We recently caught up with designer and animator Ibrahim Zemheri, who's created animations for Facebook, Apple and LinkedIn. We chat about design-driven storytelling, putting in the hours before graduating, and the path from Ankara to Los Angeles.
Where did you study and what were some of your first jobs?
I studied animation in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. Although it was mainly 3D animation in school, I had the opportunity to play and experiment with many things like design, illustration, classic animation (frame by frame), 2D animation, live action and stop-motion. I fell in love with design-driven storytelling through animation, which got me into the motion design world. I started working as an intern in Istanbul at a production company for a while. After that, I started working as a freelance designer and motion graphic artist in advertising while at school, which helped me discover and learn more in the industry. After my graduation, I went to start off my career in Los Angeles at an awesome studio called Buck Design.
Did you have a plan for graduation and what actually happened?
Since the very beginning of my school years, I have always wanted to be among the best creatives in the industry, to get to explore and learn more. So, thankfully, it happened upon my graduation and I have worked with so many great folks so far!
Give us the elevator pitch on what you do.
I am currently working as a freelance designer and animator, in both 2D and 3D work. Most of the time I get to animate only, but I enjoy working on design too. I have worked on mostly 2D projects so far. I always love to try and experiment through different styles and techniques.
Talk us through a typical working day include for you right now.
I start my day with a quick breakfast whilst checking news, emails and social feeds. Then, I start working on projects after checking my notes and deadlines. I also have usually online calls, chatting with the fellow artists or clients. If I do not seem to have any work to do, I would usually get into learning and exploring new stuff. At the end of the day, you can find me spending time with my family, watching a series or reading books.
No one was born great at anything. We all need to put in the hours to get better at something.
Who are your top five design crushes globally right now?
What advice would you give students graduating in 2019?
No one was born great at anything. We all need to put in the hours to get better at something. So, find the thing that you get the most fun out of and start doing it before graduating.
