Djengo McKenzie Masaiti, commonly known as McKenzie, is a 24-year-old digital female artist based in Lilongwe, Malawi. Born in Mzuzu, McKenzie moved to Lilongwe as a child and has since made it her home. Her artistic journey is marked by her passion for creating joy through her work and her aspirations are deeply connected to this mission.
McKenzie's dreams revolve around the creation of comic books or graphic novels, with a potential venture into animation. Her goal is to produce works that bring joy to others, as it has been her desire rooted in her childhood experiences. "Watching animations, anime, cartoons as well as reading graphic novels and comics brought me total happiness, therefore, I want to share that same joy with others," McKenzie explains.
The journey into digital art for McKenzie has not been without its challenges. Many people misunderstand what digital art entails, as they often mistake her for a graphic designer or a pencil artist. Some even fail to see the value in what she does as well as pointing it out as a man’s job and not a woman’s. Despite these misunderstandings, McKenzie remains unmoved. She is committed to achieving her dream and is more than willing to educate others about digital art. She also said here in Malawi, digital art does exist but it is overlooked. She hopes awareness will be raised and this art to be respected.
McKenzie has, however, created a significant amount of fan art for Malawian celebrities where her work has been appreciated. These notable figures include Priscilla Kayira from Zodiac TV, The Wave MW, Roy View from Roy View Designs, Lucy and Nicole from Capital FM, and Vanessa from Malawi Food Network. She believes that art, whether digital or traditional, is inherently subjective. She adds by saying how one views art is a personal experience and for her, digital art serves as a creative portal into someone's imagination and perspective of the world.
Djengo McKenzie Masaiti's journey in digital art is a testament to her dedication and passion. Despite the challenges, her drive to pursue her dreams and share the joy of creativity with others remains strong. Through her work, as young as she is, she hopes to inspire others to follow their dreams, no matter the obstacles they may face.
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