Today we’d like to introduce you to Melis Caner
Hi Melis, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey began with a strong passion for acting on stage, which naturally evolved into an interest in filmmaking. This passion led me to pursue a degree in Film at Dokuz Eylul University, where I refined my skills in cinematography, editing, and sound design.
After earning my bachelor’s degree during the pandemic, there were no film sets I could start working. My creative drive intensified. That urge to create pushed me toward the world of 3D animation, where I found new ways to bring my art to life. Back then, I had no idea what started as a hobby would eventually become my career path.
Now I share my animations on my Instagram under the name: Melniverse.
https://www.instagram.com/melniverse/
Through my experiences, I’ve had the privilege of showcasing my work at international exhibitions such as Digital Fashion Week in New York, London, and Paris, Artscloud Digital Art Fair in Seoul, and Neal Digital Gallery in Beijing.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The pandemic made everything difficult, and like many creatives, I had to find new ways to stay motivated and inspired. This period, however, pushed me to dive into 3D animation and cloth design, sparking a new direction in my career.
The journey hasn’t been entirely smooth, as transitioning from filmmaking to the technical realm of 3D animation was truely a challenge. It required me to learn new tools and techniques, which was both exciting and overwhelming at times.
As an artist, it’s sometimes hard to find the motivation to keep going when you don’t immediately achieve the desired results. I’ve learned that while the process can be challenging, the reward of creating something that only you can bring to life is always worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
When I create animations, I love putting a piece of myself into my characters. Whether it’s through their resemblance to me or the movements I capture using a motion capture suit. I think that personal touch really makes my animations stand out and, with my focus on Cloth Simulations, I design and simulate original clothing for my characters, adding a unique layer to my work.
At times, I find myself deeply inspired by political events in my country of origin, Turkey. Art has become my outlet for political criticism, allowing me to express my perspective through animation and bring attention to important issues in a creative way.
With my background in filmmaking, I can bring everything I’ve learned—like cinematography, lighting, and directing—into a digital environment, which makes the creative process even more exciting.
Recently, I’ve started combining my drawings with my 3D animations, which has been a really exciting step for me. I’m proud to explore new character styles and experiment with different techniques as I continue to find and develop my unique style.
What’s next?
I’m excited to share that I’ve recently completed my very first animated short film, Match House! It’s been a challenging yet joyful journey bringing this project to life, and I can’t wait to finally share it with the world. This project has made me even more passionate about creating. I’m already getting ready to dive into my second animated film. I’m looking forward to collaborating with other creative friends and continuing to grow as an animator and filmmaker.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melniverse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melniverse/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melniverse
