Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Raha Dabiri. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Raha, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I overcame imposter syndrome by letting go, embracing the uncomfortable feeling of the unknown and realizing my worth as an artist. I was timid, and fearful to show my artwork. I was in constant fear of rejection, and someone stating that I just wasn’t good enough. It was all in my head. I tried very hard to be like the artists I admired, but I was so doubtful of myself and how to get there. Social media was always intimidating too. So many talented artists posting amazing work, or posting art everyday. I felt like I had no chance or I’d never live up to the potential of others. I got to a point where I didn’t want to share any of my work with anyone. At my lowest, I realized the worst thing that could happen was I get feedback, and even though the feedback could be hard to hear, it’s meant to help me grow and get better. Artists I was inspired by have most definitely felt exactly what I was feeling: not good enough. But by being open to feedback, building my self-confidence, creating art I wanted to do when I was able, helped subside my imposter syndrome. Little by little step by step, I built more confidence in myself and guided myself through self compassion. I’m open to feedback, growing, being better and putting out art that makes me feel good! Imposter syndrome happens to all of us. Know that you’re doing great, just keep going and be open to growth. It may be uncomfortable at first, but the feeling is temporary. Imposter Syndrome comes and goes in waves, but can never hold you down!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Raha and I’m an Iranian Storyboard Artist/Revisionist. I focus on Storyboards for Animation. I love learning about film, storyboarding and art everyday, and being able to draw and create awesome work for a project I’m passionate about. There’s nothing better than being in an environment where my colleagues are so skilled and talented. I am currently working on The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder at Disney TV Animation. I have previously worked on Iwájú at Disney Feature Animation, and Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous and Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts at DreamWorks TV Animation. I love pizza, dogs, and cafe sketching! I post most of my work on my website https://www.rahadabiri.com/ or on my Instagram account @drawhaa.
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?
Consistency, persistence, and determination were the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey. I would recommend to always keep going. The art/animation industry has its waves, so I keep reminding myself to go with the flow. My Imposter Sydrome can consume the mindset sometimes, and when work is in a lull, it’s difficult not to get in our heads about things. I try very hard to stay curious, polish my story and draftsmanship skills, and reach out to friends and previous co-workers for advice and feedback on how to keep growing and be better. I try to stay optimistic, ambitious, and constant with my work. Everything will always work out! Keep going and pushing through! Stay curious and ask a lot of questions. All about the process and the journey! 😀
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was support me and push me to keep going! I look back sometimes and I cringe at my own artwork in the beginning of my journey, but my parents pushed me to be the very best I could be. To keep my passion ignited, stay curious, ask a lot of questions and always find a way. I don’t know where I’d be without my incredible parents and their endless love and guidance throughout my artistic career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rahadabiri.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drawhaa/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drawhaa
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raha-dabiri-7334b292
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/drawhaa?lang=en
- Other: https://www.twitch.tv/rahadabiri
Image Credits
All drawings done by Raha Dabiri
