By: Agastya Warrior

In today’s fast-moving world of animation, Saniya Assembek is emerging as an artist whose work bridges cutting-edge technology and storytelling. Her approach to motion design isn’t just about creating visually compelling imagery—it’s about exploring potential new ways animation can evolve and adapt to an increasingly digital and interactive world.

A graduate of the MFA Computer Arts program at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York, Saniya graduated among the top of her class, earning the Paula Rhodes Memorial Award—a distinction often reserved for students who demonstrate notable artistic and academic excellence. Her work often challenges conventional animation techniques, integrating AI-driven processes, immersive motion design, and data visualization, suggesting her impact could extend beyond traditional film and entertainment.

Breaking Onto the International Stage

Saniya’s animated short film, Soundtrack Your Life, has garnered international acclaim, winning an award at the Oniros Film Festival, a competition widely regarded for spotlighting innovative work in digital storytelling and independent cinema. Selected from among hundreds of entries worldwide, her film’s success has helped expand her reach, leading to its exhibition in Athens and London, where it was featured in curated showcases often associated with highlighting emerging voices in digital art.

Her work has attracted the attention of festival juries and exhibition curators, as well as industry professionals and scholars who view her contributions as part of a larger movement potentially reshaping animation. Invitations to industry panels and academic discussions have further reinforced her growing reputation, positioning her as both a creator and a voice contributing to contemporary motion design.

Expanding Animation’s Possibilities

Saniya’s interest in animation extends beyond storytelling—she is actively engaged in developing new techniques that could push the medium forward. Some of her key areas of focus include:

• AI-Enhanced Animation – Exploring how machine learning can support and optimize animation workflows, particularly in procedural motion generation and inbetweening, while striving to maintain the integrity of artistic expression.
• Data-Driven Motion Design – Experimenting with real-time data integration in animation, where visuals can dynamically respond to live inputs, potentially making motion design more interactive and adaptable for educational and informational content.
• Immersive & Spatial Animation – Investigating how animation functions in extended reality (XR), AR, and VR environments, aiming to develop motion graphics that do more than just look compelling—they could actively shape user experience and interaction within digital spaces.

Her work in these areas appears to align with a broader shift in the animation industry, where technological advancements are beginning to redefine how motion design is created, experienced, and applied across industries.

Beyond the Screen: A Voice in the Industry

Saniya’s impact extends beyond her own creative projects. She is actively involved in mentoring emerging artists and participating in discussions on the future of animation, contributing insights that often challenge outdated production methods and explore potential possibilities of digital media. Whether through guest lectures, workshops, or collaborations, she is engaged in a larger conversation about where animation might be headed next.

With a growing list of international accolades, promising research directions, and a forward-thinking approach to animation, Saniya is not only an artist to watch but also someone who may be helping to shape the future of motion design. By merging creativity with technological exploration, she is demonstrating that animation is far more than entertainment—it is potentially a powerful tool for communication, interaction, and innovation.

Published by Stephanie M.