Cassidy Chiara Thomas, Game 2024

Cassidy Chiara Thomas studied Game and Interactive Media Development at the academy in 2024. She specialized in 3D modelling at the end of her year and then joined the Game Production Incubator in 2025 at ADA with a group of her fellow Alumni. She is now working as a 3D character artist at a company in Cape Town, South Africa, creating mascots for local and international clients.

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

I joined the Academy of Digital Arts in 2024, and studied until mid 2026 to complete the Game Development Incubator, and I’m so happy that I did. I always had a love for storytelling in many ways. Some time in 2023 while I was completing a BA in Theatre and Performance, I found myself diving back into video games as a hobby. Slowly but surely, I found myself captivated by the design and storytelling of games. I suppose you could say it was like a virtual stage for me, another way in which I wanted to dive into story telling. And of course, as a creative, I wanted to explore this path and I felt like the Academy of Digital Arts was the perfect place for me - someone who had no knowledge of the game development industry, but was entirely eager to learn. The Open Days that I attended showed me how well-prepared I would be and feel after completing the courses.

2. Where are you now?

Currently I am employed as a 3D character artist at Mascots SA, located in Woodstock, where I (alongside my fellow designers) bring the vision of others to life! In my free time, I still like to explore beyond character designs.

3. What are the most important take aways from your time at the academy?

- You’ll never stop learning. If you stop learning, you stop growing.
- You don’t have to worry about creativity running dry - it never does.
- Even if it seems impossible, just start. I’ve learnt more from my failures than I have from my successes.
- Taking time to rest is just as important as working.

4. What would you recommend to young students?

Such a cliché, but don’t procrastinate. If you don’t understand something, you can always ask, or even look into it online! There are so many resources out there, and so many different ways to do one thing. The Academy of Digital Arts provides you with such a strong foundation, so take advantage of that. With a foundation that strong your journey will be so smooth!