Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yousef Alhaddad. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Yousef, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was choosing to pursue a career in animation instead of following a more traditional and socially accepted path.

I grew up in Saudi Arabia, where art—especially in entertainment—was not widely seen as a viable career. Since childhood, I had a deep passion for creating characters, starting with sprite animations on YouTube at age 10 and later exploring digital painting. However, as I got older, societal expectations pushed me toward a more conventional profession. I applied and was accepted into medical school, but just a week before classes started, I realized I couldn’t see myself in that life.

That moment was a turning point. I took a leap of faith, applied for a full scholarship, and moved to the U.S. to study animation. This decision came with immense challenges—adapting to a new culture, learning a new language, and navigating strict visa regulations. Finding job opportunities as an international artist meant constantly proving my worth, as many companies were hesitant to sponsor non-citizens despite liking my work.

Despite these hurdles, my risk paid off. I built a career working on high-profile projects, including films like Black Adam, The Flash, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. I contributed to major brands like Apple Maps and created characters and environments for medical and educational programs. Looking back, taking that initial risk—choosing passion over certainty—was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello, I’m Yousef Alhaddad—a VFX and 3D artist whose journey into digital art began in childhood. Growing up in Saudi Arabia, I was captivated by characters in cartoons, movies, and video games. I started by sketching anything I could get my hands on and even launched a YouTube channel at age 10 under the name “Lionard10,” where I shared sprite animations that garnered hundreds of thousands of views. My early passion evolved into digital painting and eventually led me to the dynamic world of 3D animation.

After high school, I found myself at a crossroads. Despite receiving an acceptance to medical school, I realized my heart belonged to art. With determination—and a full scholarship—I made the bold decision to move to the U.S. to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Animation. This transition wasn’t without challenges: adapting to a new culture, language, and navigating legal hurdles as an international student. However, these obstacles only fueled my commitment to turning my passion into a viable career.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects that have honed both my technical and creative skills. At Eyeline Studios (powered by Netflix), I served as a Volume Capture Technical Director on major Hollywood films like Black Adam, The Flash, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. In these roles, I transformed raw 3D data into lifelike digital creations, ensuring every character was as realistic and engaging as possible—even under tight deadlines.

My journey continued at Made By Things, where I took on the role of lead 3D artist. I’ve been instrumental in creating everything from detailed characters and environments for Cedars-Sinai Hospital’s Children’s section to innovative advertising campaigns for brands like Torani and Provide. Whether it was reimagining iconic 2D brand characters in a modern 3D context or introducing new software pipelines to streamline production, I’ve always aimed to solve complex creative challenges while delivering visually stunning and technically optimized work.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend technical mastery with creative storytelling. I’m proud of not only my contributions to blockbuster films and award-winning campaigns but also the impact my work has on audiences—from sparking wonder in children interacting with our digital characters to elevating brand narratives in competitive markets.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my brand is defined by innovation, versatility, and a relentless passion for excellence. I am committed to pushing the boundaries of digital artistry, continuously exploring new tools and techniques to bring ideas to life, and creating work that is as captivating as it is efficient. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my work—I’m excited to continue this creative journey and share more groundbreaking projects with you.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is witnessing the profound impact that creative work can have on people’s lives. I love that my art isn’t just about technical excellence or mastering a software—it’s about evoking emotion, inspiring wonder, and forging genuine connections. Whether I’m working on blockbuster films like Black Adam and The Flash or crafting engaging 3D characters for a children’s campaign at Cedars-Sinai, it’s incredibly fulfilling to see how these creations resonate with audiences.

One unforgettable moment was watching videos of children and families interact with the characters we designed. Seeing the delight on a child’s face or hearing a family talk about how our digital worlds sparked their imagination reinforces why I chose this path. It’s a reminder that art can transcend cultural and technical barriers—it can transform spaces, tell compelling stories, and even change perceptions about what’s possible.

Additionally, the process of solving creative and technical challenges, like reimagining iconic 2D brand elements into immersive 3D experiences or devising innovative workflows to meet tight deadlines, keeps me constantly evolving. This blend of creativity, problem-solving, and impact is what makes my work deeply gratifying. Ultimately, knowing that my art can brighten someone’s day, drive a brand’s narrative forward, or even inspire future generations is what makes every project worth the effort.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a deep mission to redefine visual storytelling and create art that resonates on both an emotional and technical level. From my early days in Saudi Arabia—sketching characters and experimenting with sprite animations on YouTube—I always believed that art had the power to transform lives. Despite societal expectations pushing me toward more conventional paths, I took a leap of faith, moving to the U.S. to pursue animation. That bold decision wasn’t just about following my passion; it was about proving that art and innovation can open new avenues, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

Whether I’m refining digital sculptures for blockbuster films like Black Adam and The Flash, or reimagining beloved brand characters for campaigns with companies like Torani and Provide, my goal remains the same: to blend technical mastery with creative vision. I strive to push the boundaries of 3D artistry, exploring new tools and techniques to craft immersive experiences that captivate audiences. Every project is an opportunity to solve unique creative challenges—whether that’s optimizing 3D models for real-time interactions or integrating hybrid production pipelines that marry the strengths of different software platforms.

Ultimately, my mission is to inspire both my peers and audiences by demonstrating that creativity is a powerful catalyst for change. I want my work to serve as a reminder that taking risks and breaking from the norm can lead to groundbreaking innovations. It’s incredibly rewarding to see my creations spark wonder—whether through the delighted reactions of children interacting with our characters or the transformative impact on a brand’s narrative. This drive to continually innovate and inspire is what fuels my creative journey every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ysalhaddad.artstation.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yalhaddad3d/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yousef-alhaddad-3d/