About Me
I am a 3D Animator, Virtual Reality (VR) Developer, and educator with a passion for using immersive technology to tell African-centered stories and create meaningful interactive experiences. My work blends cinematic storytelling, cultural preservation, and advanced 3D production pipelines.
I am currently pursuing an MFA in Communication Media Arts at Ohio University (USA). I also hold an MBA from Heriot-Watt University (United Kingdom) and a BA in Integrated Rural Arts & Industry from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana). This multidisciplinary academic foundation strengthens both the creative and strategic dimensions of my work, allowing me to bridge technology, design, and storytelling.
As an Instructor at Ohio University, I teach and mentor students in 3D character creation for games and animation. My creative research explores how Virtual Reality, combined with 3D animation, can preserve cultural heritage, enhance learning, and transform audience engagement ;particularly within African and diasporic narratives.
Experience
Creative & Technical Experience
Cinematic 3D Animation
Interactive VR Storytelling
Real-time engine (Unreal Engine)
3D Character Art Pipeline
VR and game development
Teaching Experience
Instructor of Record – Advanced CG Pipeline, Ohio University
Graduate Teaching Assistant – Introduction to VR; ITS; Short Form Media
2 years of university-level teaching (3D Animation, Game Development, VR Production)
Curriculum design, studio instruction, and student mentorship
Industry Background
Over 10 years of leadership experience in corporate management (training, coaching, client relations)
Strong foundation in project management and design thinking
Awards & Honors
Kurtz Business Impact Award - 3rd Place (2025)
Ohio University, Center for Entrepreneurship
Recognized for pitching my innovative project: "Immersive VR Training Module For Law Enforcement De-escalation"
Exemplary Scholarship in Emerging Communication Technologies (2024)
Scripps College of Communication, MFA Communication Media Arts, Ohio University.
Recognized for excellence in research and creative VR work.
Ohio Student Creativity & Discovery Expo - 2nd Place Graduate Emerging Communication Technologies category (2024)
Scripps College of Communication, MFA Communication Media Arts, Ohio University.
Awarded jointly to Jorge Castillo and Edmund Darko for outstanding innovation in graduate research and creative work.
Best Graduate Student Award for Exemplary Innovation (2024)
Ohio University
Recognized for my VR project "Clean-Up Fun", A project that seeks to imbibe organisational skills in Kids.
International Virtual Reality Health Association Hackathon IVRHA Hackathon - 3rd place (2024)
Organised at Ringling College of Art & Design, Florida
Recognized for developing DentEase, an Augmented Reality game within 48 hours.
Photo: Edmund Darko with the Kurtz Business Impact Award (3rd Place, 2025) at Ohio University.
To view the official Kurtz Business Impact Award announcement published by Ohio University. Click
Official announcement:
Photo: Edmund Darko with the 2024 Ohio University Student Expo, 2nd Place ribbon ECT Graduate category.
Photo: Edmun Darko with the Exemplary Scholarship in Emerging Communication Technologies Award (2024) plaque, presented by MFA Director Eric Williams.
Photo: Edmund Darko, Professor Eric Williams, and Jorge Castillo with the award plaques.
Core Skills & Tools
Blender
Substance Painter
Marvelous Designer
Unreal Engine
Photoshop
After Effects
Technical Skills
Creative Skills
3D Character Art
Sculpting
Animation
VR Environment Design
Interactive Storytelling
Product Concept Modeling
Pedagogical Skills
Curriculum Design
Teaching Undergraduates
Project-Based Learning
Visual Communication
Mentorship
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy is grounded on the belief that students learn effectively through detailed visual aids, project-based, and iterative hands-on practice. I emphasize storytelling as the foundation of animation and game development, integrating theory with hands-on studio work. In the classroom, I encourage experimentation, collaboration, and constructive critique to help students understand not only how to create but why they create
Research Statement
My creative research explores how virtual reality and 3D animation can be used to create immersive historical experiences that foster appreciation of cultures. Through projects that blend storytelling, technical execution, and cultural heritage preservation, I investigate how interactive environments can transform both pedagogy and audience engagement.
