Meet Sankalp Rao | 3D Animator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sankalp Rao and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sankalp, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
To be quite honest, I never thought I’d end up in a creative profession. It’s actually quite funny since growing up, I was more drawn to structure or logic than art. However, I think somewhere down the line, I stopped perceiving it in that manner. I felt as if I had opened up to more than just what I was exposed to. I found myself being drawn to media as a whole, whether it was editing clips, experimenting with visuals or colours. I was always a big fanatic of anime growing up and played a lot of video games, which eventually led me to my profession. This fascination pushed me into picking up video editing, which later prompted me to study a bachelor’s in filmmaking. After making my first film, I realised how much I wanted to go even deeper. To craft stories completely from scratch and build my own worlds without the limitations that exist in live-action production. That curiosity led me into the world of 3D animation, where I could bring my imagination to life in ways I’d never thought possible.

Now, looking back, I see it as such a privilege to pursue what I truly love doing. I’ve found my place in this industry, a space where I feel proud, confident and complete.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work has always been an extension of who I am. I like to put myself in the audience’s shoes beforehand so I can get a clear sense of direction and how I, as an audience member, would perceive my work or if my work is coming across with the intended message. To put it short, I want to connect with the audience in the form of a message that my work puts out.
What sets me apart is perhaps my focus on performance and the subtleties of my workflow. I think I am most proud of the fact that I, as an animator, take the time needed to really polish my work, and of course, this wasn’t easy. There were countless late nights, technical setbacks and moments of self-doubt, but with each challenge I learnt how to be patient, confident and learnt the importance of discipline, which ultimately got me to where I am today.

The biggest lesson I’ve learnt is to never stop looking to improve upon your work and yourself. It’s easy to fall back on comfort, but it is discipline and consistency that allow you to grow as an artist.

Today, I see my animation as a reflection of my growth and the stories I want to share with the world. I want people to know that creativity doesn’t always start with confidence. Sometimes you need to start a project with just a vague idea in your mind, make it exist first before making it perfect. Sometimes it starts with curiosity and persistence. My brand and my story are built on that. The belief that with discipline and consistency, paired with belief, you will be able to break through.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, I would 100% start by taking them to the best food spots in town, exploring different types of meals, and end the day off with a nice, long walk to explore what the city has to offer. I would also make sure we visit the gym and have a nice workout, which is followed by a much-needed trip to get some tender coconut water for hydration afterwards. The next few days would include indulging in fun activities such as cooking together, playing video games, going for runs in the morning, and I would end it all off with an intense sports session, playing either basketball or cricket.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely! I wouldn’t be here without so many lovely people supporting me through my journey. I’d love to dedicate my shout-out to my parents and my peers. My Father, Satya Rao and my Mother, Swetha Rao, have been two important figures who have shaped the man I am today. They believed in me even when I was still figuring out what it was that I wanted to do. Their encouragement and never-ending support allowed me to take risks and follow my creative passions, which I am eternally grateful for. I also owe a great deal of credit to my peers, who have always pushed me to do better and become better. They were the ones who reassured me that I have what it takes to become a proficient animator and kept me accountable. We have shared late nights, creative challenges, and so many breakthroughs together, and most importantly, they have created a sense of community which has been a great part of my journey.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yozxora/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sankalp-rao-55468346/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sankalprao566

Image Credits
Sankalp Rao