Meet Elmaz Ekrem | Animation Director, 2D Animator, Creative Education and Poet

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elmaz Ekrem and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elmaz, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I opened a university prospectus on the first page and saw ‘Animation’ (listed alphabetically) and thought, yeah. That’s the one.

It’s since been 10 years and I definitely made the right decision. Creativity and curiosity were always my strengths, and now I’m working in the best place to not only nuture those interests that I have, but keep that alive in a creative education environment. I’m constantly surrounded by other young artists who share the same buzz, pursuing there own research and craft, and above all else, making cool stuff.

I got my first way in to the British Animation Industry quite young, My first experience was wandering into Soho studios and messing around on lightboxes at aroung 15, and the people were awesome and friendly, the industry felt super small and I was fully embraced by it. Now I’m working in it I can see that the Industry here is huge, but also really tight knit and supportive.

I was posted some British Animation Awards DVD’s (thank you to Gulsen at the BAAs) which opened up a world of British Animated Films and filmmakers and I knew I wanted to make films.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My specialism is in Animated Documentary with a focus on humanitarian, social and environmental justice, and artistically painterly and tactile.

That can get quite heavy, so to break it up I also like to make light-hearted inconsequential, digital pieces, sometimes taking other peoples art (with their permission) and animating it.

So if you look at my portfolio you’ll see potentially 3 or 4 different people’s worth of work, which comes with its own challenges when trying to define yourself as an artist, but I try not to let that hold me back from making stuff.

I’ve learned to embrace the jumble and reject perfectionism and ‘the grind’. I’ve been much happier since then.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a London/Countryside hybrid at the moment. If we’re focussing on the countryside, we have got to start the day with a breakfast from Lion and Lamb Cafe, Farnham, and then we could spend the next few days wondering up and down the various meadows, parks and forests of Surrey and Hampshire.

My favourite places to be this time of year are the outdoors and in gardens; Kew Gardens, South Downs, Devils Punch Bowl, literally any National Trust location.

And a trip to the South East isn’t complete without going to Brighton to buy weird things and absorb good vibes. There’s a lady who makes kaftans that she sells on a stall, they’re all different and gorgeous I buy one from her everytime I go.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Gulsen Yanik – Head of TV Admin / Account Manager Milana Karaica – NERD Productions London

Lisa Marie Russo – Film Producer

Natalie Hodgins – Co-Founder and Director – Visionary Pictures

Website: https://nerd.productions/talent/elmaz-ekrem

Instagram: @ElmazEkrem

Twitter: @ElmazEkrem