Art often mirrors the artist’s inner world, and for Anna Raphy, a graphic illustrator and animator from Kerala, this is beautifully evident. Her animated reels, which have captured the hearts of Instagram audiences, are windows into her journey and imagination. Anna’s art resonates deeply because it’s personal, spontaneous, and brimming with emotion, much like her own story.
From a young age, Anna’s world was filled with colours and creativity. “I used to draw on anything I could find—papers, walls, my books. I guess my family didn’t have a choice but to encourage me,” she says, reflecting on her childhood.
While her love for art was always clear, her initial career path followed a different trajectory. She pursued architecture, a choice she calls “the logical decision,” but it left her yearning for more. “Somewhere along the way, I realised my heart wasn’t in it. I wanted to create art that felt like me, not just something functional.”
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Taking the leap to leave behind the stability of architecture wasn’t easy, but Anna Raphy had the support of her family and close friends. “They were my biggest cheerleaders, telling me to take the risk even when I doubted myself,” she recalls. It was a decision that would eventually lead her to animation—a world she describes as a blend of her favourite things: storytelling, music, and movement.
Anna’s first steps into content creation were as unconventional as they were inspiring. Armed with just a mouse and Photoshop, she started creating simple videos that captured the humour and beauty of everyday life. “I didn’t have a fancy setup or formal training,” she admits. “It was just me and my stubborn determination to make things move.” These humble beginnings soon gave way to more ambitious projects, with each reel reflecting her evolving skills and unique perspective.
Her creative process is as instinctive as her journey. “I don’t storyboard or plan extensively. I just listen to a song or imagine a scene, and the ideas start flowing,” Anna explains. This approach has resulted in some of her most beloved works, like her tribute to the Malayalam movie Aavesham – Illuminati and her Naadan Parindey reel, which struck an emotional chord with her followers. “I remember thinking, ‘Let’s make something small for fun.’ I never expected it to go viral,” she says of the latter, still surprised by the overwhelming response.
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While her art has earned her recognition, Anna Raphy remains grounded in her inspirations and her love for the craft. Alan Pappy, a fellow digital artist, is a significant influence. “Alan’s edits are pure passion. Watching his work reminds me why I started,” she shares. But her most profound source of motivation comes from the people closest to her. “My family and friends have always been my rock. Their belief in me has been the biggest push to keep going, even when things got tough.”
Beyond the technical brilliance, Anna’s reels stand out for their emotional depth, a quality she attributes to her unfiltered approach. “I pour a little bit of myself into every reel. That’s probably why people connect with them,” she muses. It’s this authenticity that makes her work feel like more than just animation; it’s a heartfelt expression of her life and experiences.
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Looking ahead, Anna is excited to explore new projects, from collaborations to more personal animations. Yet, she remains committed to the spontaneity that defines her art. “I don’t want to lose that sense of playfulness. It’s what keeps me excited about creating,” she says.
Anna Raphy’s journey is such an inspiring example of following your passion, even when things get a little wobbly along the way! Her animated reels are heartfelt pieces of her story that she crafts with joy and shares with everyone. If you haven’t had the chance to dive into the magic of her creations yet, you definitely need to check out her Instagram page.
