Meet Saniya Assembek | Motion Designer & Character Animator

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

Hi Saniya, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued an artistic and creative career for several interconnected reasons that resonate deeply with my personal journey and aspirations. Growing up in Kazakhstan, I encountered societal expectations and gender inequalities in STEM fields, which fueled my determination to challenge norms and pursue a path aligned with my passion for animation. Animation, to me, represents more than just entertainment; it’s a powerful medium for cultural representation and breaking barriers. My decision to transition from engineering (BE in Civil Engineering) to animation (MFA Computer Arts) was driven by a desire to fuse analytical thinking with imaginative creativity, leveraging my engineering background to address technical challenges in the realm of art. Through my academic pursuits, participation in animation programs like WIA & AIA, and engagement in industry events like SIGGRAPH in LA 2023 & Real-Time Conference in NYC, I’ve nurtured a profound passion for storytelling and a commitment to professional growth.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My artistic journey began with motion graphics in 2D, but my dream was always to be part of feature films. Knowing that this goal was on the horizon, I decided to accelerate the timeline by enrolling in the SVA MFA Computer Arts program two years after graduating with an engineering degree. During my free time, I worked as a 2D animator, honing my skills and preparing for the transition. Upon arriving in NYC, I delved into the world of 3D animation, exploring various disciplines. Among them, 3D character animation stood out to me as particularly captivating.

Now, as I return to motion graphics, I bring with me a strong foundation in character animation, blending it seamlessly into the 3D realm. I believe what sets me apart is my unique approach to integrating character animation into motion design, a departure from the more common focus on 2D animation or simpler 3D simulations.

Undoubtedly, the journey hasn’t been easy. Life is rarely simple, and challenges are part of the process. From high competition to managing long distances from my relatives in Central Asia, and coping with imposter syndrome, each obstacle has presented its own set of hurdles. However, I’ve learned to take things one step at a time, finding balance and avoiding being too hard on myself along the way.

Through perseverance, resilience, and a commitment to continuous growth, I’ve embraced the challenges and strived to overcome them. As I continue to evolve as an artist, I remain steadfast in my belief that with dedication and determination, anything is possible.

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.
Day 1: Central Park stroll.
Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Day 2:
Brooklyn Bridge walk and explore Brooklyn neighborhoods.
Food tour of Brooklyn.

Day 3:
SoHo and Greenwich Village exploration.
High Line visit.

Day 4:
Fine dining in Hell’s Kitchen and jazz concert. / Broadway show.

Day 5:
Edge

Day 6:
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) visit.
Chinatown and Little Italy exploration.

Day 7:
Brunch in the West Village.
Greenwich Village exploration.

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 would like to dedicate my shoutout to three remarkable individuals who have played pivotal roles in shaping my journey and supporting my dreams. Firstly, I am eternally grateful to my mother, whose unwavering belief in the power of creativity and passion has been the guiding force behind my pursuit of an artistic career. Despite facing limitations herself, she tirelessly worked to provide opportunities for me and my siblings (4!) to explore our interests and thrive in our chosen paths. Her encouragement and support have been invaluable in fueling my passion for the arts.

Secondly, I owe a debt of gratitude to my older sister, who blazed the trail in our family by pursuing a path in physics and mathematics. Her dedication to academia fostered my own love for mathematics, which, despite taking a different direction toward the arts, continues to serve as a foundation for my creative endeavors. I am deeply thankful for her influence and the invaluable skills I’ve gained from my engineering background, which I now see as essential in bridging the gap between art and technology.

Lastly, I want to express my appreciation for my husband, whose unwavering support and selflessness have been the cornerstone of my journey. His decision to join me in the United States, leaving behind our country, speaks volumes about his commitment to my aspirations and dreams. His encouragement, guidance, and belief in my potential make him not only my greatest mentor but also my most cherished partner in life.

Website: https://sanimotion.tilda.ws/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sani.mation/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saniya-assembek/

Image Credits
Brandon Wang