Meet Saniya Assembek

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Saniya Assembek. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Saniya below.

Saniya, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I discovered my purpose when I realized that art could transcend borders, connect people, and create tangible change in society. As a professional motion designer, my career has taken me across continents, allowing me to contribute not just locally but globally. Growing up in Kazakhstan, I cultivated a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling and the ways it can unite communities despite differences in language, culture, or geography. This foundation, combined with my international experiences, shaped my perspective as an artist and educator.

From exhibitions in New York and California to collaborations in Russia and Central Asia, I’ve witnessed firsthand how creativity can build bridges and open doors. These experiences enriched not only my craft but also my understanding of how design can be used as a tool for empowerment. They instilled in me a belief that the skills and knowledge I gained from working on a global stage could be used to give back to the community that shaped me.

This realization became even more profound during my involvement with the ITeachMe Competence Development Center Public Foundation, where I mentored individuals from underserved communities, empowering them through motion design. Originally from Kazakhstan, I felt a profound sense of responsibility to bring everything I had learned—from advanced technical expertise to creative approaches inspired by global trends—back to those who needed it most. My aim was to bridge the gap between what I had achieved internationally and the untapped potential within these communities.

Through ITeachMe, I wasn’t just teaching motion design—I was introducing participants to a global industry, showing them how their unique perspectives could find a place on the world stage. For many, this was the first time they’d been exposed to opportunities in creative fields. Watching them transform their ideas into professional-level projects that resonated with international audiences was a deeply fulfilling experience and reinforced my belief in the universality of art as a means of connection and empowerment.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

About Me and My Work
My professional path has been shaped by a deep commitment to using motion design as both an art form and a tool for social impact. I specialize in crafting animations that inspire and inform, combining technical expertise with a strong sense of storytelling. What makes my career unique is its global reach.
Over the years, my work has been showcased in international exhibitions and film festivals, spanning regions from New York and California to Europe, Kazakhstan, and Russia. My projects have not only gained recognition but have also won awards in prestigious international competitions, validating the innovation and artistry I bring to motion design.
One of the highlights of my career is the network I have built across the globe. From collaborating with fellow creatives in New York and Los Angeles to working with organizations in Central Asia and Eastern Europe, I’ve established strong industry connections that enhance my ability to innovate and share knowledge.
My success isn’t limited to industry recognition; I’ve also secured significant scholarships and grants to further my education and professional development. These opportunities have allowed me to work alongside some of the most talented designers and mentors in the field, expanding my skill set and pushing the boundaries of what motion design can achieve.
The most exciting aspect of my career is the ability to impact diverse audiences worldwide. My work is not bound by geography or language; it’s about creating visual narratives that resonate universally. This global perspective enriches every project I undertake, whether it’s an ad campaign for a major brand or a workshop for underserved communities.

Transformative Work with ITeachMe
My collaboration with the ITeachMe Competence Development Center Public Foundation remains one of the most meaningful chapters of my career. Through this initiative, I had the privilege of mentoring students from socially vulnerable groups, including individuals with disabilities. Over two years, I developed accessible and inclusive teaching methods, ensuring that every participant could engage fully, regardless of their circumstances.

Global Expertise and Impact
As a designer with an international outlook, I’ve honed my skills by working in diverse cultural and professional environments. My participation in international exhibitions, competitions, and festivals has not only elevated my profile but also provided invaluable insights into global trends and innovations in design.
For instance, my recent animation film, co-directed with Po-En Wang, was accepted into several prestigious festivals, including the Colortape International Film Festival in Brisbane, Australia, in the ‘2D and 3D Animation’ category. This achievement, alongside recognition in other festivals, highlights my work’s global appeal and relevance. The film was also:
Winner in the ‘Best Animated Film’ category at the Oniros Film Awards® in New York, USA.
Received an Honorable Mention in the ‘Best Animated Film’ category at the Paradise Film Festival in Cologne, Germany.
Selected in the ‘Animation’ category at the Accolade Global Film Competition in La Jolla, California, USA.
Included in the ‘Short Films and Motion Design’ category at the CTAF – Crazy Talented Asians & Friends Animation Festival in the USA.
Officially chosen for the ‘Animated Films’ category at the Zircines Animated Film Awards in Spain.
Selected as a finalist in the ‘Best Short Animated Film’ category at the Short Shot Fest in Moscow, Russia.
Accepted into the ‘Shorts – New Voices’ category at the Lift-Off Filmmaker Sessions 2024 at Pinewood Studios, UK.
Featured in the ‘Animation’ category at the WRPN Women’s International Film Festival in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, USA.
This growing list of accolades underscores the universal resonance and artistic value of my work.

Additionally, my contributions have been recognized by leading organizations and institutions worldwide. Securing competitive scholarships during my studies and early career provided me with opportunities to collaborate with top-tier talent and organizations in the U.S., Central Asia, and Europe. These experiences have allowed me to cultivate a professional network that spans continents, fostering opportunities for future collaborations.

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?

Empathy
Empathy has been foundational in my journey as both a motion designer and mentor. Working with diverse students at ITeachMe, I learned that understanding each person’s unique background and challenges is essential. Empathy allowed me to create meaningful connections and ensure that my teaching methods were accessible to everyone. For those starting out, I recommend actively listening to others and striving to see things from different perspectives. This quality will not only enrich your creative work but also deepen your relationships and collaborations.

Adaptability
The creative field is dynamic, and adaptability is crucial to staying relevant and innovative. I’ve embraced this quality by continuously learning new tools and exploring emerging media, such as augmented reality. Each new platform offers a fresh way to tell stories, and adapting to these changes keeps my work engaging. For newcomers, my advice is to stay curious and open-minded. Don’t shy away from change—embrace it as an opportunity to grow and evolve your skills.

Service
Giving back to the community has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. Service, to me, is about using my skills and experience to uplift others and make a positive impact. For those just starting out, I encourage finding ways to contribute to your community, whether through mentorship, volunteering, or sharing knowledge. The fulfillment that comes from helping others often becomes a source of inspiration in your own journey.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I am actively seeking collaborators who share my passion for creativity, inclusivity, and innovation. Whether it’s nonprofits, brands, or fellow creatives, I am interested in partnerships that push boundaries and create meaningful impact. My ideal collaborators are visionary and open to exploring how art and design can transform industries and communities.

For those interested in collaborating, I am available for projects in motion design, mentorship, or global initiatives. Please feel free to connect with me via email or LinkedIn to discuss potential opportunities.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Freepik illustrations

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