Today we’d like to introduce you to Shamim Shoomali.
Hi Shamim, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am Shamim, and I identify as a media artist and design researcher. My whole life, I’ve been looking for ways to tell stories. I began my professional journey studying visual communication to better understand the underlying structures of visual culture. I then pursued higher education in animation directing to learn how to bring my stories to life. Later, I decided to enter a PhD program to delve deeper into exploring what happens when story, design, and technology intersect.
I admire people with a good sense of humor; I believe presenting a touching story in a humorous way is a talent the world needs more of. Given the increasing cruelty and ignorance around us, I strive to add a touch of humanism by narrating my stories in engaging and enjoyable ways. I consider myself an interactive artist, typically drawing inspiration from my daily encounters.
Currently, I am an instructor at the Georgia Institute of Technology, a role I am immensely proud of. I have earned the gold standard in teaching according to the Georgia Tech Teaching Evaluation system. My subjects primarily focus on design and media, and I incorporate interactive activities into my classes so students can actively engage with and remember the material. At present, I teach principles of UX design for XR platforms to computer science students.
My main research interest is exploring design principles through a lens of curiosity, particularly examining the connection between the mind and design systems.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Rumi, a renowned 13th-century Persian poet and Sufi mystic, said, “Your legs will get heavy and tired; then comes a moment of feeling the wings you’ve grown, lifting.”
I genuinely believe no journey is entirely smooth; we are all here striving to become the best versions of ourselves and face our fears to achieve true freedom. When pursuing a passion in the arts, one inevitably encounters numerous uncertainties and dilemmas. Staying focused on the goal, embracing challenges, and being honest with oneself form the essential triad needed to navigate difficult paths.
Let me share a story: The idea for my first animated film sparked during the COVID pandemic. I aimed to portray the power of kindness and sharing. Completing this project took about three and a half years because I had no assistance. I hand-drew over six thousand frames, animated, directed, and composited everything at home. There were moments of fear and hopelessness, but ultimately, the film was completed and is now being showcased at international festivals around the world, including the Lift-Off International Film Festival.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As I briefly mentioned above, my professional work spans two main areas: media artistry and design research.
As a media artist, I am inspired by daily experiences, feelings, and observations. When these inspirations feel sufficiently mature, I start sketching or writing about them. Eventually, these experiences transform into visual narratives. For instance, in the summer of 2024, I spent time on Georgia Tech’s campus without many friends around, which led me to sketch the quiet campus and random students. In the fall, I wrote a proposal for the Arts at Tech initiative to create a visual book based on these daily experiences at Georgia Tech. My proposal was accepted, and in the spring, I balanced preparing for my PhD qualification exam with illustrating my campus life. The resulting book, “Between Classes,” will be featured during the Fall 2025 graduate student gathering.
Another notable project of mine is “Hair,” an interactive storytelling website exhibited internationally at the International Conference on Interactive Digital Storytelling in Barranquilla, Colombia. This project reflects my experiences growing up as a Middle Eastern woman and addresses the unique challenges I faced by creating thoughtful solutions.
In my role as a design researcher, I investigate the intersection of design and technology, particularly how playful design can generate meaningful impacts and encourage critical reflection from audiences. I recently presented my paper, “Developing a Recovery Playbook,” emphasizing how applying ludic design critically and effectively can address social problems. at the iConference 2025 hosted by The Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering at Indiana University, one of the top global gatherings for information professionals.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Success is a journey, perhaps a never-ending one. To navigate this journey, I believe it’s essential to embrace certain qualities. One important aspect is recognizing that rest is not a reward; it is a necessity. A well-rested body and mind will function more effectively and creatively.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shamimshoomali.wixsite.com/shamimsjourney
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shamim-shoomali
Image Credits
All images are courtesy of the author, except for the second image, which was taken by Cecile Zhang
