Animation Student Spotlight: Meet Sonia Stefańska, a passionate game animation student bringing characters to life with creativity, intuition, and heart.

“I really started to understand how to use weight properly—where, when, and how to apply it to make a character feel grounded and alive.”

Meet iAnimate Student Sonia Stefańska

Student Spotlight features Sonia Stefańska, a talented game animation student from Poland who brings quiet passion and vibrant creativity to everything she animates. Though naturally more reserved, Sonia has found her voice through animation—breathing life into characters with a spark that words often can't capture. Always curious and eager to grow, she is driven by a deep love for the craft and a hunger to keep learning.

“I enrolled in iAnimate because I wanted to seriously level up my animation skills and learn from people who really know their craft. A professional animator once told me that this program could make a huge difference for me—and I trusted her. I’m always eager to grow, and iAnimate felt like the perfect place to push myself in the best way possible.”

While Sonia is currently seeking her first professional opportunity, she's more than ready to take the next step and apply her skills to exciting new projects.

Student Animation Journey

Sonia Stefańska took the Game Animation Workshop at iAnimate:

• Game Animation Workshop 1 - Instructor Kyle Kenworthy
• Game Animation Workshop 2 - Instructor Kevin Rucker

Sonia’s creative process is guided by intuition and a deep connection to her characters. She begins each assignment with a clear mind, opening Maya and letting ideas naturally flow as she studies the character’s design and imagines their personality and movements. Sometimes she searches for reference material that matches the vibe she envisions; other times, she jumps straight into animating to explore where the moment takes her. Throughout the process, Sonia stays flexible—making gentle adjustments when something doesn’t feel right—while always staying true to the character’s core personality.

“At iAnimate, I learned that animation isn’t just about making things look "cool"—it’s about making them believable. I really started to understand how to use weight properly—where, when, and how to apply it to make a character feel grounded and alive. I also picked up a lot of workflow tips and real-world advice from professional animators at studios like Blizzard and Riot Games. Thanks to this, my process became much more structured, efficient, and focused on storytelling.

I think what makes me stand out is my attention to detail, my drive to constantly improve, and my love for giving characters that little extra something that makes them feel truly real. 🌟”

[Sonia's Current Reel]

You can reach Sonia via:

Student Spotlight Q&A with Animator Sonia Stefańska

iAnimate: What do you think of your Online Animation Instructor(s), and how do they help you?

Sonia: I honestly feel so lucky to be learning from instructors who not only have incredible experience at top studios, but who also know exactly how to pass that knowledge on. They explain complex ideas in a way that’s easy to understand, while still challenging me to think deeper and push my work further.

What I appreciate the most is how they respect each student's creative vision—they guide and support without trying to change who you are as an artist. Their feedback always makes my animation stronger, while still keeping the heart of what I wanted to say.

Learning best practices and workflows directly from professionals who have worked at places like Blizzard, Riot Games has completely changed the way I approach animation. It’s not just about hitting technical checkboxes—it’s about crafting performances that are clear, believable, and full of personality. I’m really grateful for their patience, honesty, and all the tiny golden tips they share that you’d never find in a regular tutorial.

iAnimate: How did iAnimate help you to evolve your animation skills as a character animator?

Sonia: iAnimate helped me evolve both technically and creatively as a character animator. I learned how to approach animation in a much more thoughtful, structured way—from planning and blocking to polishing every little movement with purpose. I understand better how to control timing, spacing, weight, and storytelling, and how to make every choice support the character and the scene.

Through constant practice, feedback, and learning from industry pros, I became much more confident in my workflow and decision-making. I know how to stay flexible and open to changes, but also how to stick to deadlines and deliver strong work on time.

Thanks to iAnimate, I’m not just passionate about animation—I’m equipped with the professional habits and mindset that studios can depend on.

iAnimate: What kind of animator do you consider after taking your student workshop's?

Sonia: After completing my workshops at iAnimate, I see myself as an industry-ready animator who's excited to keep growing every day. I have a strong understanding of the core principles, a solid, professional workflow, and the ability to craft performances that feel both genuine and full of life.
I especially love animating animals and characters with fast, dynamic movements—it’s where I feel the most creative and energized! I also taught myself the basics of motion capture, which has given me a whole new perspective on movement and performance.

I know how to stay organized, take feedback professionally, and keep the heart of the character alive in every decision I make.

Armed with a lot of tea, a head full of ideas, and a soft spot for lively, energetic motion, I’m ready to bring my passion and dedication into a studio environment.

iAnimate: What kind of project do you want to work on?

Sonia: I’m especially excited about working on game projects where I can animate stylized characters with energetic, fast-paced movements. I love bringing animals and dynamic, exaggerated actions to life, and I’m drawn to studios that focus on creating immersive, visually unique worlds where the animation drives gameplay and storytelling.

I thrive in environments where creativity is key, and I’m eager to contribute to projects that require both fluid motion and attention to character personality. A studio that values bold, stylized animation and pushes the limits of what’s possible in game art would be the perfect place for me to grow and create. 🎮