We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Manuel Borrero. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Manuel below.

Manuel , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I am a self-taught individual in the field of augmented reality (AR). I’ve always had a strong passion for technology and AR specifically. I spent countless hours studying, experimenting, and immersing myself in the world of AR. Through online resources, tutorials, and hands-on practice, I acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to become an AR designer and creator. It has been a journey of continuous learning and pushing myself to explore new possibilities within the field. Looking back, I believe that seeking out mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals in the AR industry would have greatly accelerated my learning process.
in my journey, I consider to be vital the creative skills, such as character design, storytelling.
As an aspiring AR designer and creator, there were several obstacles that I encountered along the way. One of the main challenges was the lack of accessible and comprehensive educational resources specific to AR. Formal education programs were limited, and the field was evolving at a rapid pace,Nevertheless, I remained determined and resourceful, leveraging online communities, collaborating with peers, and seeking out opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills.

Manuel , 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?

Thanks for giving me the chance to introduce myself and share my brand with you. I’m Manuel Borrero, and I’m truly passionate about the world of augmented reality (AR). My journey in this exciting field all started with my love for technology and a burning desire to create mind-blowing experiences for people.

As the founder of Universe AR, I’ve worked hard to establish myself as a leading AR designer and creator. I specialize in expert character design and creating stunning cosmetic and makeup filters that make people go ‘Wow!’ Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to collaborate with top international brands, movie studios, and musicians. Together, we’ve brought unforgettable characters to life, designed cohesive visual experiences, and crafted interactive stories that leave a lasting impact through AR.

But that’s not all! Alongside my work at Universe AR, I’m also super excited about my own brand called Kaind. With Kaind, I’m diving into the exciting world of combining technology and augmented reality with physical products. It’s all about creating innovative experiences that seamlessly blend the digital and physical worlds. Imagine interacting with everyday objects in ways you never thought possible!

At Kaind, we’re all about pushing the boundaries of what’s achievable with AR and physical products. We’re dedicated to infusing our creations with cutting-edge technology, unleashing our creativity, and delivering mind-blowing experiences that make people say, ‘That’s incredible!’

What makes me stand out? Well, I’m a self-taught immigrant from Venezuela, and that drive for learning and growth has been ingrained in me since day one. I’m constantly staying ahead of the game by keeping up with the latest AR developments and being an early adopter of emerging technologies and platforms.

I take great pride in the collaborations I’ve had with renowned companies like Netflix, Universal Studios, Samsung, Disney Music, and Instagram. It’s been an absolute honor to have my work featured in notable publications like ABC News and The Hollywood Reporter. Those moments make me truly grateful and motivated to keep pushing boundaries.

I want you to know that my brand is fueled by a genuine passion for creating jaw-dropping AR experiences. With Kaind, we’re taking that passion to the next level by merging AR with physical products, opening up a whole new world of possibilities. It’s all about creating immersive, unforgettable experiences that bring joy and wonder into people’s lives.

I invite you to join me on this thrilling adventure as we continue to redefine the relationship between technology and the physical world.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Let me share a personal journey that changed the course of my life. I come from Venezuela, a country that was going through incredibly difficult times. It became increasingly challenging to survive and provide a secure future for my family. Faced with this reality, I made the difficult decision to leave my homeland and seek a better future elsewhere.

Arriving in a new country with very little money and not knowing the language was tough. I had to start from scratch and find ways to support myself. While working various jobs, I stumbled upon augmented reality (AR), a technology that fascinated me. Despite having no formal training, I became passionate about AR and dedicated myself to learning everything I could about it.

It wasn’t an easy journey. I juggled multiple jobs, working long hours as an Uber driver and server, all while devoting my spare time to mastering AR. I faced obstacles along the way, but my determination never wavered. I believed that by embracing change and seizing opportunities, I could build a better future for myself and my family.

Through sheer perseverance, I founded Universe AR, a platform that uses the power of AR to connect businesses with consumers.

What sets me apart is my unwavering belief in the power of resilience and overcoming challenges. The difficult circumstances I faced in Venezuela instilled in me a tenacity to fight for a better future. It is this drive that fuels my entrepreneurial spirit and keeps me going, even when faced with adversity.

I am incredibly proud of the journey I’ve undertaken, from leaving my home country to fighting for a better future. It was a risk worth taking, and it has allowed me to thrive in the world of AR. I want people to know that my story is proof that with determination, resilience, and self-belief, it is possible to overcome even the most difficult circumstances.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the sheer joy of bringing my imagination to life and sharing it with others. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about taking an idea, nurturing it, and seeing it evolve into a tangible creation. Whether it’s a stunning augmented reality experience, a captivating character, or a beautiful design, the process of making something out of nothing is simply magical.

What truly warms my heart is when my work resonates with people. When someone connects with my creations, feels inspired, or experiences a sense of wonder, it validates all the time and effort I’ve poured into my craft. Knowing that my art has the power to touch someone’s emotions and bring joy to their lives is an incredible reward in itself.

Collaborating with fellow artists and creatives is also immensely rewarding. There’s a sense of camaraderie and shared passion that comes from working together to bring ideas to fruition. The exchange of perspectives, the creative sparks that ignite during collaborative projects, and the friendships formed along the way enrich my journey as an artist.

But perhaps what I’m most proud of is being part of a larger creative community that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. Being surrounded by individuals who share the same drive for innovation and artistic expression inspires me to constantly evolve and grow as an artist. It’s a humbling experience to contribute to this vibrant ecosystem and witness the collective impact we can make through our creative endeavors.

Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the opportunity to create something meaningful, share it with the world, and witness the positive effects it has on others. It’s a journey filled with passion, self-discovery, and the joy of making a difference through the power of art

Contact Info:

• Website: universe-ar.com
• Instagram: manuborrero
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuel-borrero/
• Other: TikTok manuborrero