We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Muskaan Sethi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Muskaan below.

Muskaan , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Motion design was first introduced to me through title sequences that I watched as a young child in the cinema. Sometimes, more than the film itself, I would leave the cinema in awe of those graphics. I would always go down the rabbit hole of watching behind-the-scenes videos and researching how those effects were done. I am very fortunate that my parents fostered my interests, encouraging me to take Adobe classes at a local institute back home so I could learn and explore the software. I will forever be indebted to their love and support. I owe everything to the path they have helped me pave.

In school, I continued experimenting with the skills I learned and took up any opportunity I saw to create. In 6th grade, I saw a notice for students to submit a poster for our school play, Grease. It was a refreshing escape from classes, and I immersed myself in the world of design. To my surprise, I won the contest, and seeing my work printed on a banner for the first time filled my 16-year-old self with joy. It was then that I realized being creative was the path for me—I wanted to help tell stories. Throughout high school, I kept creating, whether by helping family members market their businesses or designing posters and brochures for school events. While most of my peers pursued STEM-focused fields, I was one of the few drawn to the creative industry. I’m grateful that my perspective and passion were always valued.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was born and raised in Bangkok and am a part of the vibrant Thai-Indian community settled there. I attended an international school and grew up surrounded by a lot of diverse cultures. I always enjoyed creating, whether at home or at school, and I knew that was the path I was going to take. I am currently finishing up my degree in Motion Media Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

My interests lie in mixed media, whether that’s 2D, live-action, photo/archival treatments, graphic design, 3D, or tactile styles. I enjoy both designing and animating, but my main passion lies in the medium of design. Design crafts a world in which imagination can be expressed; it is the core of the work, where the stories lie. It truly holds the power to contribute meaningfully to storytelling.

I think what sets me apart is that I try to learn as much as I can from others and constantly grow as a person. Professionally, I try to absorb all the tips and tricks, continuing to refine my craft. On a personal level, I am drawn to how others approach their work and journeys. I find great value in not just understanding their techniques but also their experiences, how they approach situations, and really who they are as people. This philosophy is what I am most proud of; it really fuels my journey both as an artist and as an individual. The main thing I want people to know about my work is that it’s not just about looks but about leaving an impact. I am committed to the creative process and making detailed choices, all in service of telling the story.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I think non-creatives have a slight misunderstanding of what it truly means to be creative. I’ve gone through experiences with non-creative people who talk about the creative process as if it’s easy and simple. They might not realize just how much effort and time goes into just the concept phase before we even start making anything. There are ebbs and flows that come with the creative process that require patience and perseverance. We creatives form a connection with our work that goes beyond just the surface; we observe and seek inspiration from our surroundings and experiences.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

There are a lot of rewarding aspects of being an artist or creative. One of them is working with like-minded individuals and being able to collaborate and share the creative process with them. What’s also incredibly rewarding is when you’re able to find yourself in a state of flow when designing, when there is a sense of presence. But the most rewarding aspect for me is making a meaningful impact. When I’m able to help tell someone’s story and be a part of something that helps evoke emotion and introspection, it’s really fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.muskaansethi.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msethiart/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muskaansethi/

Image Credits

All Images Created by Muskaan Sethi

Special Thanks — Kyle Switzer (CoMotion 2024 Pitch)

Special Thanks — BGSTR (The Golden Bachelor Pitch)

Headshot Photographer — Abigail Wornock