Today we’d like to introduce you to Asna Naseem.
Hi Asna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve finally arrived at my ultimate destination – proudly calling myself a designer. But let me tell you, it’s been quite the adventure to get here! My creative journey traces back to the mesmerizing world of anime and its trusty sidekick, manga. These art forms fired up my imagination, pushing me to craft my own unique vision. You see, my creations are fueled by an insatiable curiosity to weave together the intricate, tailor-made details that bring my art to life.
My bachelor’s degree in architecture paved the way for my artistic exploration, introducing me to the thrilling trio of art, design, and 3D magic. Now, I’m taking my artistic prowess to the next level, pursuing a master’s degree in game design at the Savannah College of Art and Design. But this odyssey began during my undergrad days in architecture, where I honed my skills in spatial design. Little did I know that this knowledge would become the secret sauce in my recipe for crafting immersive and spellbinding game worlds. As an architect, I often felt confined by the boundaries of reality. Designing a floating island for a supervillain, for instance, was merely a daydream from the architect’s desk. But as a game designer, I can let my imagination run wild! How about a cozy beach house with a sprinkle of zombie mayhem? And that’s just the beginning – the gaming universe is my canvas, and I’m painting adventures as wild as my dreams!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Growing up in a place that hailed the wonders of STEM, like the ultimate rock stars, I dared to be the creative rebel. Picture this: I’m from a quaint corner of northern India, and society was all about STEM, STEM, STEM! But my heart danced to a different beat – the artsy one.
At first, it felt like trying to find a needle in a haystack when I sought guidance to nurture my artistic talents. The renowned colleges around here? Well, they mostly offer engineering or medicine, leaving little room for the artsy dreamers like me. And let’s talk about the distance! Any school that required more than a 4–5-hour drive? Forget about it, especially because I was a woman. Yeah, that’s right, the ever-extended hand of patriarchy tried to keep me close to home.
But hey, in the midst of all these challenges, I had my mentors – my guiding stars. They didn’t just stick to the textbooks; they were like creative comrades. They helped me shape my ideas and gave me the courage to go after my dreams. There’s a fair amount of credit due there.
So, here I am, emerging from the shadow of underrepresentation and wrestling with my own mental health battles. I bring a unique perspective to the table and a fierce determination powered by those moments of exasperation I’ve faced. I may come from a place where STEM rules, but I’m here to add a little artistic sparkle to the mix!”
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Architect by Day, Game Wizard by Night, Tech Enthusiast, and Art Maestro! I’ve danced through a maze of titles, and it turns out I’m a designer-extraordinaire! Why settle for one when I can be the maestro orchestrating the symphony of creativity? I thrive on pushing boundaries and venturing into the unknown. Whether it’s crafting architectural blueprints, conjuring 3D wonders, or scripting game-level masterpieces, I’m your creative conjurer. And when I’m feeling a bit daring, I’ll dive into uncharted waters – perhaps audio, maybe animation – and then merge it all into a kaleidoscope of originality that defies any label.
I’m a designer without limits, and my creations are as unique as me – they simply refuse to be contained in a box or pinned with a label!
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is the power of embracing and nurturing my creative passions, even in the face of deeply ingrained societal norms. Growing up in a society that disproportionately glorified STEM academia, particularly for women, I encountered the formidable hurdle of patriarchy. It tried to dictate what was deemed appropriate for me and tried to discourage me from pursuing my artistic interests. Spoilers alert: it failed.
Despite these challenges, I followed my heart and ventured into the world of design. This journey taught me that when you are true to your creative self and dare to explore uncharted territories, you can uncover hidden talents and unlock opportunities you never thought possible.
My transition from architecture to game design also underscores the importance of adapting and expanding my skills to follow my passions. It has shown me that, even when faced with societal constraints, I can redefine the boundaries of my creativity. As a game designer, I’ve discovered the boundless nature of imagination and the freedom to create worlds beyond the ordinary.
In essence, my journey has taught me that following your creative calling can lead to a fulfilling and extraordinary path, where every challenge, including those imposed by patriarchy, becomes an opportunity to learn and grow. The most valuable lesson is to never underestimate the power of your unique artistic vision and the potential for transformation it holds in your life and career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.asnanaseem.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asna-naseem-33226227a/
