Today’s AR journey guest is Bruno Wendricky Xavier Ribeiro, an AR creator who has been pushing the boundaries of what is possible with augmented reality. Inspired by his passion for technology, Bruno embarked on a journey to learn how to create AR filters, driven by the desire to provide unique experiences for his audience. He envisions AR becoming an integral part of our daily lives across various sectors, offering exciting opportunities for creators and brands. Bruno draws inspiration from fellow creators, everyday life, and current trends, employing a unique style that extends beyond the ordinary. One standout project involved creating a 3D portal inside an ambulance, showcasing the immersive and educational potential of AR. Join us as we explore Bruno’s AR journey and his vision for the future of this transformative technology.
– Let’s start from the beginning! How did you start your AR journey? What inspired you to become a creator and what keeps you motivated to continue creating for this industry?
– About my journey, since I was little, I’ve been a technology enthusiast. I’ve always been curious about how everything works, like creating websites, developing games, and much more. When filters started gaining popularity in Brazil, I decided to learn how to create them, but at that time, Spark AR was only available for Mac and to those who joined the beta program. Some time passed, and I discovered that there was already a version for Windows. So, I signed up and downloaded the program. My main interest was because I was looking for filters for my audience (students) but couldn’t find any, so I started searching for how to create them and began designing my own. Throughout this journey of creating filters, I have encountered many people who have encouraged me to keep pushing forward and believe in my talent, even during moments when I felt like giving up. Today, many of them have become close friends. I remain motivated because I know I can create incredible things with the tools at my disposal. I have discovered a profound love for augmented reality, bringing new experiences to brands and individuals unfamiliar with this technology.
– What is AR for you?
– AR, to me, is a technology that is growing more and more each day and has everything to progress in the coming years. I believe we will see augmented reality becoming more present in our daily lives across all sectors such as healthcare, education, retail, food, and so on. As a result, more people will be impacted and will be able to utilize it as a means of work and also to express their emotions, creativity, and more.
– How do you see the future of AR evolving? What kind of opportunities do you think it will bring to creators and brands?
– As I mentioned before, I believe that AR will continue to gain popularity each day and become integrated into people’s daily lives across various sectors, from shopping to healthcare, education, and many others. I believe that for brands, it is a valuable new tool to be incorporated into marketing campaigns, promotional strategies, and more. With more companies becoming aware of AR, new job opportunities will arise, and as a result, the market will continue to grow, providing opportunities for new individuals to work in this field.
– Who or what inspires you in your work, and can you describe your working process? Do you follow a plan or work spontaneously? Do you have a specific style that sets you apart from other creators?
– I draw inspiration from several creators I follow as well as things from my daily life, such as TV series, movies, musicians, and places I visit. Often, I also seek inspiration from current trends. There have been instances where I was watching a video on TikTok late at night and got an idea for an effect. I also set goals for creating specific effects during the week and conduct various experiments and studies on different platforms. One of my unique aspects is that I use AR in education. I enjoy teaching courses, conducting workshops, and giving lessons to young people. I also actively engage with the community by connecting with other creators. Additionally, I like to think beyond the ordinary and create filters that enable people to generate content with them.
– Can you share an example of a project where you pushed the boundaries of what is possible with AR technology and what kind of impact it has?
– One of the projects I enjoyed developing the most this year, and the result exceeded expectations, is this 3D portal for Rede Record (a Brazilian television channel). They put QR codes throughout the program, directing users to the filter, where they could explore the inside of an ambulance. All the 3D elements were created from scratch using reference images of objects found inside an ambulance. It was a significant effort to fine-tune the materials in Spark AR, considering details like glass textures and seat textures, but the outcome was amazing. I love working on projects like this and feel delighted when clients seek solutions beyond simple phrases and random word games.
– Can you list the brands you have worked with? What is the project(s) you’re most proud of?
– I’ve had the opportunity to work with amazing brands like Netflix Brasil, Meta, TikTok, XBOX (Microsoft), Vivo, Johnnie Walker, Samsung, Ludmilla, Vivo, VidCon São Paulo, and a lot of brands.
– Collaboration is a crucial aspect of creating successful AR projects. Can you share an example of a project where you had to balance a client’s needs with your creative vision? How did you navigate that challenge?
– One of the projects where I had to think of various alternatives was the project for Netflix Brazil called “Minha Sogra É” (“My Mother-in-Law Is”). We needed to create 15 characters that would be randomly selected, and my knowledge of Spark AR was crucial in optimizing and incorporating multiple functions into the characters, ensuring that the filter did not exceed the weight limit. Additionally, the client had no visual references for the characters, so everything was created from scratch.
– How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technology in the AR industry, and how do you incorporate this knowledge into your work?
– Being part of communities is essential for staying informed about current trends and staying updated on new styles of effects and technologies that are being released on various platforms. It allows you to constantly innovate. For different styles of filters, I always keep an eye on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram reels, or Twitter, as well as stay updated with current news.
– Can you share any tips or tricks you’ve learned along the way that have helped you to create successful AR projects?
– The essential tip I give to every creator is: to showcase your work to the world. Promote your new filter, and your new project, and let people know what you do so that more and more people become familiar with your work. Moreover, explore all types of effects and don’t focus solely on developing one style. Create games, makeup effects, portals, and much more.
– What do you enjoy most about being an AR creator, and how do you balance the technical aspects of AR creation with the creative side? What advice would you give to aspiring AR creators who are just starting?
– I appreciate the possibilities that this world offers us, such as meeting new people, working with brands, seeing our ideas come to life, participating in events, and many other things. I always try to manage my time effectively to have availability for both the creative and technical aspects of my ideas. My advice for those starting is: always persist! If you aspire to be a well-known AR creator or work with major brands, it won’t happen overnight. It’s essential to understand that things may take time to materialize, but everything has its timing!
