Meet Miloni Shah | Animator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Miloni Shah and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Miloni, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work-life enthusiasts, balancing the hustle and relaxation is like navigating a rollercoaster rather than chasing unicorns. The key? Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize! Your priorities play the role of a DJ, shifting between ‘Work Hard’ and ‘Chillax to the Max’ tracks. Breaks are non-negotiable—let your mind have a spa day sans the cucumber slices.

Clarity is your superhero cape, fluttering in the winds of productivity. Plan daily, be flexible, conquer challenges – after all, ambition comes with its own set of sacrifices, and hey, maybe even a cool superhero suit. Work-life harmony? It’s a dynamic playlist. Dance with change, embrace the chaos, and always take those breaks. Life’s your blockbuster – direct it with flair!

Still honing my time-management ninja skills! Daily plan: prioritize, boost productivity. If I’m drained, no pushing; I’ll catch up tomorrow. Maintaining the right mental state is my secret sauce for work-life harmony. Kicking off with morning workouts or a nature rendezvous gives me that needed break, a burst of freshness, and a chance to tweak my daily game plan. It’s the key to tackling my workload like a champ!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Cartoons fascinated me, but it wasn’t until undergrad that animation became my true calling. This led me to pursue a master’s at SCAD, launching my journey to the States. My venture has been a revealing rollercoaster – enjoyable, with a sprinkle of bumps, the essence of adventure. Gratitude fills me for every obstacle, kindling my passion and acting as a creative workout. Each challenge shapes me into a more adept artist and someone valuing patience. What sets me apart? Nothing in my career came effortlessly, catalyzing my evolution into a resilient artist. I’m not just crafting art; I’m becoming a masterpiece! The love for animation intensifies with every hurdle faced.

I’ve been fortunate to dive into exciting projects like Fortnite, Midnight Sun’s, and Kerbal Space – each a unique adventure. Fortnite was a whirlwind of big projects and tight deadlines, while Kerbal Space allowed me to infuse cartoon-like creativity. These gigs were not just jobs; they were front-row tickets to an incredible show, where animating characters was just the warm-up – the real magic unfolded in backstage brainstorming sessions!

Now, stepping into the gaming realm with projects like Fortnite and Kerbal Space was a fantastic learning journey. Despite both falling under the “game cinematics” category, their experiences were as distinct as unconventional food combinations. Kerbal Space Program was like a crash course in elevating animation poses with a cartoon twist, injecting wacky vibes that could rival Bugs Bunny. Fortnite, on the other hand, was a dance floor where I traded cartoon shoes for realistic boots, perfecting movements as if characters could step out of the screen.

And then there’s Midnight Sun’s – even though I tackled bits and pieces, my team trusted me with the emotional rollercoaster of each character. Imagine being the emotion maestro, stirring up feelings in digital beings – it was like holding the keys to the emotional kingdom, boosting my confidence.
In this grand game of learning, whether I was perfecting cartoonish poses, grooving to realistic movements, or playing the emotional puppeteer, each experience felt like unlocking a new level. Who would’ve thought games could teach so much? It’s not just about pixels and polygons; it’s a thrilling adventure of animation magic!
Being part of this creative journey, witnessing the amalgamation of the entire team’s thoughts into the final form of trailers and cut scenes in the games, brings me immense joy. It’s not just about individual efforts; it’s the collaborative magic that turns ideas into captivating visual narratives. Seeing the fruition of our collective creativity is a truly fulfilling experience that fuels my passion for animation and leaves me excited for the next adventure in this dynamic world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in Savannah is a vibe! My ultimate happy place? River Street – hands down, my favorite spot in the whole wide world! I’ve always been drawn to water, and Savannah, despite being tiny, is my slice of peaceful paradise. Parks and downtown charm are scattered everywhere.

River Street is the highlight for me. It’s my go-to, whether rain or shine. I stroll along the river, embracing the crowd with a serene vibe. And oh, my favorite ritual? A pit stop at my top cafe, Black Rifle, for a cold coffee or hot chocolate. Walking by the river with a cup in hand – pure peace! Anyone visiting? You bet I’d take them to this haven of tranquility!

But if it’s not River Street, you’ll find me soaking up the vibes at Forsyth Park. I practically live next door, taking daily walks and relishing the pure bliss of biking through its scenic trails. Saturdays are extra special with the lively farmers market – a whole vibe! Every nook in the park has its character, and it’s a blast observing, swinging, and just enjoying the lively atmosphere!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Having a role model is important, and I was lucky to have so many of them so far. Big thanks to Dad, the awesome Mark Walsh, the incredible Talyor Aseere, and my go-to guy, Akshay Tiwari! They’re not just supporting leads; they’re the rockstars in my story. Friends, family, mentors – they’re my compass and the secret sauce to my success.

Passionate about animation, and these legends not only cheered me on but also crafted a roadmap aligning with my animation dreams. From career crossroads to skill boosts, they’ve been my mentors and sounding board. Shoutout to those animation directors I admire, but Dad, Mark, Talyor, and Akshay, you’re the real MVPs – shaping my journey in ways I can’t put into words!

Always inspired by directors and their passion, but nothing beats having a guiding factor in real life, not just a reel life!

Website: https://www.milonishah.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mishahanimations/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milonishah4/