We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alaa Eddin Afifeh. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with ALAA EDDIN below.
ALAA EDDIN, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
To keep my creativity alive, I immerse myself in what I truly love—animation. After two decades in the industry, animation still doesn’t feel like a job;
it’s more of a passion and a hobby I pursue day and night.
This work is a source of energy, and inspiring others in the field fuels me even more.
I feel committed to setting an example for the new generation of animators, demonstrating that dedication and hard work can lead to a fulfilling creative life.
Passing on knowledge and motivation to younger animators keeps my enthusiasm and creativity alive every day.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a seasoned animator with about 20 years in the industry, I’ve always viewed animation not as a job but as a passion. My work spans from developing realistic character movements to creating cartoonish animations, with a focus on bringing unique storytelling to life. For me, animation is a craft that combines art and technique, making every project a new and exciting adventure.
I’ve had the privilege of joining major studios like Sony Imageworks, Cinesite, The Third Floor, Weta FX, and many more, each experience expanding my skill set and exposing me to diverse styles and workflows. Working with such remarkable teams has deepened my commitment to excellence and inspired me to push creative boundaries.
Beyond studio work,on Movies such as,Spiderman across the spider verse,teenage mutant ninja turtles mutant mayhem,The paws of fury, The Adams family, Extinct, Kingdom of the planet of the apes, Avengers infinity war, and many more I’m also dedicated to inspiring other animators and setting an example of hard work. Currently, I’m focused on developing workshops that cover advanced topics like body mechanics, Acting, and workflow efficiency, helping animators at all stages refine their skills. Through these efforts, I aim to make a lasting impact on the animation community, mentoring the next generation and sharing techniques to elevate the craft.
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?
Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey as an animator are persistence, adaptability, and a passion for learning.
Persistence – Animation is a craft that requires patience, and there were countless times when a scene didn’t look quite right, or an idea took longer to execute. Staying committed through those challenges and not giving up has been crucial. For those just starting, I’d advise practicing this quality by setting small, achievable goals and working consistently toward them. Building resilience this way will prepare you for larger, more complex projects down the road.
Adaptability – Technology in animation is constantly evolving. To stay relevant and innovative, I’ve had to be open to learning new software, exploring different animation styles, and adapting to various studio workflows. For those new to the industry, stay curious and be willing to experiment with different tools and approaches. Being adaptable will make you a valuable asset to any team and broaden your creative range.
Passion for Learning – The animation field offers endless areas to grow,. My excitement to continually learn has kept my work fresh and inspired, allowing me to join studios like Sony Imageworks, Cinesite, and Weta FX. For those just starting, embrace every learning opportunity, seek mentorship, and push yourself to explore new techniques. A passion for growth will not only refine your skills but also keep your creative energy alive.
To those early in their journey: don’t rush. Enjoy the process, invest in learning, and be patient with yourself. It’s a long path, but one that’s incredibly rewarding with the right mindset and dedication.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
ver the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been incorporating Japanese anime stylistic elements into my animation work. Anime’s dynamic Poses, unique timing, and exaggerated movements have pushed me to explore new approaches to character development and storytelling. Embracing this style has not only expanded my skill set but has also added a fresh layer of emotional depth and visual impact to my animations. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited to keep blending anime-inspired techniques with my own approach to bring even more energy and distinctiveness to my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vimeo.com/user1041421
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alaaafifeh/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alaa.afifah
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaa-eddin-afifeh-1334b229/
- Twitter: https://x.com/AlaaAfifeh
Image Credits
Disney. paramount,20fox century,MGM, China Lion,HB Wink Animation, Cinesite,Weta,Sony imageworks,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
