D9K SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT – GRIMGROT

Waldo is a creative in the true sense of the word. We are really happy that he was willing to jump aboard as a sponsor for District 9000 in 2022. Here is a short interview and some of his work for you to look at.

Please tell us briefly about your background.
I have always had a passion for creativity and a love for geek culture, so when I discovered tabletop gaming in 2000, I immediately fell in love with the hobby. At the age of 15 I started my first fantasy army, Dark Elves. My hobbies then took a back seat when I started studying information design in 2005 and built a career over the past 12 years as a motion graphics designer, doing everything from branding to 3D animation work. Anything painting or gaming related I try and fit in after hours with my limited free time.

What does your company specialise in?
By day I am a Creative Director at a motion graphics agency, by night I paint under the alias GrimGrot and my focus going forward is producing YouTube content for my channel and eventually producing 3D printable STL files.

What is the origin story of your company?
I have been working both fulltime and freelance over the past 12 years, in pretty much everything design and animation related. I realised that there is a not just lot of overlap between my day job and my hobby, but that I can also offer my creative services to other hobbyists who want to take their brand and marketing to the next level. I think during the pandemic a lot of people wanted to explore ventures beyond their corporate jobs, and I have managed to collaborate on some really great projects over the last 2 years, like NFTs, branding Twitch channels, launching Cyberpunk themed energy drinks and now District 9000.

Do you play any games? Which are your favourites and why?
I am very guilty of having tabletop ADD, constantly investing in new systems. My favourites for skirmish systems is Malifaux and Infinity. I am still relatively new to Infinity, but Malifaux by Wyrd Games will always be my first love, with amazing card mechanics instead of dice, beautiful models to paint, and fantastic lore. I love a game where I can have my entire crew wiped off the board, but still manage a win if I focused on my objectives.

If you weren’t working at your company, what would you be doing?
Fulltime online content production for my YouTube and Patreon as well create an online marketplace with my own STL files and wargaming resources. I love filming and creating video as much as I love painting models.

What would you like to achieve with your company?
I suppose the goal would be to earn a living doing creative work that I want to do, and not just have to do. The more I meet people with similar interests and drive, the more this becomes a reality.

Which achievement of your company are you proudest of to date?
I designed a fate deck for Malifaux by Wyrd games, and it is in production and being sold and used across the world. It’s just so cool to know that a system I love, has players from all over buying and using something I helped create. – Have a look HERE

What technologies are you currently most excited about, and most worried about? And why?
Same answer to both, 3D printing. High-quality 3D resin printing has not only opened up a whole new world of possibilities to wargamers (like printing your own minis and terrain at home) but also business opportunities for artists like myself able to now create digital files that can be used by anyone across the world. This is amazing. At the same time, I really hope the artistry of sculpting endures as well as companies producing their own amazing minis. I have always held the opinion, that just because everyone can do it, doesn’t mean that everyone should.

Why did you agree to work with the District 9000 event?
The only way this community grows and improves, is with the involvement of it’s members. It is amazing to see how passionate, if small the South African Infinity community is. The first Infinity event I ever attended was a great experience. So if there is an opportunity for me to use my skillset to help grow the community, I will always do my best to assist. Also Ben can be very persuasive…

What advice would you give to the 21-year-old version of yourself?
Be very selective of who and what you spend your time on.

Are you planning on joining any conventions or events where people can come and meet you?
I will be competing at District 9000 in September and I am planning on being at Comic Con specifically for the table top events.  

Where can we see more of your work and products?

How should people get in touch with you?
You can message me on Instagram, or drop me a mail at waldo.design@gmail.com

Any final thoughts?
Thin your paints.

We are very happy that GRIMGROT agreed to partner with us for this event. Waldo, is constantly on the lookout for Infinity games so hit him up on WhatsApp to line him up for a game. I’ve done it and he’s a great opponent.