1Congratulations on your achievements in the MUSE Creative Awards! Could you start by introducing yourself or your agency? Can you also share a bit about your journey into your current industry?
My name is Alex Safavinia, and I am the creative director and co-founder of Kasra Design® (kasradesign.com). We create custom explainer videos and commercials, primarily for medium and large enterprises.
After earning a degree in creative multimedia, I began my career as an intern at a motion design company, later transitioning into freelance motion design and building a strong client base. Noticing the growing demand for high-quality explainer videos, we founded our agency to seize the opportunity.
2What inspired you to submit your work for this competition, and what does winning mean to you personally and professionally?
When we came across the MUSE Creative Awards, we saw it as more than just a competition. It was an opportunity to stand alongside some of the best creatives in the industry and have our work evaluated by a panel of over 200 seasoned experts.
Winning the Platinum in two categories is incredibly humbling for me. Personally, it’s a moment of validation and proof that our hard work has finally paid off.
3Can you share the story behind your success? What inspired its creation, and what do you feel it represents in today’s industry?
I think what led us to create successful pieces is that we don’t settle for mediocre results. Being obsessed with details and delivering beyond our clients’ satisfaction is what we strive to achieve in each project.
In my opinion, as our industry faces increasing challenges with AI, one thing that distinguishes us is delivering exceptional work. And this is what we will continue to do in the years to come.
4What do you believe set your project apart in such a competitive field? Were there specific elements or strategies that made it shine?
What set our project apart was our team’s focus on quality and attention to details. We didn’t just aim to meet expectations, we pushed beyond them and ensured every element was meticulously crafted to connect with audience. We tried to focus on storytelling that can connect to viewers emotionally.
5Every project has its challenges. Can you share a significant obstacle you faced during this process and how you overcame it?
In this particular 3D animation project, our first challenge was to design characters that truly stood out against any character design done before. We went through many rounds of character design during post-production until we settled on these. Another challenge that comes with every corporate concept is ensuring it doesn’t bore the audience, so we had to develop a rather peculiar concept to keep them hooked.
6Winning an award of this caliber often brings recognition. What do you hope this achievement will mean for your career, your team, or your agency in the long run? Have you already noticed any changes or opportunities arising from this recognition?
It is still too early to say, as we just received the award. But based on our experience winning high-caliber awards in the past, I have no doubt it will have a positive impact. These moments always open new doors, whether through exciting collaborations, bigger opportunities, or simply reinforcing the trust our clients have in us. More than anything, it pushes us to keep delivering work that stands out.
7What has the reaction been from clients, audiences, or stakeholders about your winning entry? Any feedback or memorable moments that stand out?
The reaction has been amazing. The team is absolutely buzzing and the energy in the office is next level. Winning this award gave everyone a huge boost and it just feels good to see all the hard work and obsession over the details pay off.
8For those aspiring to achieve similar success, what advice would you offer to help them not only thrive in their industries but also craft compelling, award-worthy entries? Are there specific practices, mindsets, or strategies you believe are key?
My advice is to stay patient and keep pushing forward, even if your first projects do not get the recognition you hoped for. Rome was not built in a day, and neither is a great body of work. Every project is a chance to improve, so refine your craft and push creative boundaries.
9The creative industry is constantly evolving. How do you view these changes, and where do you hope to position yourself in the future?
AI is being rolled out and creating artworks without crediting the original creators. This is a challenge for the industry. But aside from that, we also try to adapt AI to assist in creating better work and improving efficiency. I believe AI must be used to help artists create art more efficiently instead of replacing them altogether.
I certainly hope this will become the dominant message in the AI industry instead of seeing products claiming to remove the need for creatives and artists.
10Entering awards can be daunting for many, especially those just starting out. What would you say to individuals who have limited experience, or are hesitant to showcase their work in competitions? How can they build confidence and see the value in participating?
I suggest that they first focus on improving their work and dedicating their energy to refining their craft. Once they feel confident that their work has reached a strong level, then they should start showcasing it.
However, they should not hold back for too long. Growth comes from putting their work out there, gaining feedback, and learning from the process.
11Creativity thrives on community. What message would you like to share with fellow creatives, marketers, and advertising professionals?
Creativity is not a solo journey. We grow by sharing, collaborating and supporting each other. This industry is tough, but the best work comes from those who take risks and push beyond the obvious. Passion is what fuels great creativity. And if you truly love what you do, it will show in your work and inspire others.
12Winning is a team effort in many cases. Is there someone or a group of people you’d like to dedicate this achievement to, and why?
Every project we take on is a group effort and this award is a reflection of the passion, dedication and relentless attention to detail that everyone put into it. I want to dedicate this to our entire team at Kasra Design®.
13If you could describe your award-winning entry in one sentence, what would it be and why?
Our award-winning 3D animation project was one of the most challenging yet rewarding pieces we have created because we pushed character design and storytelling beyond the usual corporate style.
14Finally, what’s next for you? Any exciting projects or upcoming goals that you’d like to share with us and the audience?
We are currently working on an internal animation project about migrants and the challenges they go through to escape to a better place. It is an experimental 3D piece with a toon shader, and we are really excited about the unique visual style we are developing for it.
