Life & Work with Raha Dabiri

Today we’d like to introduce you to Raha Dabiri.

Raha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have loved animation and cartoons ever since I was a little girl! I was so drawn to film and art, I chose to pursue an Entertainment Arts/Animation Degree at California University, Fullerton. I had the most amazing experience and was fortunate enough to have such wonderful professors and fellow students. Throughout school, I really gravitated towards story and the art of storyboarding. I joined the Pencil Mileage Club (Animation Club), which provided events for members to not only learn about animation but connect with people working in the industry! After applying to multiple studios, I was able to score a production internship with Dreamworks TV on Dawn of the Croods and Trolls. After such a fulfilling experience on the shows, I applied and received another internship with Dreamworks TV in Development. I couldn’t get enough of the industry and the people in it! After graduating college, and endless applications to multiple studios, I finally landed my first animation job as a Production Assistant on Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts at Dreamworks! Kipo was such a blessing of a show to be on. I learned so much and it was such a joy to work with the crew! During my time on Kipo, After Kipo was over, I started on Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous as a Storyboard Production Assistant at Dreamworks. After focusing on making the transition to story, and my directors being kind enough to give me my first chance, I started as a Storyboard Revisionist job on the show! It’s been an insanely rewarding experience, and I am so thankful to have worked with such talented and amazing artists! I’m looking forward to growing and becoming a better storyboard artist and hopefully a director one day!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been a crazy experience! Endless all nighters, studies, and constant applications to studios with no response. Although it’s been a crazy road, I’m thankful I have support from my family and friends. I learned through these struggles to always draw, study the greats (I enjoy studying Miyazaki boards), stay positive, and never give up! Although there’s always going to be struggles and failures, they’re all worth it and help you grow! Anyone is capable of becoming great, struggles and all.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a Storyboard Artist! I specialize in storyboarding, and I love what I do. I’m most proud of how far I’ve come as an artist, but look forward to growing even more! I feel like most know me physically for my poofy, curly hair. I feel like my attitude, exuberance, and positivity set me apart from others! Believe in yourself always, you can conquer whatever you put your mind to!

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I am very happy to say, I see the animation industry growing in terms of diversity and inclusion in the upcoming years. There’s nothing better than ensuring people in our industry know and feel that they are supported no matter what. Especially to what we’re creating! I hope the industry will also produce more 2D films and/or shows and stop motion films/shows.

Contact Info:

• Email: radabiri@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.rahadabiri.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drawhaa/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drawhaa
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/drawhaa?lang=en
• Other: https://www.twitch.tv/rahadabiri

Image Credits:
All drawings done by Raha Dabiri