We are excited to welcome Damon Cho, an accomplished AR creator, to our Creator’s AR Journey today. Damon has been on a remarkable journey in the world of augmented reality, starting with his introduction to AR during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, we will learn more about Damon’s perspective on AR, his creative process, his projects, and his insights on the industry. So, let’s dive in and discover Damon’s experiences, inspirations, and visions as an AR creator!
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?
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about an unprecedented shift in the way people interacted with the world around them. During this time, my brother introduced me to the world of augmented reality and how people were using it to create their own filters and encouraged me to give it a shot. Since then, I’ve explored Spark AR (Meta Spark) and began playing around with 3D modelling. I find augmented reality to be such a fascinating medium and a fantastic way to express my ideas. Hence, I continued to do it.
What is AR for you?
For me, AR is all about the user experience. It’s not just about the technology itself, but rather what the technology can do to enhance the way people interact with the world around them. Whether it’s for entertainment, education, socialization, or any other purpose, AR has the potential to immerse users in a whole new world of interactive experiences. The possibilities are endless, and it’s up to designers and developers to create compelling and meaningful AR experiences that resonate with users.
How do you see the future of AR evolving? What kind of opportunities do you think it will bring to creators and brands?
I’m excited about Augmented Reality (AR) because of its immense potential to improve our daily lives. With AR, we can overcome communication barriers and foster greater connectivity among people. By creating immersive experiences, AR has the power to bring people together in ways that were previously impossible.
As technology continues to evolve, AR has the potential to revolutionize the way brands engage with their audiences. AR can elevate brand awareness by providing more personalized and interactive experiences for users. Therefore, everyone must keep up with the latest technological advancements to stay ahead of the game.
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 various sources such as video games, social media, Pinterest, the community, Lenslist, and the environment around me. Rather than relying on a single source of inspiration, drawing inspiration from everywhere helps me to create more unique experiences.
I can work spontaneously sometimes, but I do have a general workflow that I follow. I try to stay open to new ideas and creative solutions to problems arising during the process. When starting a new project, I begin by seeking inspiration and jotting down general ideas in my sketchbook. Once I have a clear vision, I like to make a list of all the necessary assets that I need to create for the project. This helps me to stay organized and focused on the task at hand.
In terms of style, I don’t necessarily follow a specific style but instead, I’d like to focus on creating experiences that are immersive and provoke emotion from users.
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?
One of my favourite creations is a short horror filter called “TRICK or treat?” It was a unique experience when I first developed it in Meta Spark. By combining aspects of both AR and VR, users can walk around and explore their surroundings while being immersed in that world. Creating such a complex experience in a small file size really pushed my creative boundaries. While it may not have a huge impact on social media as horror isn’t for everyone, I do hope that it inspired some creators. AR has the power to transport users to another universe and provide otherworldly experiences, and I believe this filter showcases that potential.
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?
Meta, ErgoEdge, Potent, TapTap, BHB Health, A.Cross Creation, SocietyA, Lot10, Private Policy.
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?
In one such project, the client wanted a specific way to showcase the product, but as a creator, I have my creative vision as well. To navigate this challenge, I had several conversations with the client to understand their vision and goals for the project. I then incorporated their requests while also finding creative ways to incorporate my ideas. By maintaining open communication and finding a balance between the client’s needs and my creative vision, we were able to create a successful AR experience.
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?
Definitely with social media, with the technology evolving so quickly. Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technology in the industry is crucial. To do this, I would attend workshops, read industry publications, etcetera. I also experiment with new tools and techniques to incorporate into my work.
Can you share any tips or tricks you’ve learned along the way that have helped you to create successful AR projects?
One tip I’ve learned is to keep the user experience in mind when creating AR projects. It’s important to think about how the user will interact with the experience and what emotions it will evoke. Additionally, it’s important to test the experience thoroughly to ensure that it is user-friendly and functional. Another thing is to just experiment a lot and have fun with it, you’ll never know what you’ll be able to achieve if you don’t experiment.
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?
What I enjoy most about being an AR creator is the ability to bring my ideas to life and create experiences that people can interact with. Balancing the technical aspects of AR creation with the creative side can be challenging because there are limitations to it. My advice to aspiring AR creators is to never stop learning and experimenting. AR is a constantly evolving field, so it’s important to stay curious and keep pushing boundaries to find creative ways to solve those technical issues.
It’s clear that AR has opened up exciting possibilities for Damon to push the boundaries of technology and create immersive experiences for users. Damon has journeyed into the world of AR, and his passion for creating meaningful AR experiences shines through. From his unique approach to finding inspiration from various sources, to his workflow that balances creativity and technical aspects, Damon shares valuable insights and tips for success in the AR industry. We look forward to witnessing his continued creativity and innovation in this ever-evolving field. Thank you, Damon, for sharing your journey and perspectives with us.
