Meet Hammad Wasti

We were lucky to catch up with Hammad Wasti recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hammad, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I think a lot of my resilience comes from my life back home in Pakistan. Growing up there teaches you how to adapt, stay patient, and find creative solutions even when things are uncertain or challenging. My parents also played a huge part in shaping that mindset, they instilled in me the importance of perseverance, humility, and hard work. That combination of environment and upbringing built a kind of quiet strength that has stayed with me throughout my personal and professional journey.

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?

I am a visual effects artist and filmmaker exploring storytelling through simulation and design. What excites me most about my work is the ability to evoke emotion through visuals, using movement, light, and atmosphere to tell stories that go beyond words. Coming from a film background and now working deeply in VFX, I have always been fascinated by the space where art meets science, where creativity and technology work together to build something emotionally real.

My approach is shaped by both worlds: the narrative instincts of a filmmaker and the technical curiosity of a visual effects artist. That blend allows me to create work that feels grounded in storytelling but elevated through digital craftsmanship and design.

At the heart of what I do is a belief in perseverance and innovation values that were deeply rooted in me growing up in Pakistan, where creative communities thrive despite challenges. I hope my journey encourages emerging artists to keep experimenting, keep learning, and keep pushing their own stories forward, no matter where they begin.

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?

Looking back, I would say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been mastering the basics, standing for something, and never stopping the process of learning.

First, I believe everything begins with a solid foundation. Before complicating things or aiming for something huge, it is essential to truly understand and master the fundamentals. Whether it is composition, lighting, or simulation, having command of the basics gives you the creative freedom to build confidently and problem solve effectively.

Second, I think it is important to stand for something. Being diplomatic and open-minded is valuable, but as artists, we should also stand firm in our beliefs and strive to be on the right side of history. Your perspective and values shape your voice and your voice is what ultimately gives your work meaning.

Finally, keep learning. The tools, techniques, and technology will always evolve, but curiosity and adaptability are what keep you relevant and inspired. Every project, success, or failure offers something to learn from. Growth, in many ways, is the art itself.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

Over the past year, my biggest area of growth has been in advancing my technical and creative abilities within visual effects, particularly in Houdini and Unreal Engine. I have spent a great deal of time refining my understanding of procedural systems, simulations, and real time workflows learning not just how to create effects, but how to use them to serve storytelling and emotion.

Working with Houdini has deepened my appreciation for structure and control, while exploring Unreal Engine has opened my eyes to the power of real-time visualization and interactivity. Together, these tools have reshaped the way I think about visual storytelling, bridging technical precision with artistic intent. It has been a year of experimentation, growth, and finding new ways to push my creative boundaries.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hammadwasti.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hammadwasti

Image Credits

Hammad Wasti