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

Miloni, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Back in my undergrad days, I stumbled into an animation class, and boy, did it flip my world upside down! Picture this: there I was, fiddling with Animate CC, coaxing characters to dance across the screen. It was like magic! From that moment on, I was hooked on bringing characters to life through animation.

Now, I wasn’t just about to dive into this world blindly. Oh no, I had a mantra: work smart, not just hard. And let me tell you, that motto has been my trusty sidekick ever since!

But here’s the kicker: I used to be scared stiff of tools. Yup, you heard that right. I thought using them would somehow cheapen my skills. So, I stubbornly stuck to traditional methods, sweating bullets over every frame.

But you know what? That fear? It was just holding me back! It wasn’t until I embraced the wonders of technology that I truly started to soar. Suddenly, those tools weren’t foes—they were my secret weapons, turbocharging my animation skills and freeing up my time to focus on the real juicy stuff: my ideas!

I mean, sure, skill is important, but ideas? They’re the rocket fuel for your dreams! So, I made a pact with myself: no more waiting around for the “perfect” moment. I dove headfirst into the world of tech, armed with nothing but my creativity and a thirst for adventure.

And you know what I discovered? Embracing technology wasn’t just a game-changer—it was a game-maker! So, if you’re feeling spooked by all those fancy tools, just remember: they’re not your enemies—they’re your ticket to animation awesomeness!

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?

It’s been quite the journey indeed! Right out of the school gates, I stumbled into some jaw-dropping opportunities in the animation realm. My very first breakthrough? NBA2K23. It’s tasked with animating none other than the legendary Shaq himself! It was like stepping onto the court with the big leagues, a dream come true that kicked off my adventure into the world of high-quality gaming. And get this—I had a blast studying Shaq’s real-life persona to infuse that essence into my digital creation. Who would’ve thought, right?

But that Shaq-sized milestone was just the tip of the iceberg. Midnight Suns swooped in next, whisking me away on a whirlwind journey through tactical RPG goodness intertwined with the allure of comic book superheroes. Talk about exhilarating! I dove headfirst into breathing life into icons like Captain America, Iron Man, and Spider-Man, injecting every frame with depth and personality. And let me tell you, it wasn’t just about pretty visuals; it was about capturing emotions, mastering the art of micro expressions, and infusing each character with a unique flair. Who knew such intricacies were woven into gaming magic?

Then came Fortnite, and holy cow, was it a wild ride! Collaborating with Epic Games on cinematic trailers felt like stepping into a whole new dimension of storytelling. From the animation in Chapter 3 Resistance, Indiana Jones, CH03 S04 Paradise, Fracture Event, and Crossheart in collaboration with Yoshitaka Amano to CH04 So2, I was smack dab in the middle of some truly epic projects.

And let’s not forget the charming chaos of Kerbal Space Program 2! Here, I let loose and let my creativity soar in the whimsical realm of rocket simulation. It was a playground where I could unleash my goofy side, blending cartoon-style animation with realistic movements to bring those adorable Kerbals to life.

What sets me apart? It’s not just my passion for animation—it’s my insatiable hunger for new challenges. I thrive on pushing my boundaries, constantly learning and evolving in the ever-changing landscape of gaming. So, mark my words “I’ll keep reaching for the stars, because in my world, there’s no such thing as limits.”

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Passion is like the spark that ignites the fire, but you know what fans those flames even higher? Goals! Setting your sights on something specific adds depth and meaning to that passion. As an artist, my aim isn’t just to churn out good work—it’s to weave my own narrative through the art I love. Animating characters isn’t just a skill; it’s my way of translating stories into visuals, of breathing life into my imagination.

And my goals? They keep growing with every experience and opportunity that comes my way, no matter how trivial they may seem. That thought alone propels me forward every single day. I wake up with a burning desire to see how far my journey has taken me, knowing that each step brings me closer to becoming the artist of my dreams. It’s not just about creating; it’s about crafting my own story—one frame at a time.

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.

In my journey, I’ve encountered many who just don’t get it. They see art as something trivial, maybe a few doodles or cartoons, especially coming from Indian culture where art isn’t always seen as a viable career path. But what they fail to grasp is the true essence of art—it’s not just about the finished product, it’s about the soul behind it.

Art isn’t confined to a degree or a paycheck; it’s a reflection of you, your thoughts, your ideas. It’s deeply personal, a window into the artist’s mind and personality. Whether it’s dark and brooding or light and humorous, the best artworks carry a deeper meaning, one that’s often lost on those who don’t see the world through a creative lens.

Non-creatives may overlook the subtleties, dismissing art as mere illusion. But for us artists, it’s our reality, our truth, woven into every stroke and every shade. So, next time someone questions the value of art, remember—it’s not just about what you see on the surface, but the rich tapestry of emotions and ideas that lie beneath.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.milonishah.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mishahanimations/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milonishah4/

Image Credits
All the images above are of the games I have been a part of, These are not artworks created by me.