Young mind doodles his way to success
Michael incorporated a statue of Nelson Mandela, a rugby ball, an elephant, a giraffe, Table Mountain, the Johannesburg skyline, and the rainbow-coloured flag of South Africa into his design.
MBOMBELA – A local 11-year-old creative wonderkid has shown that doodling your dreams are not only fun but very rewarding. Michael Booysen of Penryn Prep is one of two Lowveld finalists in the nationwide Doodle 4 Google competition with a rainbow-coloured piece called, “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Creating Harmony.”
Michael has the opportunity to have his Google artwork featured live on the Google South Africa website on December 2. His doodle was selected from thousands of entries for his colourful design and thematic elements.
Now the public is able to vote online and decide the ultimate winner out of four age categories from pupils aged six to 17.
According to Michael, he decided to take a shot at creating a colourful doodle that reflected the theme, “South Africa of my Dreams”.
“The idea just came to me and I wanted to draw different elements of this country that fit in with the African dream,” he said.
“We sent the details of the competition to Michael’s art teacher, Claire Granville. We knew that this was a great opportunity for our learners to showcase their talents,” said Ms Gill Smyth, marketing officer at Penryn.
The highest ranking doodler from each age group will be named as a winner. The four of them will be decided at the awards ceremony on November 29.
Penryn could also benefit massively as it stood the chance to be awarded a R100 000 technical grant, while Michael could go home with an Android tablet, a R500 Google Play voucher and a framed copy of his doodle. He will already receive a printed T-shirt with his doodle on as well as a Google goodie bag for being part of the top 20.
Doodles are judged based on artistic merit, creativity, the representation of the theme, use of the Google logo and how the theme is communicated.
A number of Google doodlers and celebrity guest judges such as author John van der Ruit, DJ Fresh and Springbok rugby player Pat Lambie gave their input as well.
Michael incorporated a statue of Nelson Mandela, a rugby ball, an elephant, a giraffe, Table Mountain, the Johannesburg skyline, and the rainbow-coloured flag of South Africa into his design.
“The easiest part to draw was the statue of Nelson Mandela. I also liked drawing Table Mountain,” he said.
Michael will fly to Johannesburg next Friday for the official prize-giving and announcement of the winners.
“It was a huge surprise to be selected in the top 20 in the country.” he added shyly.
Voting closes on November 26.
Visit the following link online to vote: https://www.google.co.za/doodle4google/vote.html#d=d2-5
