CREATIVE STRENGTH IN COMMUNITY

Co-founder and creative force André Luís talks about the ethos and evolution of Trojan Horse Was A Unicorn

- André Luís

Where there's a will there's a way. It's an old adage and one that holds enduring resonance. A testament to willpower and creative fearlessness is André Luís, co-founder of the global digital creative community Trojan Horse Was A Unicorn, a playful name chosen after trying hundreds of different options and often shortened to THU.

The organisation's mission is to provide access to networking and mentoring opportunities that can showcase artists' work right across the digital space. Being part of THU is to participate in a variety of communities that can support and nurture careers in the creative industry. Its network includes developers, musicians, designers, marketeers, compositors, illustrators and 3D artists.

During our conversation, André's commitment to what THU can become shines through. Identifying a key driver for the mission, he explains that "I care about diversity and inclusion." Indeed, across the past decade, THU's efforts to connect with industry has yielded the involvement of companies including Netflix, Weta FX, Lightheart Entertainment, Mikros Animation, Supercell, Triggerfish and Polygon Pictures, among others.

Central to THU's annual schedule is a live event, alongside a developing online point of connectivity. This year, for example, its Talent League has been working as an accelerator for ideas and burgeoning artists. Looking ahead to 2025, André anticipates its live event being hosted in Japan.

Of THU's profile, he says: "We're the only organisation now that connects all of the industries, all the areas, all the ages. We're trying to help all these silos to actually connect. We know that if we really want to be serious about our mission, we need to try to work with all of them." SPURRED BY EXPERIENCE Out of great challenges, great opportunities can arise, and 2024 is proving a major moment for THU in the relationships it's nurturing, and in its ever-expanding recognition across the creative industries.