E X P E R I E N C E
E X P E R I E N C E
2019 - Present
Walt Disney Imagineering
Glendale, California
2018 - 2019
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Role: Imagineer, Technical Animator, Animatronics Programmer
Organization: Walt Disney Imagineering
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Programmed audio-animatronics for attractions in Tokyo Disneyland and Shanghai DS.
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Rigged and animated characters utilizing Autodesk Maya and MotionBuilder.
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Automated pipelines by developing tools to maximize efficiency using Python.
Role: Graduate Teaching Assistant
Organization: Carnegie Mellon University
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Instructed over eighty students over the semester in Maya, Unity, and Adobe Creative Cloud for game development purposes.
2019 - Present
Walt Disney Imagineering
Glendale, California
2018 - 2019
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Role: Imagineer, Technical Animator, Animatronics Programmer
Organization: Walt Disney Imagineering
-
Programmed audio-animatronics for attractions in Tokyo Disneyland and Shanghai DS.
-
Rigged and animated characters utilizing Autodesk Maya and MotionBuilder.
-
Automated pipelines by developing tools to maximize efficiency using Python.
Role: Graduate Teaching Assistant
Organization: Carnegie Mellon University
-
Instructed over eighty students over the semester in Maya, Unity, and Adobe Creative Cloud for game development purposes.
CG Technical Director with a focus in animation, rigging, pipeline tools, compositing and shot finishing for immersive experiences
Hello! I'm Sahar
And I am a technical artist based in Los Angeles, California with specialties in character simulation, technical animation, rigging, pipeline tool engineering, compositing, and shot finishing to elevate immersive experiences across a variety of platforms such as feature films, games, television, mobile applications, and location based themed entertainment.
By leveraging my hybrid background in both art and computer science engineering, I have a passion for creating deep immersive experiences through animation and storytelling as well as bridging the gap between art and technology on interdisciplinary teams.
I am currently a Character Technical Director (Technical Animator and CFX) at Walt Disney Animation Studios. My daily life consists of cloth and hair simulation, tailoring, rigging, technical animation, and tool creation to bring the characters of the beloved animated Disney films to life! Previously, I worked as an audio-animatronics (robotics) Imagineer at Walt Disney Imagineering.
I am currently seeking new opportunities in the industry for software development and/or technical artistry.
Tools & Engineering
Bridges the gap between artists and programmers on cross disciplinary teams.
I enjoy developing pipeline tools to help animators by using programming concepts and generating friendly user interfaces. Aside from software, I am also trained in on-site construction and enjoy learning more about hardware and microcontrollers.
Character Effects, Rigging, & Animation
Passionate about bringing characters to life through CFX, Rigging, and technical animation as a technical artist. I enjoy combining my traditional art background while utilizing technology as my medium to articulate characters through a range of motion. I have applied these concepts to rigs in across animatronics, feature film, television series, and game development.
Mentor & Lecturer
Served as a mentor for emerging professionals and students entering the industry. I'm excited about helping to nurture new talent and empowering underrepresented groups. I have also given live talks to discuss my industry experience. Please reach out if you're interested in collaborating or learning more!