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

Hi Mohammad , thanks for joining us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

Earning your first dollar in a creative career isn’t just about doing what you love; it’s about focusing. At first, I thought being good at many things would help me succeed. But when it came to making money, this approach was more of a challenge than an advantage.

Getting a job in the creative field can seem like an easy start. You’re told what to do, so you don’t have to worry about choosing what to focus on. However, things get tricky when you decide to start your own business. You need to earn your first dollar, and to do that, you must pick one area to specialize in.

I learned this the hard way. After years of working jobs and exploring everything from architecture to animation, I opened my studio, Solei Animation. That’s when I realized I had to narrow my focus. I knew a lot about many things, but I concentrated on one thing first to succeed. This focus was key to earning my first dollar and setting the foundation for my future.

In short, finding and sticking to a niche is essential when you’re starting. It helps you stand out and start earning in the creative world.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello, CanvasRebel readers! I’m Mohammad Solei, the Creative Director, 3D Artist, and founder of Solei Animation in Los Angeles. My journey into storytelling through visual mediums began with my fascination for architecture. While studying at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc), I discovered my passion for the narrative potential of spaces and structures. This revelation paved the way for my exploration into film, animation, and 3D art.

Under my supervision, Solei Animation specializes in a wide array of services, including product and branding animation, architectural visualization, and real-time cinematic direction. Our studio is dedicated to merging emerging technologies with storytelling to create immersive and impactful experiences.

What truly sets Solei Animation apart is our relentless pursuit of exploring new animation and visual effects frontiers. Our projects are more than just content; they are experiences designed to provoke thought, stir emotions, and inspire action. This mission is rooted in a profound belief in the power of storytelling, which remains the cornerstone of every project we embrace.

I take great pride in the community we have nurtured at Solei Animation—a haven for creative souls, designers, filmmakers, and visionaries. Our studio is a beacon of collective imagination, where talented individuals unite to turn ambitious ideas into reality.

To our potential clients, followers, and fans, Solei Animation is more than just a studio. It represents a journey toward a future where stories wield the power to effect change. We warmly invite you to join us in this adventure to discover the limitless possibilities of our collective creativity and to witness how we’re shaping the digital future, one story at a time.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

When I started, I knew only a little about running a business. I thought I understood, but there was so much I needed to learn. For example, I realized that being creative also means you are your own business. This means you must think and act like a businessperson, not just an artist. I wish I had known this from the start.

I found a business coach who helped me a lot. This coach taught me how to think about my art as a business, making it easier to solve problems and make decisions. Learning this sooner would have made a big difference for me.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Leaving my regular job to find my first client was hard. I was scared and unsure of myself. I kept avoiding the things that could actually help me move forward. I learned that the things we avoid are often the things that can make a big difference.

I had to face my fears of talking to people and putting myself out there. It was tough, but I got my first client, and things started improving. I also needed to improve at using social media at first, but I kept trying new things, and it got easier.

The main lesson I learned is to keep going, even when it’s hard. Things will get better if you don’t give up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.soleianimation.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mo.solei/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mosolei/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoSolei