Today we’d like to introduce you to Rohit Pant.
Hi Rohit, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been obsessed with games and animation for as long as I can remember. Even before I could read, I’d sit next to my brother watching him play computer games and somehow teach myself how to play, mostly because I was weirdly invested in those little pixelated characters. Growing up, I must’ve played thousands of games and watched just as many animated films. My parents still joke that I wouldn’t eat unless animated characters were hitting each other on screen, and honestly, that continued for a while, haha.
For the longest time, I thought being good with computers meant I should go into science instead of art. Like many kids, I followed the crowd and ended up studying mechanical engineering. I loved cars and machines, so it made sense at the time. But while I was supposed to be thrilled by thermodynamics and equations, the only thing that truly fascinated me was 3D modeling, bringing an idea to life on screen. The rest of engineering, though? It felt like it was draining my creativity away.
Animated films have always been my constant source of wonder growing up, but it wasn’t until I watched Coco during my second year of college that something truly shifted for me. That film made me realize that animation isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about emotion, culture, and the power to make dreams tangible. It opened my eyes to the idea that there’s more to life than just science and logic. There’s imagination, storytelling, and human connection that make it so beautiful. From that moment, I knew I wanted to be a part of that world. I started teaching myself 3D art and animation, taking online courses, and experimenting with personal projects. By my third year, I had a portfolio strong enough to land an internship at an indie game studio, which was my first real step into the creative world.
While my classmates were preparing for engineering placements, I realized I wanted something different. I didn’t want to wake up every day dreading work. I came across a quote that said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” That became my mantra. I finished my degree, packed up my portfolio, and applied to SCAD, which is one of the best art schools in the world. With a generous scholarship and my parents’ full support, I started my journey there in 2022.
SCAD was everything I dreamed of, and more. I immersed myself in every workshop, guest lecture, and project I could find. I barely slept, but I learned endlessly. Along the way, I discovered that my true calling wasn’t just creating art, but helping others bring their creative visions to life by managing teams, solving problems, and keeping productions on track. From interning at studios to producing and directing multiple films, including my own thesis project ‘Silent Comfort’, the journey has been a wild, beautiful ride.
I recently graduated with my Master of Fine Arts in Animation, and I’m now stepping into the next chapter, managing creative projects professionally. If there’s one thing I’ve learned through it all, it’s that you don’t just create dreams, you live them.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say it was a smooth road, but it also wasn’t complete chaos. I’d describe it as a path filled with late nights, a lot of learning, and plenty of coffee, haha. I was really passionate about what I wanted to do, and I wasn’t going to stop until I got there. Learning animation while pursuing a bachelor’s in engineering was definitely one of the toughest challenges. My days were packed with assignments and projects, but I knew that if I wanted to make this work, I had to put in extra effort. So, I started staying up late for an additional four hours every night, and even used my breaks between classes to teach myself animation. Somewhere along the way, I accidentally became really good at time management!
One of the biggest challenges was definitely making the switch from engineering to art. While there were some transferable skills, it was still a completely different world. I had to start from scratch and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Ironically, the pandemic helped me in that phase; being at home gave me time to focus deeply on learning new software and building my core skills.
After coming to SCAD, the struggles shifted more toward balancing an intense schedule. There were days when I barely slept or had time to eat, but I kept reminding myself that success requires going above and beyond. I think those challenges made me who I am today, someone who doesn’t wait for the perfect time, but makes the time to make things happen. Looking back, every late night and setback was worth it because it taught me perseverance, focus, and gratitude for the journey.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in 3D art and project management, which might sound like an unusual mix, but to me, it’s the perfect balance of creativity and structure. On one hand, I love sculpting characters and bringing them to life through detail and personality. On the other hand, I’m deeply passionate about managing the process that makes all that magic happen by keeping teams organized, projects on track, and creative chaos under control. From sticky notes on walls to digital boards on Jira and Asana, I’ve used every tool imaginable to make sure no idea ever slips through the cracks.
I’ve managed numerous projects, both academic and professional, and what I enjoy most is collaborating with talented people to bring a shared vision to life. I live for those “We did it!” moments at the end of a project when everything clicks.
What sets me apart is my adaptability, empathy, and the way I build relationships. I love being the glue that keeps teams together, the person who can lift others up during stressful times, and keep the energy positive. Even in leadership roles, I believe in creating a space where everyone feels heard and equal, because that’s when people do their best work. At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to craft meaningful, visually stunning stories and help others shine in the process.
What matters most to you? Why?
For me, the three things that matter most are growth, collaboration, and impact. I’ve always believed that growth keeps life interesting, whether that’s learning a new skill, improving a workflow, or just finding a better way to approach challenges. I love being in spaces where curiosity is encouraged and where every project teaches you something new.
Collaboration is another big one for me. I’ve never seen creativity as a solo process. The best ideas come from shared energy, open communication, and a bit of friendly chaos. I really value environments where everyone feels comfortable contributing and where different perspectives come together to create something amazing.
And finally, impact. Whether it’s helping a team stay organized, streamlining operations, or creating something that inspires someone else, I always want my work to make a difference. It doesn’t have to be world-changing; even small wins, like making someone’s day easier or helping an idea take shape, feel incredibly rewarding. That mix of learning, teamwork, and purpose is what truly keeps me going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rohitpant2000.myportfolio.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohit-pant/
