Testing His Creativity | Andrew Mukama’s Marketing for Fashion & Entertainment Story

Before enrolling in Toronto Film School’s Marketing for Fashion & Entertainment program, Andrew Mukama enjoyed a highly successful career in film post-production with a string of blockbuster credits to his name – including Thor: Ragnarok, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Black Panther.

Driven by his constant hunger for new challenges, though, the self-described “creative junkie” – who was recently named the Marketing for Fashion & Entertainment program’s Class of 2021 valedictorian – eventually decided to pursue his lifelong passion for the fashion industry, and began developing his skills in styling and fashion retail.

“From there, I decided the best step forward was to return to school to expand my knowledge of both the fashion and entertainment industries I had already been so immersed in,” said Mukama, who was born in Kampala, Uganda and raised in Ottawa.

“The Marketing for Fashion & Entertainment program at Toronto Film School provided me with exciting challenges, new skillsets, and introduced me to the fulfilling world of art direction, which I am now actively pursuing by collaborating with various artists and organizations on a global scale.”

Mukama recently sat down to reflect on his time at Toronto Film School, his passion for creative communications, and his plans for the future. Here’s what he had to say:

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Andrew Mukama, I am 29 years old and I have been based in Toronto for just over six years. I am proudly Ugandan, Rwandan, and Canadian, and I was raised in Ottawa, Ontario. After high school, I attended Carleton University to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, with a focus in Interactive Multimedia and Design. I consider myself a true creative junkie, so my passions tend to circulate around anything that has to do with storytelling: music, fashion, film, photography, video games — you name it.

What brought you to Toronto Film School? Where were you in life when you decided to continue your studies with us?  

I began working at a film post-production studio in 2013 and by 2018, I had my own team of artists and got to work on some amazing titles including Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Thor: Ragnarok, and Spider-Man: Homecoming. A dream come true! But, as my understanding of the world around me continued to evolve, I began to realize my dreams were evolving with me. I wanted to connect with audiences on a more personal level. I cherish the years I spent working in film, but I was becoming increasingly excited not only by what a career in creative communications could offer me, but what I could eventually bring to the table.

What made you decide to pursue your passion for marketing?  

Admittedly, before enrolling in the Marketing for Fashion & Entertainment program, I definitely did not have a passion for marketing. The word “marketing” always seemed an elusive concept to me, yet it was supposedly everywhere I looked. I wanted to know more about what “good marketing” looked like and what its applications could be. Once I realized that all “good marketing” requires a certain amount of storytelling ability, I knew I was moving in a direction where my creativity would be tested endlessly – which is all I’ve ever wanted in a career.

What is the most important thing you’re taking away from your studies at TFS?    

I would have to say the camaraderie I forged with my classmates. Looking back, there were some especially challenging periods that I’m not sure I would have made it through the way I did were it not for the friends I made in the program. We kept each other sane, and it was nice to not feel so isolated when the going got tough. I’m so thankful for them, their energy, and their willingness to collaborate. There are a lot of things we go through alone in life, and I’m glad that, for me, this wasn’t one of them.

What are your plans after graduation both immediate and long term?  

Since graduating, I have been working as a graphic designer, developing various types of creative solutions for a wide array of clients. As I work hard to hone my design skills and gain as much experience as possible, I hope to be able to immerse myself in projects as an art director, bringing together my aptitudes for leadership and visual storytelling.

If you offered one piece of advice to an incoming student, what would that be?  

Stay focused on your own personal growth. Take every opportunity to expand your knowledge and to push yourself beyond what you already know you can do. I had a much better time at school when I realized that I wasn’t there to prove what I knew — I was there to prove to myself how much I could learn.