We recently connected with Bobby Majoch and have shared our conversation below.

Bobby, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

How did you learn to do what you do? I began my journey in 3D applications by seeking out resources available on YouTube, where I learned the basics through tutorials. My learning evolved significantly during my time as a research assistant at the Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII), where I mainly work under the guidance of Jeasy Sehgal. At CMII, I had the opportunity to refine my skills further thanks to the mentorship and support from many experienced professionals in the field.

Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?
In hindsight, one approach that could have accelerated my learning would be seeking out more structured mentorship early on. Engaging with mentors or professionals from the beginning could have provided me with direct feedback and tailored guidance, which might have addressed specific gaps in my skills more efficiently than self-directed learning.

What skills do you think were most essential?
The most essential skill was maintaining a strong interest and curiosity about 3D technology and applications. Additionally, learning to watch tutorial videos at 2x and 3x speeds proved crucial—it helped me quickly absorb the majority of the content, which is a skill I first developed while working as a music producer. This ability to efficiently process information allowed me to grasp about 80% of the material, which was sufficient for practical application and further experimentation.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
One of the main obstacles was the initial lack of direct, personalized feedback on my work. While online tutorials and self-study are invaluable, they often lack the interactive component that personal mentorship offers. This interaction could have helped me identify and focus on areas needing improvement more quickly and effectively. As an artist and technician, unfortunately, many will fall into the same habits that can be hard to see unless a third party can point them out.

Bobby, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello! I’m passionate about bringing imaginative concepts to life through the innovative use of virtual production. My work primarily involves utilizing advanced software tools like Unreal Engine, Blender, and Substance Painter amongst others to create immersive and visually captivating experiences. I consider myself a solution architect in the virtual production space—no matter the challenge, my goal is to find a way to bring projects to completion with creativity and efficiency.

My journey into virtual production was heavily influenced by my background in music production. Having scored nationally televised commercials, I’ve built a versatile library of music that I can seamlessly integrate into various projects, whether by adapting existing pieces or composing original scores tailored to specific needs. This musical expertise adds a unique dimension to my work, enhancing the emotional and narrative depth of the virtual environments I create.

Additionally, my experience as a film director, underscored by awards for my short films, allows me to approach virtual production projects with a cinematic eye. This combination of music and film expertise ensures that each project isn’t just technically sound but also storytelling-driven, providing clients with a comprehensive creative solution that stands out in the industry.

What sets me apart is not just my technical ability but also my commitment to innovation and quality. By integrating AI into our workflows, we push the boundaries of what’s possible in virtual production, ensuring that every project is at the cutting edge. It can sometimes be hard to keep up with all the new technology but I am always on the lookout.

I’m most proud of the recognition my work has received within the industry, especially the awards for my short films. These accolades affirm that my dual focus on technical precision and artistic expression resonates with both peers and audiences.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

My journey through the realms of philosophy and business has been uniquely intertwined, with my master’s degree in Philosophy proving to be a cornerstone of my professional and creative ethos. The rigorous logical standards instilled during my studies have been crucial across all aspects of my career, not least in my role as an entrepreneur in the creative industry.

One book that has particularly influenced my approach to management and critical thinking is Steven Pinker’s Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters. This book offers an insightful exploration into rational and critical thinking, emphasizing the importance of clear, logical analysis in decision-making. Pinker’s work has reinforced my belief that a meticulous approach to problem-solving is essential, not only in philosophy but also in virtual production and business management.

This focus on fastidious thinking helps in developing organized and efficient workflows, which are vital for creatives. The ability to dissect problems methodically and devise strategic solutions is a skill that transcends disciplines, proving invaluable in both my personal creative projects and my professional engagements with clients.

Incorporating these philosophical principles into my work has allowed me to foster a culture of thoughtful innovation within my team. We don’t just create; we think deeply about the why and the how, ensuring that our projects are not only aesthetically pleasing but also intellectually grounded.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

At the heart of my creative journey is a mission deeply rooted in the philosophy of critical thinking—a practice I’ve passionately pursued since my master’s degree in Philosophy. My thesis was inspired by Pierre Hadot’s influential book, Philosophy as a Way of Life, which posits that in ancient Greece, philosophy was more a practical discipline than a theoretical one. This perspective has profoundly influenced my approach to both life and work.

My goal is to employ critical thinking not just as an academic exercise but as a practical tool that enriches every aspect of my creative process. This approach has been pivotal in allowing me to explore and articulate what truly fascinates me, transforming abstract ideas into tangible, immersive experiences through virtual production.

By applying rigorous philosophical analysis, I can dissect complex creative problems and develop solutions that are not only effective but also meaningful. This method empowers me to create works that are not just striving to be visually and technically interesting, but also intellectually stimulating. It’s about making philosophy accessible and applicable, demonstrating its value beyond academic circles and into the realm of creative media and production.

Ultimately, I aim for my work to reflect this philosophy, showcasing how critical thinking can lead to innovative creations that challenge, inspire, and engage audiences. This mission drives all of my projects and is something I hope resonates with clients, colleagues, and viewers alike.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.jochmajor.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jochmajoratl/

Image Credits
Bobby Majoch