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

Mazyar, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

The integration of AI is a significant trend in our industry, resembling the transition from analog to digital. I personally believe that this shift presents both positive and negative aspects. On one hand, AI may replace craftsmen who lack artistic expression. However, I believe that genuine creativity is an intrinsic human quality that cannot be replicated by machines.

I also hold the view that, because the current AI systems operate by averaging existing data, it limits their ability to generate something truly new. Human creativity, on the other hand, evolves through artists pushing boundaries and introducing groundbreaking concepts. AI basically remains frozen in time, unable to surpass the artistic evolution we observe in the history of human creativity in arts.

From my perspective, one concern is the potential impact on the emergence of new true artists. The widespread availability of technology can inadvertently foster complacency and reduce motivation for individuals to develop their artistic talents to their fullest potential. The convenience of AI may make upcoming generations lazier, relying more on automation rather than nurturing their own creative skills.

It is crucial for us to address this challenge and prioritize the development of true artists with authentic creativity. While AI can assist certain aspects of the creative process, it cannot replace the human element—the unique perspectives, emotions, and experiences that drive artistic expression.

However, I firmly believe that, like the coexistence of analog and digital, AI can find its place alongside human creativity. It can be harnessed as a powerful tool to enhance our creative endeavors without replacing the human element. By recognizing AI’s limitations and embracing it as a complementary tool, we can leverage its capabilities while preserving the dynamic and evolutionary nature of human creativity.

In conclusion, the integration of AI is an inevitable and transformative trend in our industry. While challenges lie ahead, I remain optimistic about the coexistence of AI and human creativity. I believe that by embracing AI as a tool rather than a replacement, we can augment and enhance our creative endeavors while preserving the essence of true artistic expression. It is crucial to recognize that AI’s limitations prevent it from surpassing the dynamic nature and ability of human creativity to generate truly innovative and groundbreaking works.

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.

My professional journey began as a graphic designer and motion designer in a multimedia company, where I developed my passion for digital media and honed my artistic skills. Since then, I have become a seasoned digital compositor with a wealth of experience in the motion media and film industry. Currently based in San Francisco, I work remotely for a studio based in New York, where I collaborate on a range of projects mostly focused on post-production aspects of filmmaking, from VFX and editing and grading.

I’m skilled in a variety of industry-standard software, including The Foundry Nuke, Autodesk Flame, Maya, SideFX Houdini, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere, Adobe Photoshop, and Davinci Resolve. I’m also proficient in Unreal Engine, a powerful game development platform used for real-time rendering, virtual production, and visualization. In addition to my technical expertise, I also have experience in Cinematography, Editing, Python Scripting, and AI Generative works.

During my time at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), I sharpened my artistic and design abilities as I pursued a Master’s Degree in Visual Effects for Film and Television. I also possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, which has given me a strong footing in science and mathematics.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice

NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, have gained significant attention in recent times. While they hold promise for artists and creators to monetize their work, I have mixed feelings about them. On one hand, NFTs offer a unique way to establish ownership and provenance in the digital realm, potentially revolutionizing the art and collectibles market. However, their environmental impact and the hype-driven speculative nature of the market raise concerns. If we can’t strike a balance between its effect on the environment and the item it’s producing, at least I would prefer it to be used for something more impactful. For instance, utilizing NFTs to raise awareness on specific topics or for educational purposes can add value beyond collectibles and vanity affairs. It’s crucial to evolve NFTs responsibly, ensuring they benefit creators and serve a greater purpose while minimizing their negative consequences.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

While my main focus right now is on post-production and I’m heavily involved in the Visual Effects industry, my ultimate goal is to take one step back and get involved in the production and create my own films. By doing so, I aspire to amplify my creative voice and storytelling abilities, providing a greater platform for expressing my vision and connecting with audiences on a deeper level.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cubichead.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cubichead.artworks/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cubichead/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/cubichead
• Other: https://vimeo.com/cubichead

Image Credits
– For the short film “Wait”, I modeled and animated the characters that are based on Disney Star Wars characters that I don’t own and should be credited. – For the Jessie Reyez Music Video, I don’t own the video, I was just responsible for the Effects.