Meet Sara Hanif | Multidisciplinary Animation Artist

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

Hi Sara, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
The most important decision I’ve made—and continue to make—is to push my boundaries. I’ve chosen not to confine myself to one technique, one style, or even one role. I don’t see myself solely as a 2D animator or a director; instead, I’m constantly seeking opportunities to learn and grow.
As I expand my knowledge across different fields, my ability to dream bigger and envision broader projects grows too. I feel like a bird, soaring freely, exploring new creative landscapes. My journey began with design and graphic design, then evolved into illustration, which led me to motion design and eventually animation. But even within animation, I’m continually exploring—whether it’s diving into new aspects of animation production, advertising animation, or storytelling techniques.
One of the most valuable experiences I’ve had has been serving as a screener for the Salute Short Film Festival and as a jury member for the Ekurhuleni and Islamabad International Film Festivals. These opportunities allowed me to connect with the world in a profound way, fostering cultural exchanges and broadening my understanding of storytelling across different perspectives. I gained invaluable insights from reviewing and evaluating the work of other filmmakers, learning from their creativity, and witnessing the universal language of art.
For artists, exposing themselves to new environments and experiences is essential. It’s how we keep our minds flourishing and our creativity alive. By embracing change and learning from diverse cultures, I’ve been able to stay inspired and continually reinvent myself, which has been vital to my success.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey in art began with graphic design, where I followed rules and adhered to specific styles. While I enjoyed the creative process and problem-solving, I often felt that something was missing. I wanted to explore a more open, imaginative world—a place where my mind could feel free, like a bird taking flight.
This desire led me to art and eventually to character design, where I could bring characters to life. Over time, I realized I could go beyond designing a single character; I could create entire worlds. I could design the background, craft the story, and control every detail. It felt like I had finally found what I was searching for—a space to truly express myself.
While animation follows a structured process, it gives my mind the freedom I longed for. The most magical moments in my life happen when I animate a character—watching them move, breathe, and come to life is incredibly rewarding. I have a special interest in short animations because they can be completed in a shorter time frame, allowing me to explore more ideas and projects. They are also a powerful medium for delivering messages to audiences in an engaging and concise way. Though they can be tricky, that’s part of what makes them exciting.
Throughout my journey, I’ve worked on various freelance and personal projects, from animation series and motion design projects to advertisements. These experiences helped me constantly search for my unique style and creative voice. So far, the animations I have directed and co-directed have been screened in 55 international festivals, which is a huge achievement for me, as I witness the cultural exchange happening around the world.

Taking risks and embracing challenges has always been central to my professional and personal growth. Switching from graphic design to animation was a significant turning point. It required me to step out of my comfort zone, learn new techniques, and adapt to an entirely different medium. Choosing surrealistic animation concepts added another layer of complexity. Moving away from clichés and focusing on psychological and deeper meanings in my work was a bold choice, especially since these themes often go unrecognized in animation.
Looking back, every risk I took was a catalyst for creativity and progress. Whether experimenting with new animation styles, trying unfamiliar techniques, or diving into compositing without prior experience, each step shaped my journey. For instance, early in my career, I had just started learning motion design with After Effects. Two weeks into mastering the basics, I was offered a role as a motion designer for a multimedia theater project. Though daunting, I trusted myself to learn quickly, and that leap of faith not only sharpened my skills but opened new doors in my career.
Similarly, while working on my first animation, Malayz—where I co-directed and took on the role of compositor without prior knowledge along with my other roles—I dedicated myself to learning and eventually grew proficient in compositing. Today, I’m proud of contributing to the compositing of animations like Chelita and Como Me Duele Quererte. Recently, I have co-directed and started a new multimedia project with two other talented artists combining film, animation, and AI, which may be screened at the SCAD Style Week at SCAD Film Studios in Savannah.
Animation is all about passion and patience. When I tell people I’m an animator, their first reaction is often, “Oh, that must be so fun!” And while it absolutely is, what many may don’t realize is the immense effort behind every second of animation. The process requires deep passion—almost an obsession—because it can take days, weeks, or even months to create just a few seconds of animation. Animators spend countless hours perfecting even the smallest details, like how a character’s hair moves or how an eye blinks. These seemingly insignificant elements can completely transform a scene.
In 2D animation, especially, patience is key. Seeing a character finally come to life on screen, even for a brief moment, takes incredible dedication. It’s the love for the craft that keeps us going, spending hours on the smallest movements, knowing that every brushstroke and frame contributes to something magical. So, while the finished product may seem effortless to viewers, those of us in the industry know just how much heart, time, and meticulous care go into it.
Throughout my journey, I’ve learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the courage to step into the unknown. A quote from Romain Rolland’s Jean-Christophe has always resonated with me: “No effort remains wasted, and years pass with nothing known of it. Then, one day, it is observed that the thought has continued on its path.” This quote, which hung on the wall of my childhood home, reminds me to keep pushing forward, even when the results are not immediately visible.
During the difficult days of COVID, as I was finishing my animation Retirement, this quote became my mantra. It helped me stay motivated and complete the project despite the immense pressure and uncertainty of the time.
Another critical factor in my journey has been my openness to exploring the world around me. I work hard to expose myself to new ideas, art movements, and experiences. Whether learning about history, folklore, nature, or the many pieces that make up our world, I draw inspiration from a wide variety of sources.
Equally important are the people I’ve met along the way. Also, I’ve had the privilege of forming friendships with people from diverse backgrounds—different nationalities, personalities, and professions. Each of them has shaped my perspective in unique ways, and I believe that everyone has something to teach me. I try to learn something new from people every day. As the Persian poet Rumi beautifully said, “The entire ocean is present in a single drop.” This interconnectedness fuels my creativity and reminds me that growth often comes from embracing these connections.
Animation offers an infinite world of possibilities—a space where I can challenge boundaries and bring my fantasies to life. By taking risks, staying passionate, and embracing the lessons I’ve learned, I hope to continue growing as an artist, creating works that inspire others and leave a lasting impact.
I want to be remembered for my creativity and for making animations that stay with people long after they’ve seen them. I hope my work and the ideas behind it resonate with others for years to come, inspiring them on a deep level like my efforts in “Peace” animation. It’s important to me that people remember my dedication and my willingness to break boundaries. I want to leave a legacy of hard work and a unique style—one that is instantly recognizable to anyone who has seen my projects.

“Retirement”: https://vimeo.com/1042692460?share=copy
“Peace”: https://vimeo.com/764932981?share=copy#t=0
“Malayz”: https://vimeo.com/408560969?share=copy#t=0

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh of course I will take my friends to my home country, Iran, to show them the beauty of its historical sites and nature. From the ancient palace of Persepolis (Takht-e-Jamshid), which dates back over 2,500 years, to the lush jungles of the Hyrcanian Forest in the north, and the stunning southern coastline, including Qeshm Island and the red soil of Hormoz, Iran offers an incredible variety of landscapes and ecosystems.
In addition to the natural beauty, I would introduce them to the rich culture of Iran. I’d share the timeless Persian poetry of Rumi, Hafez, and Saadi, whose works have inspired generations. I’d also treat them to Persian cuisine, beginning with classic dishes like Ghormeh Sabzi, paired with rice, followed by Sholeh Zard (saffron rice pudding) for dessert, and ending with refreshing Persian saffron ice cream. Yes, saffron is everywhere—we’re obsessed, and it shows!
I would love for them to visit during Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, which coincides with the first day of spring. Nowruz is celebrated at the exact moment of the vernal equinox, marking the balance of the sun over the Northern and Southern hemispheres. During this time, Iran is at its most beautiful, with the vibrant celebrations of the new year. People set up a Haft Sin table, featuring seven symbolic items, each representing an important aspect of nature, like Samanu (sweet pudding) for fertility, Sabzeh (sprouts) for rebirth, and other meaningful symbols.
We would kick off the celebration with the enchanting music of the Sorna (a traditional instrument), and dance with family and friends as we celebrate for 13 days. The festivities culminate on the 13th day, when everyone spends the day outdoors, embracing the beauty of nature. This joyful time of year would be the perfect way to introduce my friends to the Iranian spirit of celebration, renewal, and connection to nature.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I was born into a family deeply rooted in art and storytelling. My mother was a talented tapestry weaver who brought beauty to life with colors, while my father was a writer immersed in history, folklore, and storytelling. On one side, my mother’s intricate designs introduced me to the world of creativity, and on the other, my father’s fantastical tales sparked my imagination.
My parents supported my artistic talents from an early age. They enrolled me in art classes, and wholeheartedly supported my journey in art and animation. Their encouragement became my foundation, and their unwavering belief in me gave me the strength to persevere, even during challenging times. Every milestone I’ve achieved has been celebrated by them, and their joy has been my greatest motivation to keep moving forward.
My artistic journey began when I first attempted to replicate one of my mother’s carpet panel designs. That simple act of drawing connected me to the beauty of art. My father’s creative storytelling—from tales like Shangool va Mangool to Rah o Birah—built a rich, imaginative world in my mind, one that continues to inspire my storytelling to this day.
I dedicate my shoutout to my parents, whose love, guidance, and unwavering support have been the cornerstone of my success.

Website: https://sarahahanif.wixsite.com/sarahanif

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saraahanif/profilecard/?igsh=MTk4bDQzMnJ1cDZrdw==

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-hanif-b19b3396/