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.
Technical Artist (VFX, Compositing, Characters, & Pipeline)
Multidisciplinary technical artist specializing in VFX compositing, pipeline development, and character-driven workflows across production environments
Hello! I'm Sahar
And I am a Technical Artist and multidisciplinary CG production artist based in Los Angeles, California with a background spanning VFX compositing, character workflows, technical animation, rigging, pipeline tool development, and shot finishing. My work centers on building scalable production workflows and supporting visual storytelling across feature films, television, games, theme parks, real-time, and immersive experiences.
Leveraging a hybrid background in art and computer science engineering, I enjoy working at the intersection of creativity and technology - solving visual problems, building tools, and collaborating across interdisciplinary teams to bring ideas to life. I’m especially interested in creating immersive experiences through animation and storytelling, bridging art and technology in production environments.
I spent the past six years at The Walt Disney Company, most recently as a CG Technical Director (VFX Artist & Animator) at Disney Television Animation, where I worked extensively with Nuke-based compositing and supported the 3D animation pipeline across characters, props, lighting, effects, and scripting. Prior to that, I worked as a Character Technical Director (Technical Animator & CFX), at Walt Disney Animation Studios, focusing on cloth and hair simulation, tailoring, rigging, technical animation, and tool development for animated feature films. Earlier in my career, I served as an Imagineer at Walt Disney Imagineering, contributing to audio-animatronics, robotics rigging, and software-driven show systems for large-scale themed experiences.
I’m currently seeking Technical Artist, VFX, CFX, and pipeline-focused opportunities, with interest in real-time and hybrid production workflows.
Tools & Engineering
I bridge the gap between artists and engineers across cross-disciplinary teams, developing pipeline tools and workflows that support production at scale. My work focuses on building intuitive, artist-friendly systems grounded in software engineering principles. I also have experience working beyond software, with an interest in hardware, robotics, and interactive systems.
VFX, Compositing & Character Workflows
I’m passionate about bringing visuals to life through VFX compositing, character workflows, and technical animation. With experience in Nuke-based compositing and production pipelines, I focus on integrating elements, refining visual continuity, and supporting storytelling through final image development. My work also extends to rigging and character effects, applying both artistic and technical approaches across film, television, and immersive experiences.
Mentorship & Community
I’ve served as a mentor to emerging artists and students entering the industry, and I’m passionate about supporting underrepresented communities and sharing knowledge. I’ve led talks on my experience in the field and enjoy connecting with others through mentorship, collaboration, and education. I welcome opportunities to collaborate or connect.