In this interview, we introduce to you, Nicholas Quek, a humble easy-going but exceptional animator. His animation journey started at South-East Asia’s leading design school- The One Academy, he turned to Transformers and went to Sony PlayStation!

CR8VSPOT: Tell us about yourself

Nicholas Quek: I’m an animator from Malaysia. I like to stay at home and keep to myself mostly.

CR8VSPOT: What Inspired you to become an animator?

NQ: I’ve always been attracted to the entertainment side of the world. Things like movies, cartoons, or games always seemed very interesting to me.

CR8VSPOT: You studied at one of the leading design institutions in Asia, and later became a tutor at the same institution. Can you share with us how both of those experiences influenced your career?

NQ: Yes. Studying at The One Academy was a game-changer for me. At the time, I didn't know that learning animation was possible here in Malaysia. I’ve always thought it was something you had to go overseas to a western country to learn. Being a tutor was fun. I got to see how students learn.

CR8VSPOT: You were part of the team that animated the Bumblebee character in Transformers. What role did you play, and what was the experience like for you?

NQ: It was a very humbling experience to work on transformers. The team at ILM was insanely talented, and it was a great blessing to contribute to the film. We were tasked with bringing the robots to life. To tell the story that the director wanted to tell. Each character has their own personality as well; like how a certain character should walk, or talk. It was all to bring out a cohesive performance to drive the story.

One of the most memorable moments while working on the set was when I was tasked with the first transformation on the show: Bumblebee jumping into action during World War II. It was very challenging as I had no prior experience with a transformation before. I studied all the previous sequels to learn the style and the language of what made each transformation awesome. And they all did! In the end, I am very proud of how the outcome of the shots.

CR8VSPOT: As a creative, what would you say is the most difficult part of what you do, and what do you do when you get stuck?

NQ: My job is to help to bring out the director or client’s vision in the most creative way possible. If I get stuck in this area, the best thing I do is to communicate more to make sure we can achieve the same vision that they are looking for.

Bumblebee Reel by Nicholas Quek

CR8VSPOT: Kuala Lumpur is a teeming city and culture. How does life in that city influence your creativity?

NQ: Before the pandemic, I have mostly been working overseas. But Malaysia keeps me going in a way because when I think about my family, I find the courage and energy to move forward.

CR8VSPOT: In your perspective, how has the creative industry evolved in that part of the world, and what do you think the design world will look like post-pandemic?

NQ: Obviously, the pandemic hit the industry hard. The ‘work from home’ culture is something that wasn’t as accepted before. But now it is the new norm. I do hope the design world keeps up this balance moving forward.

CR8VSPOT: In your spare time, what do you do to unwind?

NQ: I usually play some computer games...Dota2 with friends. Watch a movie at home. Simple things.

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I said to myself -wow, how do they do that?! It would be so cool if I could be involved in something like that. Ten years later, I found myself working on one of the transformers movies.

— NICHOLAS QUEK

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CR8VSPOT: What are some of the challenges facing mainstream creatives in south-east Asia? And what solutions would you suggest?

NQ: I think there is a big pool of talent in south-east Asia. But they don't have the opportunity or the courage to go out and get experience. My suggestion is to invite more studios to set up in these areas. I think both sides will benefit in the long run. This is happening in some countries right now, and I think it’s great.

CR8VSPOT:There must be something big on your mind. What is your dream project or collaboration?

NQ: When I was first inspired to go and learn animation, it was because of the movie Transformers. I said to myself -wow, how do they do that ?! It would be so cool if I could be involved in something like that. Ten years later, I found myself working on one of the transformers movies. So I have achieved my dream project in a way. I would like to collaborate with some friends and make a short film one day.

Ready Player One animation reel

CR8VSPOT: If someone were an aspiring animator or newbie entering this industry, what advice would you give them?

NQ: My advice would be to find a good mentor. Or do your own research and self-study? The internet now has all the information you need. It’s all about how much you want it. Nothing is impossible.