Today we’d like to introduce you to Miloni Shah.
Hi Miloni, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My journey began as an inexperienced youngster with no clear direction until I enrolled in a design school. As a child, I adored animated movies and TV shows, but I had no inkling that it could become a viable career. Throughout my schooling, I consistently gravitated toward visual learning, with a particular fondness for art as a subject. It wasn’t until after my 12th grade that I resolved to pursue a career in design. I embarked on my undergraduate studies in India at a design school, which offered me a glimpse into the design industry.
During my second year of school, I chose animation as my major; I was initially drawn to it because I thought I would have the opportunity to draw cartoons. However, my first animation course ignited a deep passion for creatively telling stories, and from that point on, I never ceased my exploration of animation. As I delved further into the field, my interests became more focused.
In my final year of undergraduate studies, I decided to specialize in Character Animation, driven by the excitement of conveying narratives through movement and emotions. My aspiration to work at Disney/Pixar had taken root during my undergraduate years and has remained steadfast ever since. Eager to expand my knowledge, I enrolled at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) for a master’s degree in Animation. SCAD provided me with extensive exposure to the animation industry, fueling my passion even more. I absorbed valuable lessons from my peers and professors, which eventually led to my first job at Counterpunch Studios, where I contributed to several AAA games. Subsequently, I secured a position at Halon Entertainment, where I had the incredible opportunity to work on Fortnite Cinematics with EPIC Games. Currently, I am employed at House of Moves, where I continue to work on various games.
Emerging from a background unrelated to animation, my initial exposure to the field was restricted, with my awareness primarily confined to industry. However, my journey has been a voyage of discovery, vastly broadening my comprehension of animation. The dream of one day joining the ranks of Pixar has never faltered; it remains an enduring aspiration that I am unwaveringly committed to achieving. For me, genuine happiness is synonymous with the act of animating.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Every journey comes with its own set of challenges and triumphs! After all, isn’t that what makes it a journey? Without waves, there’s no opportunity for swimming. But over time, we learn to embrace those bumps as they often steer us towards a brighter future. Coming from a different country entails leaving behind one’s hometown, family, and immersing oneself in a new country full of endless opportunities to learn. Yet, despite the inherent difficulties, I harbor no complaints. I find immense joy in acquiring new knowledge and skills. My journey, with its ups and downs, has contributed to my personal growth. Without those obstacles, I wouldn’t be the individual I am today.
I think the key to dealing with these hurdles, you ask? I am still figuring it out! But it is to avoid burnouts! Take mental health days and consistently plan your work without tiring yourself.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Currently I serve as a 3D Character Animator specializing in Game Cinematics, my responsibilities revolve around tasks such as facial and body retargeting, motion capture clean-up, and animation. Beyond my professional duties, I devote my free time to hand-key animation, continuously immersing myself in new projects.
I’ve been fortunate to contribute to several notable projects, including character animation for various Fortnite Cinematic trailers and the creation of facial animations for the cut scenes of Marvel’s Midnight Suns. Additionally, I’ve been involved in the development of game cinematics for Kerbal Space Program 2, as well as contributing to several unannounced AAA games.
Each project has provided me with unique experiences shaped by the diverse styles of the games involved. For example, Fortnite required a delicate balance between naturalistic movements and cartoony elements, while Kerbal Space Program 2 embraced a more exaggerated, cartoony aesthetic. In contrast, Midnight Suns demanded a focus on emotive character animation, offering valuable insights into expressions and personalities. I thoroughly enjoy delving into the intricacies of different characters and infusing my observations into each animation while staying true to the game’s distinctive style.
I had the privilege of working on several Fortnite trailers, including Chapter3 Resistance, Indiana Jones, CH03 S04 Paradise, Fracture Event, Crossheart in collaboration with Yoshitaka Amano, and Ch04 S02. These projects were not only remarkable pieces of work but also invaluable learning experiences, contributing not only to my growth as an artist but also to my personal development.
My defining characteristic is my unwavering passion and commitment to animation. I thrive in tackling challenging shots and view obstacles as opportunities for growth within the industry. With each project, my enthusiasm for animation continues to grow, driving me to continually explore and excel in my craft.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
“Trust the process and keep swimming without fixating on the end result!”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.milonishah.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mishahanimations/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milonishah4/
