Daily Inspiration: Meet Aroona Khiani

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aroona Khiani.

Hi Aroona, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today? 
I have always loved drawing and got interested in animation and film in high school. What appealed to me was how believable the characters were and how they drew the viewer into the story, connecting with you on a fundamental level. I became obsessed with flipping through art books. I would admire how the concept sketches of characters going about their everyday life informed us of who they were internally in addition to their external features. Throughout high school, I ended up carrying around a sketchbook wherever I went to observe people and their habits. What intrigued me the most was how each person expressed their thoughts and emotions through action and movement and tried to capture their essence on paper as well as I could. 

During my studies at Sheridan College’s Animation program, I was hungry for knowledge. I took extra classes with professionals, attended every studio talk I could, and was part of many collaborative projects with my school peers outside of our course work. Through seeking out resources, I was expanding my understanding of design and animation. I also encountered people with different philosophies on storytelling, which helped develop my own personal approach. 

I am currently working as a Character Designer at Titmouse, where I get to contribute to projects by bringing characters to life, translating their appeal to a visual format. My love for creating a connection between the audience and the screen has been the driving force behind my journey. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Imposter syndrome is something many artists grapple with, and I’ve had my fair share of moments wondering what my place as a designer is. It creates a subtle tug-of-war between acknowledging my accomplishments and feeling like someone who is pretending to know what they’re doing. 

However, I’ve come to understand that this internal struggle is proof of my passion for growth. It pushes me to continually strive for improvement, embrace challenges, and recognize that vulnerability is a natural part of the creative process. Overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t about eradicating self-doubt entirely but rather learning to coexist with it, using it as fuel to propel myself forward in pursuit of my artistic aspirations. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a Character and Prop Designer for Animation, my specialization lies in creating characters that seamlessly integrate into the world building and storytelling of each project. Problem solving is a key aspect of my day-to-day process, as I bring together inventive shape language and appeal with personality and a life-like sensibility that connect with audiences on a deeper level. 

Drawing from my own feelings of not being represented on the screen, I am committed to infusing authenticity and cultural richness into my designs. Growing up without seeing adequate representation in media has fueled my passion for creating characters that reflect diverse backgrounds and identities. 

The most rewarding thing about seeing my designs come to life through the collaboration of a production is getting to hear how exciting and impactful the show I contributed to was to the audience! 

What do you like and dislike about the city?
There is a vibrant tapestry of cultures and endless opportunities for creative expression. The animation industry is lively and there are many different ways to connect with peers, such as Lightbox Expo. I’m also drawn to the city’s rich artistic heritage, with its myriad of museums, galleries, and theaters offering endless inspiration and exploration. Sometimes, that grandness can be intimidating and make you feel like a small speck in a fast-paced world, but if you’re open to possibility, there is so much to explore. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://aroonakhiani.portfoliobox.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aroonescape/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aroonakhiani/