Project Description
Shakti is a 3D animated short film about an endearing, young Indian girl overcoming her fears during the Indian festival of Diwali. Ahani’s charming journey aims to connect with viewers over the beauty of Diwali, the relationship between mother and daughter, and how we all have to face our fears.
About The Team
Emma Zhang: Hi! My name is Emma, and I’m a 3D modeling and surfacing artist. Having started out with a traditional drawing and sculpting background, I enjoy working on projects that require attention to detail and fine tuning. Besides making art, I like to crochet, read, sew, play piano, play video games, garden, and bake pies (and a plethora of other grandma activities). You can find more of my artwork and doodles on my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_snappy_dragon/
Hope Shon: Hi! I’m Hope! I’m a 3D artist from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. My contribution as a professional is executing the vision of concept artists and bringing their ideas to life through 3D modeling and surfacing. I’ve done this in settings like Animation Lab, Game Lab, and a student-led animated short. I am also currently concepting and modeling Temoc! I was a peer advisor, a Freshman Mentor, and I worked for SUAAB for two years––bringing you the biggest, baddest events on campus. I love performing in plays and musicals, creating fashion looks, voice acting, singing, reading, and taking care of my cats and plants. Some things I also love are chocolate milk, sushi, Jane Austen, Phantom of the Opera, Stardew Valley, Overwatch, and stuffed animals.
Crystal Liong: Hi there! My name is Crystal. I’m a character rigger, motion graphics designer, rhythm game enthusiast, and a sub-par cellist. My home is Mckinney, Texas, where the scenery is beautiful and the people are generally very kind. I aim to one day be a part of an animation or games studio, helping to create some of the most inspiring animated movies and/or the most exciting video games out there. Even if I don’t start out at one of the head honchos of the industry, I’ll rise to the challenge to climb my way up that ladder. Outside of rigging, I enjoy spending time with my closest friends and exploring the stories told through movies, video games, and literature.
Andy Tran: Hi! I am Andy Tran, a rigger and TD. Originally from Irving, TX then liked 3D animation enough to do it as a career. I like learning hard stuff and working with others. Outside of animation, I draw, read, and unicycle.
Navya Adipudi: Hi! I’m Navya Adipudi and I’m a Lighting and Compositing artist. I’m also obsessed with sitcoms, love going to coffee shops, and have a bad habit of buying plants I don’t need.
Khushi Dalal: Hi! I’m Khushi Dalal, a curious, self-driven UX Motion Designer, who is passionate about creating an innovative and functional design that instills excitement, joy, and serendipity into screen experiences. I like to show my creativity through multiple channels in my life. I’ve got a 7-year degree in Indian Classical dancing and love photography, interior design, and new technology!
What is one piece of advice you would provide to new ATEC students?
Andy: Know what you want to do. If you don’t know what you want to do, figure that out quick. Focus your time and energy on that one thing, and you’ll make it work.
Emma: There is an abundance of valuable resources within ATEC in terms of equipment, software, faculty, staff, and other students. Make good use of those resources! Everyone is more than willing to help you if you ask. The supportive environment in the classrooms and the open lab is incredibly conducive to learning new skills.
Hope: Critique is the most valuable thing you can get here, and it will only make you a better artist. Embrace it and seek it out.
What’s something that is always on your work desk?
Andy: Just the computer. Anything else is distracting.
Navya: A drink! Usually a coffee.
What will you miss most about UTD after graduation?
Khushi: Sitting by ATEC windows in the afternoon with a cup of coffee from Lemma 🙂
What’s your favorite memory of ATEC?
Hope: I loved the ATEC Halloween parties!
Navya: Late nights with friends at the labs!
Khushi: Working with the new MoGraph Lab!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Emma: In 10 years, I hope to be nestled somewhere near the base of a mountain in a cozy little cottage holding my cat on my lap while sipping green tea and making pretty 3D pictures move around on a screen. I also hope some day to return to my home land in Dallas to teach art and help students who want to break into the industry.