Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Hanif.
Hi Sara, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Thank you for this thoughtful question. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on my journey.
My interest in art was something quietly present in my early years, but it was my parents who first recognized and encouraged it. That support led me to take drawing classes during my teenage years, which became the foundation for everything that followed. Given my growing passion, I chose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, a field that allowed me to explore a broad range of artistic skills.
As I experimented with various forms of visual storytelling, I discovered a deep fascination with fantasy worlds. That curiosity ultimately guided me toward pursuing a master’s degree in Animation, a field that feels magical, yet requires tremendous patience and dedication. Each new skill I learned in animation pulled me further, pushing me to explore different techniques and perspectives on life. It offered me a new lens through which I began to see the world.
Animation became my way of creating my own universe. I found joy in the collaborative experiences during my studies and gradually started to use animation as a tool to express personal thoughts and emotions. My short film Retirement explored the story of a man who postpones his dreams in favor of work, while Peace imagined what a truly peaceful world might look like. A new project I’m currently working on is Yalda, a personal and abstract exploration of my experience living far from my family and culture. The piece is deeply inspired by cultural motifs and symbolic elements, serving as a visual reflection of longing, memory, and identity.
To me, animation means freedom, the freedom to create, to experiment, and to express. While the process is time-consuming and full of challenges, the joy of creation makes it all worthwhile.
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?
Like many artists, my journey hasn’t been a smooth one. It’s been shaped by challenges, persistence, and growth.
Throughout the years, I’ve faced moments of discouragement and doubt. Working within collaborative projects has sometimes been emotionally draining, especially when dynamics were difficult or when creative visions didn’t align. Still, because animation is such a collaborative art form, I’ve learned how to adapt, communicate more effectively, and ultimately become a stronger team player.
I’m always striving to maintain a sense of creativity and meaning in my work, even when it’s not always understood or valued by others. It can be challenging to hold on to your artistic standards in an environment that sometimes prioritizes technical skill or speed over originality. Staying energized and inspired when creativity isn’t fully appreciated can be difficult — but I continue to follow what feels authentic to me.
Staying current in this fast-moving field is essential. Even a short pause can make you feel like you’re falling behind. But despite the pressure, and despite coming from a place where art hasn’t always been treated as a priority, I’ve stayed committed to this path. My family’s unwavering support has made all the difference, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come by staying true to my passion.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a multidisciplinary artist specializing in animation directing, with a strong foundation in 2D traditional animation. Over the years, I’ve also gained experience in other areas of the animation pipeline, including compositing, storyboarding, and concept art. My work often blends storytelling with visual emotion, and I’m especially drawn to themes rooted in culture, memory, and symbolism.
In addition to character-driven animation, I’ve developed a growing interest in motion design. This area has allowed me to merge my background in graphic design with my animation skills, resulting in dynamic, story-driven motion projects. It’s an exciting space that offers endless creative possibilities, especially when bringing brands, messages, or products to life through movement and design. I’m currently working on several motion media projects and truly enjoy the challenge of shaping abstract ideas into visual narratives.
One project I’m especially proud of is The Wheel, a multimedia projection piece I co-directed with two talented directors, Ned Shoaei and Bahar Rezvanifar. Inspired by Persian cultural elements and a poem by Rumi, the work was created as a collaborative blend of animation, motion design, and spiritual storytelling. It was designed to be projected onto a storefront window at SCAD Film Studios and was awarded first place at SCAD Style Week. The project was not only visually striking but also meaningful, merging three different artistic disciplines into one cohesive and resonant experience.
What sets my work apart is my focus on emotional depth, cultural storytelling, and a willingness to experiment across mediums. I thrive at the intersection of traditional and digital art forms, always searching for new ways to communicate through motion.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Inspiration plays a huge role in my creative and personal growth. I believe it’s important to constantly expose yourself to new atmospheres, ideas, and ways of living. I often find myself drawn to videos, blogs, and websites that feature adventurous individuals exploring different parts of the world, especially those who dive deep into the history and culture of the places they visit.
One of my greatest sources of inspiration is visiting historical sites. These places are rich with untold stories, lingering sounds, and visual textures that spark my imagination. They remind me that every space carries a narrative, and that storytelling can be found in the smallest details, whether it’s the architecture, an artifact, or the silence of a ruin. These experiences feed directly into my creative work and help me stay connected to both the past and the broader world around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sarahahanif.wixsite.com/sarahanif
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saraahanif/?hl=en
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-hanif-b19b3396/
- Other: https://www.behance.net/sarahanif?locale=en_US
