About Me
My name is Tajha Winkle...
I'm a Jamaican illustrator and 2D animator with a love for nature, and curiosity about the human condition. I'm interested in illustrating for picture books, visual development and 2D animation opportunities. I'm represented by Lynnette Novak at the Seymour Agency for illustration.
​
In 2021, I graduated from The University of the West Indies with a BFA in animation. It wasn't easy, especially since I was balancing my art business, extracurriculars, and volunteering. The Holywell Gift Centre is home to the mural I completed as a volunteer in 2020, and home to my most cherished experiences at the Park & nature reserve. Since then I've been an IFLE artist Laureate, won the Brodber/Pollard Prize for creative writing in 2021, and illustrated numerous children's books focused on young black girls and their experiences. In January 2022 I had my first artist show case for WeChangeJA & QLounge called Eclectic Soul Sessions in January 2022 for queer & under-represented artists. My most recent pride is completing an Animated short about the number 8 for Sesame Workshop that aired on HBO MAX in 2022.
You can find me on my tiny tropical island working on exciting art projects or feeding wild birds in my spare time, cup of tea in hand.
Awards and Accomplishments
2019 -2024
UNESCO- Transcultura Program Beneficiary
2024
Selected as one of 5 cultural representatives from the Caribbean to partake in The PIDS Enghien event in Enghien- les- Bains, France. Created by the Center des arts d’Enghien-les-Bains , it is a festival dedicated to visual effects and CGI. The event aims to bridge the creative, technical and economic gaps of a "constantly evolving sector in cinema, television, advertising, video games and transmedia."
ScreenCraft Works Mentee
2023
As part of the Spring 2023 ScreenCraft Works’ Cross-Border Mentoring programme, designed to build transnational relationships and enrich local and international careers, I was matched with Animator Setareh Erfan to be my mentor. The mentees for this program were chosen from a broad range of ethnic, cultural and belief backgrounds. They span all career stages and include those choosing to build their career in a new country. As part of this program I got the opportunity to network with other creatives across the world, develop my 2D animation skills, tailor my show reel, and address issues acting as a barrier for animators in the Caribbean to connect and be competitive with the rest of the world.
Catapult Art Grant
2022
In 2022 I was awarded the Catapult Art Grant by Kingston Creative, The American Friends of Jamaica, and Catapult. The grant targets participants living and working across the Dutch, English, French, and Spanish regions and those practitioners who explore the critical themes of Culture, Human Rights, Gender, LGBTQIA+, and Climate Justice from a Caribbean perspective.
Digital Jamaica People to Watch Finalist
The Digital Jamaica People to Watch Series (DJPTW) is an annual publication showcasing the 30+ people that have been nominated and selected as Persons to Watch for the year 2022. DJPTW is an annual publication developed by Digital Jamaica spotlighting up-and-coming Jamaicans in tech and digital spaces.
2022
Animae Caribe Official Selection
2021
My 2021 short film "Carpe Diem" was selected to be screened at the Animae Caribe film festival.
IFLE Artist Laureate
2019 - 2020
An award issued by CARICOM and the Integrate French as a Language of Exchange (IFLE) to facillitate training in both language and skills to an artist from the Caribbean.
Brodber/Pollard Prize
Awarded by the University of the West Indies for the most outstanding academic performance in the course, Creative Writing , Prose Fiction (LITS2604).
2021
Qualifications
BFA Animation
The University of the West Indies
2021
Toon Boom Associate certificate
2021
Digital Marketing Certificate
Google Digital Garage
​
2023