Mahira Zenk-Medjahed

My name is Mahira Zenk-Medjahed and I am an aspiring Lighting Artist. Coming from a fine art background, I always had a natural inclination towards colour, composition and the creation of an atmosphere through different mediums. Throughout my career as an artist, I have always aimed to make choices, from colour to contrast, that influences and inspires emotion. This has been a constant focus of my studies as I have always been interested in creating emotions through my work, whether it be traditional or digital. My goal as a Lighting Artist is to be able to create an experience for the viewer and support narrative elements and gameplay progression through the use of smart colour, light and shadows values and such.

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GET TO KNOW MAHIRA

What hobbies do you have?

From volleyball which taught me teamwork, synergy, and communication, to MMA which pushed me to my limits and taught me resilience, self-confidence, and self-discipline. Sport is a big hobby of mine which I hold much value to.
I also like to alternate my free time with spending time watching movies and other cinematic work as well as going to museums and art exhibitions as I take a big inspiration from how different media use colour and composition to depict emotions and bring attention to different subjects.

What makes you unique?

I'm a very curious and competitive person. This pushes me to always achieve more than what I am capable of at present time. I'm always trying to learn and apply new things, regardless of how challenging they are.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself in a company where I am creating work that I am proud of.

Tell us an achievement you're proud of.

I'm proud that have received 2 scholarships.
One was awarded by my former high school which awarded me a scholarship "for attaining exceptional A-Level results and showing great resilience and maturity in the face of some challenging circumstances during Year 13" and one was awarded by Escape Studios and Tara Saunders -Video Game Art BA/MA integrated for my “natural flair” and “good eye for light and colour”.

Which game inspired you the most to choose this career path and why/how?

As basic as they may be, 'Assassins Creed' and 'Call of Duty' are the two games that inspired me to choose this career path. I have always been impressed with the graphics, cinematics and just how they both manage to tell a story and create emotions through their environments, lighting, and atmosphere.

What video game character best embodies you and why?

I think I would be Charmander. A cute fiery Pokémon who is nothing less than a team player with a pack mentality but I like to bring the heat when it comes to any competitive setting.

What was your crowning moment of your time at Escape?

My crowning moment at Escape Studios would be finding my passion for cinematography and lighting. While it took some time, I have found what I really enjoy doing.