Aithihya Ashok Kumar
Animation Filmmaker | Author | Illustrator
Aithihya Ashok Kumar is a Chennai-based artist and writer originally from Kannur, Kerala. She holds a Visual Communication degree from GRD College, Coimbatore, and a diploma in 3D Animation Filmmaking from the Graphiti School of Animation, Mumbai. Her career began as a copywriter in Hyderabad before transitioning into 2D animation in 2016. Since 2018, she has pursued an independent practice in animation and storytelling.
Her expertise spans various creative domains, including animation, storyboards, concept art, animatics, compositing, and sound design. She has worked as an animator, animation director, and storyteller, particularly in short formats. Her projects often combine visual storytelling with cultural and linguistic themes, as seen in her works like Matchbox Stories, exhibited in Poland, and Dance of Images, which explored Tamil alphabets and narratives.
Aithihya has also taught storytelling through animation and storyboarding at institutions like NIFT Chennai, DOT School of Design, and Mindscreen Film Institute. Her work reflects a deep interest in exploring the world through the eyes of children, urban and rural settings, and the small details of everyday life. Currently, she is developing longer-format stories.
Professional experience
Art Director and Animation Director as an Independent artist since 2016,
Collaborator at Studio ChitraKoothu, Chennai 2018 – Present
Animator at C.MENT Studios
Bangalore Worked on all projects in the capacity of an animator.
2013-2016
Copywriter (Copywriter and content developer)
Elements Design Lab, Hyderabad
April – July 2013
Education
Diploma in 3D animation Filmmaking Graphiti School of Animation,
Mumbai 2011-2012
B.Sc. Visual Communication Dr. G.R Damodaran College of Science,
Coimbatore 2007-2010
Kendriya Vidyalaya,
Kannur, Kerala (1997-2007)
Kendriya Vidyalaya,
Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1995-1997)
Filmography
(Selected projects)
YNOT Studios 10-year Logo Animation (2021) Designer
Animator, and Animation Director
Official Selection at ANIMASYROS 2021, Greece (Commissioned category)
Matchbox Stories (2020)
Writer, Designer, Animator, and Director
Official Selection at Futurevision Film Festival 2021, Japan and Netherlands
High Web-series (2020)
Design and Animation Director
Laila and Jamal (2019) The Madras Players
FINALIST - TVCA 2019, The Animation Society of India
Beleaf (2018) Design and animation
ANNY (Animation Nights New York 2024)
WINNER – Food Film Festival Bergamo, Italy 2020
FINALIST – TVCA 2018, The Animation Society of India
Bear Sailor (2018)
Concept art, design, and animation
11th International Children’s Film Festival |ICFF -2019
FINALIST – TVCA 2018, The Animation Society of India
Baka (2017)
Poster design for a play in Kannada.
Premiered at Ranga Shankara, Bangalore, Karnataka
Carwars (2013)
Film design and animation
FINALIST - TVCA 2015, The Animation Society of India
TOURFILM RIGA -Latvia VAFI 2017
Croatia World's Smallest Film Festival
Canada IFF Ekotop Film Festival
Slovakia 60 Seconds or Less Festival, USA