In the ever-expanding universe of augmented reality, one creator stands out as an embodiment of innovation and inspiration – Clarentia Mursalim. With a journey that began as a leap of faith, Clarentia’s path into AR was ignited by chance, fueled by passion, and molded by a profound connection to both nature and technology. This interview takes you on a riveting exploration of Clarentia’s AR odyssey, revealing the dynamic intersection of creativity, technology, and collaboration that defines her work. From her serendipitous start amidst pandemic uncertainty to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with AR, Clarentia’s story is a testament to the limitless potential of this medium. Whether you’re an established AR creator seeking fresh perspectives or an aspiring artist eager to embark on your own creative voyage, this article promises to unveil the secrets of innovation, adaptation, and evolution in the captivating realm of augmented reality.
– 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?
– My journey into AR feels a bit like a rollercoaster. It started when I quit my full-time job in Auckland and moved to Australia to pursue my freelance career. Then, the COVID lockdown happened just three weeks into unpacking my bags! I was suddenly competing with so much talent, so I had to find some way to make myself stand out. By chance, I stumbled upon a Medium article about webAR, and that was the moment that changed everything! I was hooked. Back then, seeing people’s eyes light up with joy and surprise at my AR creations was what kept me going. But now, I see that it has more potential to open up another dimension of innovation, that could make people’s lives better. That’s the fuel that keeps me motivated these days!
– What is AR for you?
– AR to me is an opportunity to make the impossible possible. It’s like adding a layer on top of the world we are in, where the physical constraints we’re so used to simply don’t apply. And that opens doors to so many interesting possibilities, where we’re only limited by our imagination.
– How do you see the future of AR evolving? What kind of opportunities do you think it will bring to creators and brands?
– You know, it’s funny to think about the future of AR. I see it becoming as common as grabbing your smartphone first thing in the morning. With AR going mainstream, the possibilities for creators and brands will be mind-blowing. Let’s take fashion as an example. Imagine the convenience of trying on outfits in AR – And then there’s digital fashion, a whole new avenue to explore. The real charm of AR is that it’s flexible, malleable, and adaptable. The sky’s the limit, and seeing where we’ll go from here is exciting.
– 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 grew up in New Zealand, where the closest bush walk would be only 20 minutes away. Living in the city now, it’s that connection to nature I miss the most, and it blows my mind to see how it subconsciously seeps into my work. You can see the touch of the outdoors in the textures, the colors, and even the experiences I create in AR. I don’t do it intentionally, but it’s there, and I want to explore that even more, merging the urban with the natural. As for my working process, it’s a dance between the planned and the spontaneous. I start with a big, grand idea, then dive into research, understanding the tools I can use and the boundaries I can push. But along the way, I let spontaneity take the lead. Some of my best ideas come from these unexpected turns in the journey. As of now, I can’t pinpoint a specific style that defines me. But with every project, I learn something new about myself. And as I continue to grow, I’m eager to see how my style evolves, too. It’s all part of the exciting, unpredictable adventure of being an AR creator!
– 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 did it have?
– I can’t say I’ve pushed boundaries, but I did push my own capabilities! One time, I decided to create a filter where virtual bubbles refract light just as they would in real life. It was complex and challenging, and I had to go down the rabbit hole of physics to understand how light works. It was a wild ride, but when I saw the result, it was worth every minute. The project showed me that AR has the potential to blur the lines between the digital and physical world in ways we can’t even imagine yet.
– Can you list the brands you have worked with? (list links of experiences if possible) What are the project(s) you’re most proud of?
– My AR journey is still at its early stages since I’ve only really started taking it seriously in February this year. But I’ve been lucky enough to work with Charles & Keith on one of their first webAR campaign: https://ar.charleskeith.com/ We managed to pull of the project with a small team of 3 within a month which is kinda crazy! It was an amazing experience to see how much can be achieved with close collaboration.
– 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?
– There was a project where I was creating AR earrings for a local jewelry brand. Initially, I went all out with the design, but it turned out to be a bit too much. The client wanted something more subtle that wouldn’t detract from their brand message. So, I had to take a step back, refine my vision, and simplify the design. The experience taught me that the story and the message you’re trying to portray is often more important than creating stunning visual effects.- 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?
– As for keeping up with the tech world, I believe in paving my own path rather than following the herd. Sure, it’s important to stay updated, but it’s equally important to not lose sight of your own vision. When I have a concept in mind, I dive deep into research to understand how I can use the latest tech to bring it to life. That’s what makes the journey exciting for me!
– Can you share any tips or tricks you’ve learned along the way that have helped you to create successful AR projects?
– A tip I’d share is to let your ideas evolve. You may start with a grand vision, but as you dive into the project, you’ll need to adjust and adapt. Sometimes the tech isn’t there yet, sometimes the client has different needs. But if you’re open to change and let your idea evolve, you often end up with something even better!
– 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 out?
– The thing I enjoy most about being an AR creator is the mix of technical and creative challenges. It’s like solving a puzzle that requires both logic and imagination. For those just starting out, I’d say, don’t be afraid of the tech side. Yes, it can be daunting, but it’s just a tool to bring your creative vision to life. And remember, every great creator started at the beginning. Be patient with yourself, and keep exploring, learning, and pushing boundaries. You’re on the path to creating something truly amazing.
