His brainchild, Folktail Studio, nestled in the heart of Lagos, Nigeria, stands as a beacon of creativity, producing a myriad of commercial works and intellectual properties (IPs) that captivate audiences worldwide. Among these is “Pepe and Tomati,” his first animation IP project, whose success Oluwaseyi attributes to his participation in the prestigious British Council’s Creative Enterprise Support Programme – Animation back in 2022.
From a tender age, Oluwaseyi was drawn-in by the allure of cartoons and comics. Armed with diaries gifted by his father, he began etching his imaginings onto paper, gradually crafting characters that sprang to life from his vivid imagination. Despite the absence of formal animation education at university, Oluwaseyi embarked on a self-taught journey, devouring online courses to hone his skills.
A fortuitous opportunity to work at an animation studio arose, providing Oluwaseyi with fertile ground to cultivate his craft. It was during this tenure that the seeds of “Pepe and Tomati” were sown, germinating into a promising concept awaiting the nurturing touch of professional guidance. Enter the British Council’s Creative Enterprise Support Programme – Animation, a game-changer that not only demystified the business side of animation but also equipped Oluwaseyi with the tools to transform his vision into reality.
Through the programme, Oluwaseyi gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of animation production, from developing a comprehensive business plan to navigating the creative process with finesse. Armed with newfound knowledge and confidence, he shepherded “Pepe and Tomati” from concept to creation, infusing it with African charm and humour. The fruits of his labour soon garnered international acclaim, with the animation earning a coveted spot at the prestigious Annecy International Film Festival.
For Oluwaseyi, the programme was not just a catalyst for his own success but a beacon of hope for the African animation industry as a whole. His collaborative project at the Creative DNA Programme, “Finding Jomijo,” where he served as director, further solidified his position on the global animation stage as it also screened at several international festivals. Buoyed by these achievements, Oluwaseyi now sets his sights on elevating Folktail Studio to unprecedented heights, envisioning it as the premier animation hub in Africa.