Today we’d like to introduce you to Noor Sofi.
Noor, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I am first generation Kashmiri and I come from a family of doctors and business executives. Besides myself, the only other artist in my family is my sister, and I think we always inspired each other with new ideas and stories. Growing up, we used to love coming up with stories together, and rather than writing the story out, I really wanted to draw the characters I wish existed in real life. I’m very lucky to have a family who was supportive of my goals. Despite my parents not really understanding how the art world works, they always gave me the freedom to pursue my dreams and never made me feel guilty for choosing a path different from the one they chose.
I attended Brigham Young University of Idaho where I got a degree in Illustration. The school didn’t have an animation program, but the professors were helpful in teaching me what I needed to know. I really had to learn to pave my own path in order to get my foot in the door of the animation industry! I interned at the Oscar-nominated animation studio Taiko Studios and was able to land a job there after I graduated! That’s where I currently work as a visual development artist.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I grew up in a rural town where there wasn’t much to do but imagine something more exciting than the life I was living. And so when I create art it’s usually tying into something that I wish would happen to me, people that I wish existed, or how I wish the world looked. What I love about art is that you can create the type of world you wish was real. In reality, people can’t dance in the clouds, but in the world I imagine, they can. In reality, you can’t touch a star, but in my art, you can. And that’s a magical thing to realize!
I hope when people look at my art, they’ll see a world that might inspire them to take a look at our own world and try a little harder to make it just as magical.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
Every person has a special story that they can communicate with the whole world. We all face unique challenges and look at the world in unique ways. Despite the financial burdens which you might be facing, the story you have to tell could be very important for someone to hear out there, so don’t let the burdens of life hold you back from sharing what you have to tell. There’s nothing wrong with taking on non-artistic jobs while you take the time to put a portfolio together or work on your skills. You’re not in a race. It’s okay if it takes time to get to where you need to be, so long as you don’t give up on your dream.
As far as I can tell, no one’s life is a walk in the park (though it might seem so on the outside). At some point, we all face challenges which will make it difficult for us to focus on our art. But I really believe that if creating is something important to you, you will find a way to keep creating.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I can be found on Instagram as noor_sofi_art or my website: noorsofi.com
I appreciate any and all support you guys can offer!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://noorsofi.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noor_sofi_art/
Image Credit:
All works were created by Noor Sofi
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
