Meet Ayla Kasimova | Visual Development Artist & Character Designer

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

Hi Ayla, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I am an Azerbaijani artist, born in a creative family. From a young age, I was surrounded by the art and richness of my culture. I was fascinated by everything from the patterns on traditional carpets and frescoes to the bright colours in the works of local artists. But the folklore and fairy tales of Azerbaijan have always captivated me.
My works are my reflection and vision of these old stories. I draw inspiration from ancient tales – stories of heroes and mythical creatures. The magic in these narratives ignites something inside me, inspiring me to transfer it in shapes and colours to canvas.
There is something endlessly fascinating about these stories that carry a rich heritage. They are not just stories from the past; they are living, breathing reflections of who we are, who we were and who we aspire to become. They are timeless, full of wisdom, beauty and mystery and are a huge source of inspiration for me as an artist.
In my work, I strive to bring their magic to life through my perspective. Folklore and magical worlds help me create my work, whether it be digital drawings, animation, sculpture or mixed media. For me, art is an opportunity to explore worlds and characters within worlds where anything is possible.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As I mentioned, much of my work centres on fairy tales and folklore. In my works, I often depict fun mystical characters, magical creatures and mythical worlds filled with magic and mystery. I emphasize bright colors and expressive shapes that help create a sense of vibrancy and depth in each piece.

My work has led me to several significant accomplishments. For example, my collaborative project with my best friend Sarai, “Chasing Time” was presented at the Producers Show and screened at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles in May 2023, which was a career highlight for me. In addition, my work has also resonated in my native land: I was invited to be one of the organizers of the ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival in September 2023. There I had the honor of working with talented artists to create the festival’s intro, which was not only a professional but also an inspiring experience for me.

As cliché as it may sound, I achieved what I do today thanks to hard work, patience and, of course, the unconditional support of my loved ones. Along the way, I have been incredibly lucky to be surrounded by talented friends and colleagues – cartoonists and artists who truly love what they do. These people, with whom I share my passion, are always willing to share knowledge, advice and inspire me to do new things.

At times, the path has indeed seemed challenging and even unattainable. There were even moments when doubts and difficulties tried to stop me. But it was thanks to my surroundings, support of friends and their inexhaustible passion towards art that I kept moving forward. Their perseverance and commitment to excellence became not only a source of inspiration for me, but also an example of how important it is not to give up, but to keep looking for new opportunities for growth.

One of the main lessons I have learned along the way has been the importance of being honest with myself and sincerity in creativity. The world in which I work is multifaceted and diverse, and I am proud to contribute by creating work that blends tradition with modern approaches. I would like the world to know that my brand is not just art, but a reflection of my inner philosophy: a belief in the power of magic, in the power of history and in the power of every individual to inspire and be inspired.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
“Little Tokyo,” the Getty, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) are some of my favorite places to visit! As for food, definitely try OSTE for its amazing flavors and atmosphere – it’s one of those places that never disappoints. And of course, no visit to LA would be complete without a stop at In-N-Out!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am deeply grateful to my family and friends whose support and love have had a huge impact on my artistic journey. First and foremost, my parents, who have always encouraged me to follow my passion for art and have been there for me every step of the way. I owe a lot to my incredibly talented sisters Aysha and Leyla, whose artistry and wisdom have consistently inspired and guided me throughout my career.
Special thanks to my best friend Sarai, whose hard work and determination have always inspired me. I also want to express my gratitude to all my friends, both at CalArts and back home in Azerbaijan, who have always been there for me, offering support, feedback and endless love. Each of you has helped me become the person I am today, and I am very grateful for that.

Website: https://aylakasimovabf54.myportfolio.com/work

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayla-kasimova-4b2505248/