Life & Work with Anshul Katkar of New York, NY

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anshul Katkar

Hi Anshul, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up, I was obsessed with animated films and the diverse stories that they portrayed. I dreamed of playing a role in the creation of such films. Originally, I was more interested in the technical aspect of production. However, there was a creative side in me that wanted to be expressed. Eventually, I found the world of CG, a perfect mix of both, the creative and the technical.

However, coming from India, there weren’t as many colleges that could lead me into this field and I knew that I would have to travel to the other side of the planet to get an opportunity like this. Today, I am a senior with the skills required to break into this field as a 3D Animator.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has definitely not been a smooth one. Being an international student, I have always had the added pressure of uncertainty and the lack of stability. The constant stress of finding a job in the limited amount of time can sometimes feel overwhelming, forcing me to take a step away and come back with a fresh mind. This stress, in some ways, has pushed me to get better, but has also been mentally draining constantly thinking about the what ifs.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a 3D Animator and Rigging Artist. Currently, I am working on my thesis film, ‘Intrepid’, with my thesis partners, Ausar Johnson, and Sarah Terceros. Our film follows the story of Juno, a child who goes hunting for food with his mother, but lacks the patience and experience to do well. He eventually faces the consequences of his restlessness.

For me, the most exciting part about my work is being able to create personalities and characters solely through the way something or someone moves. Something as subtle as a twitch in the face could express a completely different emotion and these details excite me. I love telling stories and bringing people together through something that a lot of us can relate to. My way of doing this is to animate relatable characters and evoke an emotion within people. As a rigging artist, I love being able to contribute to the technical aspect of the pipeline. Creating rigs that can efficiently enable animators to express their vision is something that I find extremely rewarding.

For me, the fact that 3D animation can simmer down things that seem haunting and yet bring people to the edge of their seats is challenging and exciting to accomplish as an animator. The fact that my chosen field is a tool that shapes childhood memories, like it has shaped mine is fascinating. My inspiration comes from being a part of a field that has captivated and fueled my imagination since childhood.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
The most important quality to my success is a strong work ethic. I believe that consistent effort, perseverance, and discipline are key to achieving long-term goals and overcoming challenges. A solid work ethic drives me to stay focused, maintain high standards, and approach tasks with dedication, ensuring that I continuously strive for excellence, even when faced with obstacles. It also motivates me to take responsibility for my work, learn from my mistakes, and always try to improve myself. Ultimately, a strong work ethic forms the foundation of my success and contributes to both personal and professional growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://akatkar7.wixsite.com/anshul
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anshul-katkar/

Image Credits
Tatiana Kireicheva – Portrait Credit

Intrepid Short Film:
Ausar Johnson – Character Artist, Environment Artist, Lighting Artist
Sarah Terceros – Environment Artist, Lighting Artist