We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anastasia Rykova a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Anastasia, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Throughout my career, there have been many meaningful projects. Without a doubt though, the most personally impactful has been my debut animated short film, The Tale of Two Cruel Rulers. This project holds a special place in my heart. It was my first opportunity to fully write, direct, and art-direct a story that is so deeply personal. It was also incredibly rewarding to see the film be so well-received by film festivals, including Oscar-qualifying ones. Seeing my film on the big screen, meeting other filmmakers, and participating in Q&A panels was an unforgettable experience!

The film is a big anti-war statement put in the format of a cautionary tale. It tells the story of a land devastated by war, where only two rulers remain alive. Instead of grieving their immense loss, they begin counting the bones of the dead to determine who should rule the ruined kingdom. The film reflects on the absurdity and senseless cruelty of war, with the core message being: “Nobody wins in wars.”

Creating something as challenging as an animated short film takes a lot of time and focus. One essentially builds an entire universe that must feel believable and cohesive to convey the story effectively. This project took around four months of pre-production and a year of production and post-production to complete a three-minute animated short. During that time, I lived and breathed the project, thinking about it daily and developing every small detail (as small as flags and coat of arms designs, for example!). I started with a script and storyboards, then carefully designed every small detail in 2D and made sure the designs supported the story. I then moved on to build 3D scenes, texture, light, composite, and then animate them. I also worked with a composer and voice actress. Those are all the necessary parts of the process, and as a filmmaker, I needed to be fully engaged in all of them.

I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to create the film. I’ve learned so much! I notice how that experience of going through the whole production makes me a more versatile artist as I work with companies and studios now.

Anastasia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

For sure! I’m a 3D Designer and Visual Development Artist with a focus on art direction for animation productions. My journey into the industry began with a deep passion for storytelling, initially expressed through traditional fine arts. I started with oil and charcoal but quickly realized these mediums didn’t offer the narrative depth and ambition I craved. I earned my degree in Computer Animation from Ringling College of Art and Design, and since then, I’ve been fortunate to work in roles such as Associate Art Director/VisDev Artist at Gasket Studios, contributing to projects for clients like Shell, while also engaging in a workshop with Disney Live Entertainment and mentorships with Women in Animation and Creative Talent Network.

I’ve also had the opportunity to direct and art-direct the animated short film “The Tale of Two Cruel Rulers”, lead and art-direct the IP project “LaylaBug” for Gasket Studios, and help establish 3D branding and identity for Air A Med’s Amazon brand, “BraceApedia”. I find myself most useful and efficient in productions when I act as a bridge between 2D and 3D departments, and I love collaborating with others and enjoy storytelling, especially when supported by expressive yet simple designs!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think the most misleading idea about a creative career is the belief that it’s a pure joy everyday. I fell into that trap myself. The common phrase “choose what you love as your career, and you’ll never work a day in your life” almost sounds funny to me now. The reality is, it’s still a job. You work with clients, provide a service, and it actually takes extra effort and discipline to sustain a creative career.

By nature, creatives tend to be more sensitive and free-spirited (otherwise, we probably wouldn’t become artists). To succeed, though, you need to make yourself wake up every day and do what needs to be done during defined hours, regardless of whether you feel inspired or not. The challenge is that, as artists, we often build our work around our feelings, which makes it difficult to separate “work” from personal art. This overlap connects so deeply to your personality that setting boundaries can feel almost impossible.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

It’s definitely an opportunity to create every day and dedicate your life to building something from scratch. There’s something incredibly satisfying and profound about taking an abstract thought or idea and translating it into a tangible, real-world form. I think artists tend to be overthinkers and “over-feelers”—we are sensitive creatures. Being able to reflect your feelings and thoughts in a physical form not only helps to calm your mind but also bridges your mental and physical states.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.arykova.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xaosart/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasia-rykova-visdev/
• Other: IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14842345/

Image Credits

The Tale of Two Cruel Rulers, directed by Anastasia Rykova

LaylaBug, Gasket Studios

Branding Video, Air A Med