We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Na’iim Shareef a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Na’iim, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Earning a full-time living from my creative work has been both a dream and a challenge. When I started my animation studio, I was filled with excitement and determination, but I quickly realized that success wouldn’t come overnight.

Having clients like Nike, Adidas, Dreamville, and Netflix was a huge milestone, but it didn’t happen immediately. In the beginning, I had to hustle hard just to get noticed in such a competitive industry. While balancing a full-time job with my passion for animation was tough, it was also necessary for financial stability.

Every spare moment was dedicated to nurturing my studio, growing my team, and building my portfolio. I networked tirelessly, attended industry events, and reached out to potential clients. Slowly but surely, my efforts began to pay off. Small projects led to bigger ones, and word-of-mouth recommendations brought in new clients. I’m starting to see the fruits of my labor.

Looking back, I realize that there were moments when I could have sped up the process. Perhaps I could have been more proactive in marketing my services or focused on building strategic partnerships. However, I also understand that success in the creative industry takes time and patience.

Today, I’m proud to say that I’m transitioning to earning a full-time income from my creative work. While the journey is challenging, it has also been incredibly rewarding. I’m grateful for the clients who have believed in my vision and for the opportunity to do what I love every day.

Moving forward, I’m excited to continue growing my studio and taking on new challenges. And while the road ahead may have its obstacles, I’m confident that my passion, dedication, and skill will guide me to even greater heights.

Na’iim, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m the founder of a small animation studio in Raleigh, but before all that, I grew up in the creatively vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta was so full of art and imagination, and as a child I soaked it all in. The people, the scenery, and the Southern hospitality influenced my love for storytelling and visual art.

At our studio, it’s not just about the work; it’s about the passion we pour into every project. Our team, made up of talented professionals from the animation industry, is like family. We’re all about pushing boundaries and bringing stories to life in the most captivating way possible.

And me? Well, when I’m not at the studio, you’ll often find me out in the community, turning blank walls into vibrant murals. There’s something incredibly rewarding about adding a splash of color to the world around us.

What sets us apart is our dedication to collaboration and our unwavering commitment to exceeding expectations. We take pride in the impact our work has on others, from bringing smiles to children’s faces with our animations to sparking a sense of wonder with our murals.

So, whether you’re in need of captivating animations or stunning murals, know that we’re here to bring your vision to life and create something truly extraordinary.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

NFTs are hot, but I personally don’t trust them. They’re a playground for scams. Countless artists (including me at the beginning) have been taken advantage of. The market is grossly oversaturated, it’s hard to regulate, and I think it’s a bubble waiting to burst. Keep your eyes peeled and stay cautious in the NFT scene.

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

My mission is crystal clear: to inspire and break stereotypes about animation. I want to show kids that animation isn’t just for entertainment—it’s a gateway to endless creativity. Anything you can conceive, you can create in the medium of animation. Moreover, I aim to debunk the misconception that animation is only for children by showcasing its potential for mature storytelling. My goal is not just to create art but to ignite passion and curiosity in the next generation of animators, proving that animation knows no age limits.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @inkpen_tv
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naiimshareef/