Hello!

"Why do you wish to pursue this animation degree?"

​

It's a question I had to ask myself too before I took the first step in building a portfolio. The answer was surprisingly simple to find; I want to create. To create something bigger than myself, to be part of a team of storytellers whom their tales resonate with people. In this era, especially with the rise of AI, I believe human authenticity in art will be much needed, and will stand-out more. However, I've also realized as I was thinking about the answer that this is not something I could achieve from the comfort of my home. Of course, technically, I could watch tutorials online and such, but a big part of creativity is to be inspired. Inspired by the places you visit, the people you meet, the instructors who guide you, the projects of your seniors, etc. These are the elements you internalize and later on use as reference for your work; whether personal work or not. Which is why I decided it is integral to me to go to a new place, an entirely new experience, where I can meet people from all around the world with the same passion as mine, and to receive the knowledge directly from the best professionals in the field. 

​

What I mentioned above was a big reason as to how I thrived in my Mass Communication degree, but studying animation in Egypt would unfortunately be inadvisable. Unlike my first degree, animation as an industry is almost non-existent in Egypt, with very minimal number of studios, and even lesser number of professionals to learn from and work with. Production houses these days prefer to rely on AI for cost-effectiveness rather than hire artists worldwide, this is amplified here. Not to mention the factor of being a woman, which generally speaking offers even less opportunities for a career after my studies. It is difficult to make it as an artist in this modern day, but it is almost impossible in Egypt. Even the Egyptian artists I look up to work abroad, like Meena Ibrahim and Sara Matta.

​

If I am serious about creating something bigger than myself as I said, then I must leave everything behind. Even though that is the plan, I still intend to take my identity and experiences with me. If I couldn't be who I wish to be in my homeplace, then I will tell stories about it, teach my colleagues, inspire others by having a piece of it wherever I go. I already have a background in filmmaking and production from my first degree, in addition to my experience as a professional Video Editor, both of which I will be using alongside what I learn in my future studies to make unforgettable projects. If there's anything I know for sure however as I begin an entirely new journey, it is that there's definitely much left to learn!

​

It is time for me to go pack my bags as you take a tour around my portfolio. Please do enjoy!