Meet Sara Hanif

We were lucky to catch up with Sara Hanif recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sara, 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?

Such a great question! Creativity is one of the top priorities for an artist’s life. With so much happening in the world and countless artists producing work every day, it’s important to refresh your mind and seek out something unique. It can be challenging at first, but keeping your creative spirit alive is essential for producing high-quality work and staying inspired.
One of the best ways to keep creativity alive is to expose yourself to a variety of things, even those seemingly unrelated to your work. Staying curious about the world around you is essential. Ideas often come from our experiences, shaping how we think and imagine. As a digital artist, for example, following theater, attending galleries, or exploring different art forms can spark creativity. There are no boundaries in art, and I believe we are at a moment when all art forms are blending together.
I remember when I was studying animation, I attended workshops on UI/UX and even handicraft-making sessions. These experiences helped break my mental boundaries and encouraged me to think more freely. They brought a fresh perspective that enriched my creative work.
Another important factor is to constantly learn something new. It’s wonderful to become skilled in your specialization, but I believe it’s equally important to explore other skills, whether related to your career or simply hobbies. These new experiences train your mind to see things from different perspectives.
I began my journey as a graphic designer, creating book covers, but my love for fantasy storytelling led me to the world of animation. As I immersed myself in this exciting field, I started getting motion design jobs and constantly searched for new tutorials and techniques. Today, I specialize in animation directing and 2D character animation, but I never stop learning. I’m currently experimenting with different illustration styles to better visualize my ideas. These creative tools have all helped me flourish in my career. Staying curious, open, and eager to learn keeps the creative spark alive.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

If I were to define my career, I’d describe myself as a multidisciplinary artist focusing on 2D animation and motion design. However, art for me has never been confined to boundaries. it’s about storytelling in its visual form. I’ve been studying and creating in the field of art for over 11 years, and during this time, I have never seen myself solely as an animator or motion designer. My passion lies in bringing ideas to life through various formats, including animation, motion design, and illustration.
A significant part of my career has focused on creating 2D short animated films. One of the most memorable and defining experiences was co-directing Malayz with three incredibly talented co-directors: Leila Ahang, Maryam Alavi, and Marziyeh Kordlou. The experience was mesmerizing from start to finish, with the project gaining international acclaim and winning the Golden Prize for Best Animation at the 12th Tehran International Animation Festival.
Following Malayz, I directed a short film titled Retirement, which explored the surreal world of an office worker longing for retirement and his dream life. I aimed to visually depict the inner turmoil of waiting, those harsh and emotionally draining moments many people face. Animation as a medium offered me endless possibilities to creatively shape that psychological state and visually connect it with the audience.
Another meaningful project was Peace, a concise and impactful short animation for IGhe3, addressing concerns about peace worldwide. I loved how such a minimal and direct approach could resonate on a deeper level with the audience.
These creative experiences led me to an incredible opportunity as a judge for film festivals, which allowed me to engage with a wide array of narratives and artistic expressions.
Currently, I am working on several exciting projects. One is an upcoming animation titled Yalda, and I’m also co-directing a multimedia piece that blends different art forms. It’s a challenging endeavor, but I’m excited about the experience and the potential impact it will have on my creative growth.
Beyond traditional animation, I’ve had the opportunity to explore motion design for commercial projects. One of the most rewarding experiences was collaborating with Cybernod, an Australia-based company, on a project called CyberToon. This series creatively addressed cyber security concepts in a comedic and engaging format. I also directed a short animation for Cybernod’s pavilion at GITEX Dubai 2024. Working on projects like these allowed me to experiment with storytelling in new and surprising ways, pushing my creative boundaries.
Ultimately, my passion lies in creating engaging, thought-provoking content in short formats that captivate the audience. Whether through surreal narratives, commercial work, or multimedia pieces, I’m always driven by a desire to bring fresh, unexpected ideas to life visually. I look forward to continuing my journey of creative storytelling and hope to keep inspiring and connecting with audiences through my work.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

In my field, many qualities have played a significant role in shaping my journey, but if I were to highlight three impactful ones, they would be drawing skills, a fresh creative perspective, and soft skills like networking and communication.
Even in today’s world where many rely on 3D tools or advanced software, drawing skills remain invaluable. They allow you to quickly visualize ideas and bring concepts to life. Whether you’re brainstorming for a project or explaining an idea to your team, having the ability to sketch and communicate visually provides a distinct advantage. It offers freedom and efficiency in the creative process.
In a world saturated with visual content, standing out requires thinking beyond clichés. It’s crucial to present ideas in a way that captures the audience’s attention and offers something meaningful. Depending on the project, this could mean a minimalistic approach or a more intricate and layered narrative. Developing your unique style, something instantly recognizable as your own, is essential for leaving a lasting impression.
In the creative industry, connections often matter more than just having an impressive portfolio. Building relationships, communicating effectively, and networking are fundamental skills. These connections not only open doors to new opportunities but also expose you to diverse perspectives that help you grow as an artist. Being able to represent your skills and ideas confidently to the right audience is key to broadening your professional reach.
I would advise beginners practice drawing or sketching regularly, even if your primary focus is digital. It helps you translate ideas fluidly.
Stay curious and constantly seek fresh inspiration. Explore different art forms, trends, and narratives. Always aim to offer something original.
Invest time in building relationships and learning how to communicate your ideas. Attend workshops, join creative communities, and make authentic connections. These relationships often lead to mentorships, collaborations, and future opportunities.
These skills together have helped me navigate my journey and remain creatively inspired and connected within the industry.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

This question is a wonderful opportunity to express my gratitude to my husband, who has been an incredible source of support throughout my life and artistic journey. Despite coming from different backgrounds, he has been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and grow artistically. He has supported me emotionally, offered insightful ideas, and often acted as both a friend and teammate. He’s always the first person to see my projects and provide thoughtful, valuable feedback that has helped shape my work.

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