We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Uma Poonguzhaali a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Uma , appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I try to surround myself with art, movies, or anything that sparks my interest and reminds me why I love creating; I work with others to stay motivated and see things from new angles; I find inspiration in everyday moments and maintain my curiosity about the world around me; I schedule time to explore new ideas, whether it’s experimenting with different tools, sketching, or diving into projects that push my boundaries; and, finally, I remind myself to enjoy the process and let my passion guide me, even when things get difficult.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I have a deep passion for creating VFX simulations in Houdini, blending 3D elements seamlessly with Live-action footage through compositing in Nuke Software. The process of bringing these visuals to life excites me and fuels my creativity. Recently, I explored another side of my creative journey by directing my own short film in Los Angeles, which is currently in post-production named “Fluttered Rebirth” where I did my first CGI Compositing also. It was an incredible experience to bring my vision to the screen and take on the challenges of storytelling through direction. In my free time, I turn to photography, capturing moments that inspire me. Editing these photos and sharing them on Instagram allows me to express myself in a different medium, combining my love for visuals with my passion for storytelling. Balancing these creative outlets keeps me inspired and constantly growing as an artist.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three key skills have been essential in helping me pursue my creative passions and achieve my goals: Self-Confidence, Focus, and Strength.
Self-Confidence allows me to take risks, explore new ideas, and trust in my abilities, whether I’m creating complex VFX simulations in Houdini or directing a film. It helps me push past self-doubt and take ownership of my vision, knowing that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Focus is what keeps me grounded and ensures that I can channel my energy into the projects I care about most. Whether I’m compositing live-action footage with 3D elements or capturing and editing photos for Instagram, staying present and disciplined allows me to deliver my best work. Strength both emotionally and mentally gives me the resilience to overcome obstacles and keep going, even when the process is tough. It fuels my determination to juggle multiple creative endeavors, like directing a short film, diving into post-production, and still finding time for my photography passion. Together, these skills empower me to stay committed to my craft and continue growing as an artist.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I am always open to partnering and collaborating with passionate and creative individuals. I’m particularly interested in connecting with VFX artists, 3D Animators, Filmmakers, and Photographers who share a love for storytelling and pushing creative boundaries. Whether it’s developing complex Houdini simulations, compositing live-action and CGI, or working on short films and experimental projects, I’m excited to collaborate with like-minded people who value innovation, teamwork, and creativity.
If you’re reading this and feel inspired to collaborate, you can connect with me through Instagram, where I share my work and creative journey. Feel free to send me a direct message or comment, and let’s start a conversation about how we can bring our ideas to life together!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uma_poonguzhaali17?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uma-poonguzhaali-ba9b02228?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
