A move to New Zealand to complete her tertiary studies has seen Nomvuyoh Mafukidze flourish and hit her stride in concept art and design; she’s already created a comic book, Spud Life, and has a promising career open before her.
Nomvuyoh, who’s originally from Zimbabwe, was at high school in Canada before shifting to New Zealand. She was curious about horticulture but unsure if it was the career path she wanted to commit to at the time.
“I discovered SIT through an aunt studying nursing with the Zero Fees Scheme. SIT … seemed like a safe and diverse campus. After searching for a course, I found one aligned with my personal goals,” Nomvuyoh says.
Initially enrolling in SIT’s Certificate of Creativity, Nomvuyoh came to NZ in 2022, before moving onto her degree a year later. “I chose Bachelor of Screen Arts – Concept and Design, because I am creatively driven and have a passion for storytelling,” she says.
During the programme, Nomvuyoh enjoyed the opportunities for group collaboration and the experience of working with a client for the BSA 611 Character, Environment & Prop Design class in Year 2. “The unit was most beneficial to applying practical knowledge with tailored feedback and occasional one-on-one client meetings.”
By chance, Nomvuyoh was paired with Leon Hartnett, owner of Invercargill store, Boom Comics. “Working with him was a pleasant learning experience where I created technical drawings for a diorama and other conceptual designs.” It turned into a fortuitous connection for Nomvuyoh, as in her third year, she approached Boom Comics to get her original slice-of-life comic book, Spud Life, sold there. “[Leon] politely accepted, and since June of 2025, Spud Life has been sold in Boom Comics,” she explains.
Nomvuyoh says the idea for Spud Life, which she produced during her degree, was born during the pandemic,” Through curiosity of how an over-sprouted potato stem would grow in a mason jar on the windowsill of my bedroom.”
The story features characters, Tato and Po, and their daring adventures to discover more about their ancestors. Themes in the book include food waste, friendship, and propagation. “It was inspired by childhood shows such as Veggie Tales, and Small Potatoes.”
Spud Life was put in the spotlight when the first article featuring Nomvuyoh and her book was released in the Southland Times in June 2025. Following that exposure, Nomvuyoh received an invitation in August to speak at the Māruawai College Junior Campus (formerly Gore High School); “I presented a PowerPoint on my journey of creating graphic novels and gave advice to students for their writing unit. It was a new and enjoyable experience with public speaking!”
During her degree, Nomvuyoh has learned to implement the phrase “work smarter, not harder”, as she often utilises digital software such as Photoshop, InDesign, and animation programs to speed up repetitive processes. “That skill has aided working in a creative pipeline to effectively collaborate in a team and on personal projects,” she explains.
Access to quality equipment such as consistently up-to-date computers and programs were big advantages. “Additionally, being able to complete homework after class hours provided extra time to comfortably improve my design and digital drawing skills.”
Nomvuyoh enjoyed student life at SIT, from meeting new people, to learning how to live with roommates for the first year during her certificate course.
“The campus met my expectations; I met many international students and got to learn about other cultures through friends. …SIT accommodation allowed me to easily transition into adulthood and familiarise myself with the city.”
It was adjusting to living independently as a young adult and working part-time while studying which fuelled Nomvuyoh’s greatest trials.
“It challenged me to focus my priorities and put forward my best effort into both while leaving time for self-care. I navigated the responsibilities by spending time with friends to have fun, and recharge when possible to improve my mental health.”
Now returned to Canada, Nomvuyoh’s career goals are to be working as a freelance illustrator and a children’s book author. “I see my qualification opening doors for marketing and social media jobs, which will aid the transferable skills required for those careers.”
“Studying at SIT has given me the opportunity to take the skills I’ve learned and further create a body of work for the community to enjoy.”
And Nomvuyoh has sound advice for those choosing to study BSA Concept Art and Design at SIT -
“Connect with students in other majors and learn aspects of film and animation to make friends and understand how your concept art can translate into other mediums; say yes to every opportunity that piques your interest and leave your comfort zone.”
Nomvuyoh’s website is NM illustrates