Mohammed Ibrahim

How did you start building your network?

Early in my career, I faced the challenge of paying for my studies in a well-known institute, hoping it would be the gateway to a solid foundation in 3D art and game development. However, the experience fell short of my expectations. Despite the financial strain, I found the knowledge provided was often limited, with too much emphasis on obtaining certificates rather than truly understanding the skills needed for the field. Determined to succeed, I turned to self-study, diving into tutorials, online courses, and independent projects. This self-driven approach not only taught me far more than my formal education but also instilled resilience and problem-solving skills. It was a valuable lesson that genuine knowledge and skill development are more impactful than simply chasing certificates.

How did you pick your career? Did you know all along?

I didn’t know right from the start that I wanted to become a 3D artist and game developer, but I’ve always been drawn to creativity and technology. Growing up, I had a fascination with visual storytelling, games, and the power of immersive experiences. Over time, I explored different creative paths and realized that 3D art and game development allowed me to bring my ideas to life in a way that combined both my interests. The journey wasn’t always straightforward, but every step—whether through self-study, experimentation, or hands-on projects—reinforced that this field was where I belonged. I chose this career because it challenges me, allows me to innovate, and lets me create experiences that others can engage with, which is incredibly rewarding.

What is the biggest challenge you had to overcome to get to where you are now professionally? How did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge I faced was the financial and mental struggle of pursuing formal education in my field. I worked hard to pay for my courses, but I quickly realized that the institute’s approach was not equipping me with the hands-on skills I needed as a 3D artist and game developer. The emphasis was on certificates rather than real-world knowledge, and I felt like I was putting in more time and money than I was getting back in skills. To overcome this, I turned to self-study. I explored free and paid online resources, experimented with projects on my own, and learned from others in the industry through forums and communities. This hands-on approach allowed me to develop practical skills and work on projects that really mattered to me. Today, I’m confident in my abilities, and I know that self-driven learning was the best decision I made to reach my current position. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of valuing real knowledge over credentials.

When you were a student, did you do anything outside of school to build skills or get knowledge that has helped your career?

Absolutely. While I was a student, I realized early on that the classroom wasn’t providing everything I needed to excel as a 3D artist and game developer. I took the initiative to learn on my own, diving into online tutorials, forums, and experimenting with various design and game development tools outside of school hours. I sought out communities where professionals shared insights and techniques, which was invaluable in learning the real-world applications of my field. This self-driven learning allowed me to work on personal projects, develop a portfolio, and gain practical skills that have been essential to my career. These extra efforts outside of formal education truly laid the foundation for where I am today.

What is the one piece of career advice you wish someone gave you when you were younger?

I wish someone had told me that practical skills and self-initiative matter more than certificates. Early on, I thought formal education was the only path to success, but I’ve since learned that real growth comes from hands-on experience, curiosity, and dedication. Focusing on building actual skills through self-study and independent projects would have saved me time and resources. Looking back, I realize that being proactive, experimenting, and creating a portfolio are what truly open doors in creative fields like 3D art and game development.

Did anyone ever oppose your career plans when you were young or push you in a direction you did not want to go?

Yes, my parents weren’t initially supportive of my decision to pursue a career in 3D art and game development. They had concerns about stability and wanted me to follow a more traditional path. Because of this, I took on the responsibility of paying my own fees to pursue the training I needed. This experience made me even more determined to succeed. It taught me independence and resilience and gave me a strong sense of purpose. Having to invest in my own education gave me a deeper appreciation for my work and motivated me to make the most of every learning opportunity.

Did anyone ever oppose your career plans when you were young or push you in a direction you did not want to go?

Yes, my parents weren’t initially supportive of my decision to pursue a career in 3D art and game development. They had concerns about stability and wanted me to follow a more traditional path. Because of this, I took on the responsibility of paying my own fees to pursue the training I needed. This experience made me even more determined to succeed. It taught me independence and resilience and gave me a strong sense of purpose. Having to invest in my own education gave me a deeper appreciation for my work and motivated me to make the most of every learning opportunity.