I’m Nia Mahran, a Cairo-based visual storyteller specializing in VFX, CGI and animation. As co-founder and VFX/CGI director at With A Twist Studios, I steer the creative and technical direction from concept to final composite, always aiming for original, culturally resonant visuals. My work spans films, commercials, and game visuals, including award-winning pieces like Mafiish and Masla7tak. I love mentoring diverse teams, building efficient pipelines, and collaborating with directors, artists, and editors to bring bold stories to life.

Nia Mahran

I’m Nia Mahran, a Cairo-based visual storyteller specializing in VFX, CGI and animation. As co-founder and VFX/CGI director at With A Twist Studios, I steer the creative and technical direction from concept to final composite, always aiming for original, culturally resonant visuals. My work spans films, commercials, and game visuals, including award-winning pieces like Mafiish and Masla7tak. I love mentoring diverse teams, building efficient pipelines, and collaborating with directors, artists, and editors to bring bold stories to life.

Available to hire

I’m Nia Mahran, a Cairo-based visual storyteller specializing in VFX, CGI and animation. As co-founder and VFX/CGI director at With A Twist Studios, I steer the creative and technical direction from concept to final composite, always aiming for original, culturally resonant visuals.

My work spans films, commercials, and game visuals, including award-winning pieces like Mafiish and Masla7tak. I love mentoring diverse teams, building efficient pipelines, and collaborating with directors, artists, and editors to bring bold stories to life.

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Experience Level

Expert

Work Experience

Co-founder & VFX / CGI Director at With A Twist Studios
January 1, 2022 - November 12, 2025
Co-founder and lead of creative and technical direction, supervising end-to-end VFX/CGI pipelines from concept to final compositing. Collaborates with directors, concept artists, animators, and editors to deliver visually compelling narratives. Directed and oversaw award-winning works such as Mafiish and Masla7tak.
Storyboard Artist & Director at OBJ
February 1, 2025 - November 12, 2025
Freelance storyboard artist and director translating briefs into visual narratives. Collaborates with 3D teams to develop product showcases, motion design pieces, and short-form content. Directed a 3-day animation challenge entry for Animatix Animation Festival.
Animation Director at NNC Animation
May 1, 2025 - May 1, 2025
Led the animation department: recruited and managed the team, directed animation, approved storyboards and designs, ensured artistic consistency, and maintained production timelines across departments.
2D Game Artist at Maysalward
February 1, 2025 - February 1, 2025
Created 2D game artwork, defined visual style, and collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure cohesive aesthetic and gameplay experience.
2D Lead Pixel Artist at Runic Dices Entertainment
February 1, 2023 - February 1, 2023
Asset creation including pixel art for characters, environments, UI, and animated sequences. Collaborated with designers and developers to ensure art aligned with gameplay and mechanics.
Senior Art Director at Jeddah United Printing
November 1, 2022 - November 1, 2022
Responsible for online campaign art direction, overseeing visual strategy and creative output for printing campaigns.
Senior Art Director at Roomz
November 1, 2022 - November 1, 2022
Led art direction across campaigns, collaborating with creative teams to ensure high-quality visuals and brand alignment.
Background Artist at Jungle Studios
May 1, 2022 - May 1, 2022
Created background artwork and assets to support animation production pipelines.
Senior 2D Traditional Animator at NNC
October 1, 2021 - October 1, 2021
Provided traditional 2D animation work, ensuring consistency with project style and direction.
Lead 2D Traditional Animator at Red Dot Films
October 1, 2020 - October 1, 2020
Led traditional 2D animation production, coordinating with teams to deliver timely assets.
Touch Up Artist at Martin Adam’s Photography Studio
August 1, 2019 - August 1, 2019
Photo touch-up and retouching to enhance visuals for promotional material.
Freelance Fashion Designer at Self-Employed (Minia University projects primarily)
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2019
Freelance fashion design work related to personal projects and university collaborations.
Digital 2D Animator Trainee at Folk Creative Solutions, Animation Studios
June 1, 2018 - June 1, 2018
Trainee in 2D animation, contributing to digital animation projects and learning production pipelines.
Animation Teacher at Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) East Africa
May 1, 2018 - May 1, 2018
Delivered animation education and conducted stop-motion workshop activities for kids, fostering creativity and technical skills.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects at Minia University
September 1, 2014 - May 1, 2019

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Gaming, Software & Internet, Professional Services

Experience Level

Expert

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