Takeover Tuesday with Dee Divakaran
An interview with Dee Divakaran: a Motion Designer and CG Generalist based in Savannah, Georgia who comes from a multidisciplinary background in illustration, design, 2D animation, and visual effects.
Interviewer: Bella Alfonsi
Read time: 5min
Bella:
Thanks for joining us for this Takeover Tuesday, Dee! Please introduce yourself to the people.
Dee:
I'm Dee, a motion designer and CG generalist with a diverse background spanning multiple disciplines. Beyond the world of pixels and graphics, I immerse myself in the vibrant realm of plants. Being an avid fan of magical stories, the wizarding world of Harry Potter holds a special place in my heart. When not tending to my green companions or lost in captivating narratives, I channel my creativity into the art of cooking. Experimenting with flavors and trying out new recipes adds a touch of magic to my daily life.
Bella:
How did you find yourself in the motion design world? Did you always know this is what you wanted to do?
Dee:
My journey into the world of motion design has been quite an unexpected ride. Initially, I had no clue what motion design even meant, or so I thought. It was during my time as a visual effects undergraduate student at Savannah College of Art and Design that I stumbled upon my connection to this field. I had been training in animation before venturing into visual effects, and I realized that during my time as an animation student, I was taught the concepts and principles of motion design. Intrigued and drawn to the combination of design and animation, I then decided to pursue a minor in motion design.
The turning point came during the pandemic, the sudden changes in life served as a wake-up call, prompting me to reevaluate my priorities and career path. This period became a catalyst for rediscovering my passion for experimenting with design, illustration, and animation. I started feeling a sense of belonging in the world of motion design. What resonates with me in this field is the fact that I get to utilize my skills and draw upon my unique background. It's like finding the perfect canvas where I can effortlessly blend my multidisciplinary skills into a visual narrative. So, while I didn't always have a clear roadmap to motion design, being immersed in this creative space now feels like stumbling upon the ideal destination for my career and artistic journey.
A frame from Rickshaw Run: a 10-week mentorship program with The Mill and SCAD.
Bella:
How do you think growing up in Oman has impacted you and your work today?
Dee:
Growing up in Oman has left a lasting and positive impact on both my personal growth and professional approach today. Being immersed in a multicultural environment has not only made me comfortable with diversity but has also instilled in me a genuine appreciation for understanding various perspectives. The rich tapestry of Omani culture, with its blend of traditions and modern influences, has provided me with a unique lens through which I view the world. While I grew up in Oman, I was fortunate to have Indian values deeply ingrained in my upbringing by my parents. I feel that immersing myself in diverse cultures has enhanced my adaptability and refined my communication skills, enabling me to connect better with people from various backgrounds.
Bella:
Do you think getting a college degree in the motion design industry is important? How has it helped you?
Dee:
I don't have a definitive answer to whether a college degree is crucial in the motion design industry. Based on my personal experience and conversations with others, I've realized that there are several factors involved in this matter, such as learning style, accessibility, and an individual's background. From a personal standpoint, pursuing an education in motion design provided me with a clear sense of direction, which in turn helped improve and refine my skills. But it's essential to recognize that everyone's career journey is unique. I strongly believe that remaining open to learning and growth, utilizing every opportunity, and being receptive to unexpected options are key in this dynamic field.
Bella:
You have experience in a variety of different mediums. Which is your favorite to work with?
Dee:
Growing up, I didn’t have a lot of chances to take up any formal art classes. However, I loved to explore a variety of mediums on my own. As someone who sees art and learning as great ways to express myself and have fun, I find it challenging to settle on just one medium. When it comes to, learning about new software, exploring different techniques, or experimenting with emerging technologies, a commitment to ongoing learning allows me to adapt and refine my skills across various mediums.
Recently my focus has circled back to 3D art. I find the technological advancements in this medium to be very exciting, particularly the prospect of combining 2D and 3D elements. Inspired by films like 'Spiderman into the Spiderverse' and 'The Mitchells vs. the Machines,' my goal is to explore and integrate these dynamic techniques into my personal projects so that I can learn and grow from them.
Bella:
Are there any mediums or styles that you have yet to try out, but would like to?
Dee:
Absolutely! There are several mediums I haven't explored yet, and I feel a surge of excitement every time I come across another artist showcasing something new and inspiring to me. I have a particular fondness for cinematography and photography. Having explored these mediums in the past to enhance my understanding of composition, this experience has significantly influenced how I design and compose elements across various projects. Lately, I've been eager to revisit cinematography. I'm drawn to the idea of exploring storytelling on a deeper level through cinematography tools, such as composition, color, lighting, pacing, and more. There's a rich world to explore in this medium, and I'm looking forward to incorporating these insights into my current and future creative projects.
Bella:
What's the ideal project for you and why?
Dee:
In my perspective, an ideal project is any opportunity that facilitates the learning of a new skill or one that enhances an existing one. Even when I take up challenging projects, I find that navigating through stressors not only tests my abilities but also leads to valuable self-discoveries. I also firmly believe that learning is a lifelong journey that extends beyond an academic environment. Embracing this philosophy, I approach each project with an open mind, excited about the continuous learning and personal development it offers. For me, it's not solely about being an artist; it's about evolving as a person through the work I do. I'm excited to see the extent of my growth through each project and experience in the future.
Bella:
What motivates you/how do you keep going when feeling creatively burnt out?
Dee:
When creative burnout sets in, I've learned the importance of stepping away from work and immersing myself in other passions or engaging in simple tasks, such as taking a walk in the park. Although it can be challenging, especially when a lengthy to-do list is always looming in the back of my head, I've realized that this break is crucial for reigniting creativity and enhancing my overall productivity. By detaching from work and allowing myself moments like this, I create mental space for fresh perspectives and ideas. This time away acts as a reset button, enabling me to return to my projects with a renewed and clear mindset. Taking a break is slowly becoming a strategic move for me to accelerate productivity in the long run. However, I must admit that finding the right balance, especially in the context of time management and deadlines, can be challenging. Although I’m still refining this process, I still consistently find that incorporating moments of relaxation into my routine is the initial step toward overcoming creative burnout.
Bella:
What's your proudest moment in your career thus far?
Dee:
My proudest career moment to date is the unexpected opportunity to collaborate with NASA. As someone who has always been passionate about science, this experience has been a dream come true. It marks a significant professional milestone, as well as a deeply personal achievement that I never thought possible. I’m honored to have been part of the incredibly talented team that worked on this project and to have played a role in promoting NASA's ICESat-2 mission. The mission, abbreviated for Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite-2, plays an important role in our understanding of the Earth's changing climate. ICESat-2 utilizes laser technology to measure changes in ice and land elevation, providing critical data for studying ice sheets, glaciers, and sea ice. It also measures Earth’s heights throughout the year across diverse biomes, accounting for vegetation in forests worldwide. Being involved in promoting this mission aligns well with my passion for science, and it adds an extra layer of fulfillment to my work.
Make sure to check out Dee’s demo reel.
Bella:
Is there anything coming up that you're excited to share?
Dee:
I’m currently in the ideation process for my final graduate project. My plan is to experiment with the combination of 2D and 3D mediums, with the aim of integrating these elements into a visually captivating and cohesive narrative. What makes this project even more exciting is the integration of my experiences from internship, professional project, collaborations, and mentorships, weaving in a rich tapestry of skills and insights. I will be documenting the process on my portfolio website. I’m really looking forward to sharing the results and all the valuable lessons I’ll be learning along the way!