Congratulations to Natalie Lian Qianwei, a Bachelor
of Arts (Honours) Graphic Design and Multimedia student, for winning the
Bronze award at the SEA Kre8tif! Awards 2024 in the Best Animation Shorts -
Student category. The award ceremony was held on 2 October 2024 at the
Connexion Conference & Event Centre.
Natalie Lian’s heartwarming tale of human-animal friendship, The Boy and Bear, stood out among 147 regional entries. Her achievement highlighted the exceptional creativity and talent nurtured in Southeast Asia’s creative industry, bringing pride to UTAR and further elevating the region’s standing in the global animation scene.
Natalie Lian (right) receiving her
award at the SEA Kre8tif! Awards 2024
The SEA Kre8tif! Awards is a prestigious platform
that celebrates the creative digital content produced across Southeast Asia,
recognising the best in animation, gaming, and storytelling. Natalie Lian’s
victory underscored the exceptional nurturing environment provided by UTAR’s
Graphic Design and Multimedia programme, which fosters talent and dedication
in the realm of digital arts.
Plaque won by
Natalie Lian
“The
Boy and Bear” was more than just a final-year project; it was a heartfelt
creation developed under the mentorship of the Faculty of Creative
Industries lecturer Mr Hafez bin Zainudin. Set against the beautiful
backdrop of the Malaysian rainforest, the story follows a young boy who
forms a touching bond with a sun bear, a species native to Malaysia. Through
their journey, the animation highlights the delicate balance between humans
and nature, sending a strong message about wildlife preservation and the
impacts of habitat loss on endangered species like the sun bear.
When asked about the inspiration behind her work,
Natalie Lian said, “The idea stemmed from a desire to highlight the
importance of preserving our natural heritage. The sun bear, a native
species of Malaysia, is facing numerous threats due to habitat loss. I
wanted to create a story that would resonate with audiences of all ages and
encourage them to appreciate and protect our wildlife.”
“The animation process was a meticulous one,
requiring great attention to detail. I used Procreate on my iPad to
illustrate each frame,” Natalie Lian explained. This frame-by-frame
technique allowed her to maintain a consistent style while carefully
bringing each scene to life. Despite the time-consuming nature of the
project, Natalie Lian was determined to ensure the final product was both
engaging and emotionally resonant.
As with any major project, Natalie Lian faced her
share of challenges. “One of the biggest challenges was managing the time
required to complete the animation,” she noted. The complexity of creating a
frame-by-frame animation demanded strong organisational skills and
perseverance. But Natalie Lian remained committed to ensuring that her story
would captivate viewers and deliver its emotional depth with precision.
For students looking to pursue a similar path in
animation, Natalie Lian shared valuable advice, “Be fearless in exploring
new techniques and experimenting with different styles. Don’t be afraid to
step outside of your comfort zone and embrace challenges. The most rewarding
projects are often the ones that push you to your limits.”
Natalie Lian’s success story serves as an inspiring
example of what dedication, creativity, and passion can achieve in the
dynamic world of animation. Her work continues to inspire others in the
Southeast Asian creative community and beyond, reinforcing the message that
art can indeed be a powerful tool for raising awareness and protecting the
environment.
Catch a glimpse of “The Boy and Bear”
here.
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