and why did you study at the academy?

I studied at ADA from 2022 to 2024 as a Concept Art student. Back in high school during a career day, I saw the ADA booth and completely fell in love with the past students' work from the course at the time. I decided I wanted to do what they do, so choosing to study where they had learned those skills was an easy decision.
2. Where are you now?

I currently work in the animation industry as a Pre-Production artist. Mostly in Storyboarding and Character Design. The biggest public gig I've had so far was being an artist on the web series "Noodle and Bun". I received the opportunity because the creators had seen my work at my year group's graduate showcase at ADA. Between gigs I like participating in online courses and clubs run by other artists in the industry.
3. What is the most important thing you took away from the academy?

How important community is in this field. Building relationships with other artists is just as important as the technical skills you learn there. And bouncing ideas off your classmates, getting advice from students in the years above you and receiving feedback from your lectures all prepares you on how to communicate more effectively in a professional environment. I still talk to many of my old classmates and ADA keeps in touch with their alumni. It's really amazing!
4. What would you recommend to young students?

Try to always find the fun in whatever you're working on. Even if the project is difficult or tedious or just simply not the kind of work you usually enjoy doing. I've found its the best way to stay motivated and when you are motivated, you improve so much faster! Be excited, experiment and enjoy what you are doing!