We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anastasia Rykova. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anastasia below.
Anastasia, thank you so much for making time for us today. We’re excited to discuss a handful of topics with you, but perhaps the most important one is around decision making. The ability to make decisions is a key requirement for anyone who wants to make a difference and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your decision-making skills.
Working in animation is a whole training ground for decision-making! Having the chance to lead the IP project LaylaBug for Gasket Studios and direct my debut short film, The Tale of Two Cruel Rulers, taught me that decision-making isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about setting clear goals, constantly evaluating progress, and staying adaptable. When you work on a film, you make millions of macro and micro decisions (you’re basically creating a whole universe that didn’t exist before!), and every decision feels deeply personal. The project becomes your “child,” and it’s challenging to let go of initial ideas, even when necessary—especially when you’re working with and leading a team of talented artists! It’s so hard to keep your head clear, be open to ideas, but still push the project forward and keep it in line with expectations. It becomes essential to keep checking your initial goal: what story are we trying to tell here, and does the decision or idea I’m implementing align with the major goal or story? The ability to experience that pressure and challenge of creating something as complex as a film boosts your decision-making skills tremendously!
My path to animation was not straightforward. I began as a Fine Artist, working with traditional mediums like oil and charcoal, but to be honest, I realized those tools lacked the storytelling potential and ambition I craved. This dissatisfaction drove me to explore the animation industry, where I discovered a medium that is perfect for me. Pushing myself outside my comfort zone—whether by tackling complex creative challenges, taking bold career leaps, or embracing responsibility—has been instrumental in shaping my decision-making skills. And I genuinely thrive in that space! Every project, no matter how challenging, is an opportunity to grow, and it’s an experience that I belive made me a better decision-maker and leader.
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?
Essentially, I’m a 3D Designer and Visual Development Artist specializing in art direction for animation. With a degree in Computer Animation and professional experience as both a VisDev Artist and 3D Designer, I find my passion in acting as a bridge between 2D and 3D departments for animation productions. As I mentioned before, I entered the animation industry from a classic Fine Arts background, and I believe this gives me a slightly different approach to art direction. For me, storytelling is a healing process—a way to express or release pain—while design serves as the translator of emotions into clear visuals. I often incorporate visual metaphors and references to classic fine arts in my work. And I love when complicated topics are hidden in simple but expressive designs!
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work on and lead multiple projects. At Gasket Studios, I served as an Associate Art Director and 3D Designer, contributing to campaigns for clients like Shell, Mayo Clinic, etc. and leading Studios’ IP projects. I also played a pivotal role in establishing the 3D branding and identity for Air A Med’s Amazon brand, BraceApedia. One of my favorite projects and proudest achievements has been directing and art-directing my debut award-winning short film, The Tale of Two Cruel Rulers, which recently completed its successful festival run. I’m so excited for more to come!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Definitely, a love of challenges and tackling complicated tasks has been one of the most impactful qualities for me – it brings so much energy and drive! Embracing complexity and viewing it as an opportunity to grow, rather than something to fear, is essential. It’s also super fun!
The other quality I would name is initiative. When I was just starting out, I volunteered for many projects and proposed a lot of ideas that were “outside of my role description.” It wasn’t just about proving myself; it came from my love for animation and the honest satisfaction I felt from being part of the creative process. That passion and ability to find interest in every task is definitely something I keep reminding myself of, and I believe it’s essential to have.
The last crucial factor has been getting exposed to diverse experiences and environments. The more I work, the more I see how every step and every project – even those that might not seem straightforward to others – are pieces of the puzzle, experiences that make me a better creator. Over the past 4-5 years, I’ve changed so much and experienced so many things that not many people my age can relate to. You can’t just grab experiences like switching industries, moving across the world, experiencing a war in your home country, and having your cards blocked. It’s a lot! But it’s life – it’s great at its highest and incredible at its lowest. We can only embrace it!
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
I definitely have a tendency to take on a lot of projects and responsibilities and then get stressed and overwhelmed. It’s something I’m sure anyone in the animation industry can relate to. Tight deadlines and managing multiple tasks in a short amount of time is so common, and if you try to volunteer for more, it gets complicated very fast. When I start to feel this pressure, I just try to take a step back. I have a mental note for myself that I always regret the decisions I make when I’m too overwhelmed or emotional. So, I take a breath, sit down, rewrite my to-do list, often counting hours to stay organized, and prepare a “reward” for myself when I get things done.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arykova.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xaosart/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasia-rykova-visdev/
- Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14842345/
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