We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dee Divakaran a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dee, 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?
The foundation of my resilience finds its roots in the profound influence of my parents. They skillfully blended traditional values with unwavering support for my artistic pursuits. Their wisdom, encouragement, and consistent emphasis on hard work have been a guiding force, shaping not only my professional journey but also affording me the freedom to express my creative side. I am deeply grateful for the pivotal role my parents played in shaping me into a resilient individual. Their teachings have not only influenced my career but have also left an enduring impact on my decision-making skills and overall approach to life. In moments of challenge, their support becomes a cornerstone, providing me with the strength to persist through obstacles and navigate the unpredictable paths of my journey.
Moreover, in challenging moments when the temptation to give up on my journey was strong, my love for art, combined with the steadfast support from my parents, served as a driving force propelling me forward. What fuels my resilience further is the identification of my driving force—the deep-seated passion for art. This commitment not only helps me overcome obstacles but also acts as a compass, guiding me through the journey with unwavering determination. By recognizing and nurturing this love for art, I’ve found a constant wellspring of motivation. It’s not just about overcoming challenges for me anymore; it’s about aligning my journey with what truly drives me, leading to a resilient and fulfilling pursuit of my craft.
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?
I am a motion designer, and my venture into the captivating realm of visual storytelling began during my college years. It was there that my passion for design and animation was ignited, ultimately guiding me toward specializing in motion design. While initially captivated by the dynamic landscape of animation and visual effects, I eventually discovered that my true calling was in the immersive and dynamic field of motion design.
My career path took a significant turn at the onset of the pandemic, marking my third professional transition – the prior one being from animation to visual effects. This change not only challenged me but also brought me to a community that embraced my multidisciplinary background, providing me with a sense of belonging. Throughout my career, I’ve remained committed to continuous learning, which led me to enroll in a graduate-level Motion Design program. This helped me further refine my skill set and embrace new forms of challenges.
My creative journey has been remarkably rewarding so far. Specializing in art direction, 3D look development, and 2D illustration, my diverse skill set allows me to breathe life into stories. A notable highlight in my career involved a collaboration with NASA, a project that resonated deeply with my longstanding passion for science.
Looking ahead, my excitement lies in evolving further as a motion designer, embracing new challenges, and crafting meaningful experiences through design and animation. The limitless potential of motion design fuels my enthusiasm, and I am looking forward to the next chapter in this transformative career journey.
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?
Adaptability has been crucial. Embracing change and seizing new opportunities allowed me to navigate shifts in my career, explore different disciplines, and stay informed. My advice is to cultivate a mindset that welcomes change, actively seek learning opportunities, and remain flexible in the face of challenges.
Continuous learning has played a key role in my growth. Enrolling in a graduate-level Motion Design program, along with attending workshops, conferences, and online courses, has helped me better understand industry trends and how to look for the direction it is headed to next. For those starting their journey, I also recommend fostering a hunger for knowledge—never stop learning, explore new techniques, and stay curious about emerging technologies.
Resilience has been my anchor during challenging moments. Transitioning into motion design during the pandemic was a significant risk, but resilience fueled my perseverance. To those at the beginning of their journey, I encourage building resilience by finding what drives you as a person and in the pursuit of a career in your chosen field. Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities, stay persistent, and trust the process even when faced with uncertainty.
In essence, adaptability, continuous learning, and resilience have been instrumental in my journey. My advice is to embrace change, foster a thirst for knowledge, and cultivate resilience to navigate the unpredictable nature of a creative career.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Throughout the past year, I have undergone significant personal and professional development, with a distinct focus on fortifying my confidence and taking the initiative to pursue leadership roles. Recognizing the profound impact of effective leadership in my field, I actively sought opportunities to lead projects and teams. This journey into leadership has not only refined my organizational and managerial skills but has also granted me invaluable insights into the intricate dynamics of teamwork and collaboration.
At the same time, I dedicated time and effort to enhance my communication and public speaking skills. Confronting earlier limitations, such as nervousness and a perceived lack of naturalness during presentations, I worked diligently to improve my spontaneity and adaptability in communication. Acknowledging the importance of clear and compelling communication, I engaged in activities that challenged me to articulate ideas effectively, such as presenting concepts to teams and industry professionals. This intentional focus on communication has not only honed my ability to convey thoughts and ideas but has also played a pivotal role in cultivating a stronger leadership presence.
In parallel with these efforts, I embraced the challenge of pursuing projects that stretched the boundaries of my artistic skills. This commitment to artistic growth involved taking on endeavors that pushed me beyond my comfort zone, encouraging experimentation with new techniques and the exploration of unconventional concept ideas. Through these ventures, I not only elevated my artistic proficiency but also fostered a sense of confidence in my creative abilities.
I feel that my approach to personal and professional growth has not only influenced my career trajectory but has also contributed to a more resilient, versatile, and confident version of myself. Looking ahead, I am excited about continuing this journey of growth and exploration, leveraging these newfound skills and experiences in both my leadership endeavors and creative pursuits.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://deedivakaran.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightsun.art/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deedivakaran/
