Meet Yukta Patil | Visual Effects Artist

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

Hi YUKTA, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve always been drawn to stories, how they unfold, how they make people feel, and how they stay with you long after they’re told. As a kid, I didn’t have the words for it, but I knew I loved the way art and creativity could shape emotions, perspectives, and even entire worlds.

Growing up in India with my parents, I especially loved reading and discussing books and movies or any random editorial from any newspaper with my grandpa. That’s how he introduced me to literature, history and arts. I didn’t realize it at the time, but those discussions were planting seeds in my mind about the power of storytelling. I was also lucky enough to attend a school that nurtured creativity through performing arts, which became my first real exposure to artistic expression. I loved being on stage, losing myself in characters, and feeling the energy of an audience responding to a story I was helping bring to life.

But when it came time to choose a career path, I took a different route, Mechanical Engineering. It felt practical, safe, and structured, but something was missing. I found myself drawn to the creative spaces within my college, whether it was theater, literature, or any place where art had a voice. It was during this time that I fully realized my passion wasn’t just a hobby; it was something I needed to pursue.

Switching from engineering to visual effects wasn’t an easy choice, but it was the right one. It let me merge my love for storytelling with a medium where imagination takes shape in ways that feel almost magical. Art has this rare power to transform, to connect, to make people feel seen and I knew I wanted to be part of that.

For me, creativity isn’t just a skill, it’s a language. It’s how I make sense of the world and communicate best, whether through poetry, dance, sketching, or now, VFX. Technical artistry became my bridge between logic and emotion, a way to craft stories not just with words, but with light, movement, and depth. Choosing this path wasn’t about chasing a career, it was about staying true to myself. It feels like home. Where every day is a new chance to create, explore, and grow.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is shaped by the rhythms and stories that surround me. I’ve always been drawn to classic films from the ‘60s, those timeless stories that linger long after the credits roll. Music, too, is a huge part of my process. It’s not just background sound; it’s the pulse that fuels my creativity. I start my day with music because rhythm helps me see ideas more clearly, bringing movement and life to my imagination. It keeps me grounded and inspired, helping me find flow in my work.

Moving to the U.S. changed everything. It opened my eyes to new perspectives and introduced me to people whose creativity and passion left a lasting mark on me. But no matter where I am, one thing never changes, Nature. To me, it’s the purest form of art. There’s so much to learn just by watching how light shifts through the leaves or how waves carve patterns in the sand. The colors, the textures, the way things move, it’s all inspiration. I try to bring that organic energy into my art, creating visuals that feel alive, like they belong in the world.

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that technique alone isn’t enough. Art comes to life through storytelling. And to tell better stories, I’ve learned never to settle. Growth isn’t about reaching a finish line, it’s about staying curious, pushing boundaries, and refusing to stay in one place for too long. Ideas come easily, but making them real? That’s the hard part. The difference between a rough idea and a finished piece is showing up, doing the work, and pushing through when things aren’t coming together. Passion gets you started, but discipline keeps you going.

For me, visual effects aren’t just about making things look cool. They’re about emotion creating moments that feel real and connect with people on a deeper level. I want my work to mean something, to make people feel something, to reflect both the beauty of nature and the emotions we carry inside us. My journey has been about staying curious, embracing change, and learning from everything around me. And through my art, that’s exactly what I hope to share with the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting, we’d make sure to have an unforgettable time. First, we’d check out the Coca-Cola Museum to learn about the history of the iconic brand. Then, we’d take a relaxing walk through the Botanical Garden, enjoying the beauty of nature. The Aquarium would be next, where we’d get lost in the amazing sea life, especially the jellyfish exhibits. If we’re up for something fun and a little quirky, we’d visit the Museum of Illusion it’s always a blast.

For some artistic exploration, we’d hit up Splash Studio, puppetry museum and Tiny Doors Studio, where we could get creative and try something new together. When hunger strikes, we’d head to Intermezzo Cafe for a delicious brunch; it’s the perfect spot to enjoy great food and catch up.

In the evenings, we’d go to Stone Mountain to watch the sunset it’s hands down one of the best spots to see the sky light up. Afterward, we’d relax at Piedmont Park, chatting and taking in the vibe of the city. If we feel like seeing a show, the Fox Theatre is always a great option with its amazing lineup.

Finally, we’d wrap up the trip with a SCAD tour, showing my friend around the campus where I’ve been studying. It’s the perfect way to end a week of fun, creativity, and Atlanta adventure!

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?
That’s such a great question because no journey is ever truly a solo one. If I had to dedicate my shoutout, it would first and foremost go to my parents, my mom and dad. They saw something in me before I could even put it into words myself. There were times when I felt lost, unsure of what I wanted to do, but they never pressured me into following a certain path. Instead, they became my biggest supporters, my constant cheerleaders, always encouraging me to explore and trust my instincts.

And of course, my little one my younger sibling. Even though he’s younger than me, he has this way of pushing me forward, reminding me to do what makes me happy. Sometimes, it’s the simplest words from him that give me the strength to keep going.

I owe so much to my mentors, both back in India and here at SCAD, for shaping not just my craft but also the way I see myself as an artist. There were moments when I felt lost, unsure if I was good enough, but they saw something in me that I hadn’t yet discovered. Their belief in my potential gave me the courage to take risks, to experiment, and to trust my artistic instincts. Through their guidance, I’ve come to realize that creativity isn’t just about skill, it’s about perspective, emotion, and the stories we choose to tell. And because of them, I’ve learned to embrace my own voice in ways I never thought possible.

It’s because of all these people my family, my mentors, my friends and the support I’ve received along the way that I’ve had the courage to pursue what I truly love. I wouldn’t be here without them, and for that, I’m forever grateful.

Website: https://www.behance.net/yuktabpatil