Hey there! I’m Rob, a 3D artist born and raised in Long Island, New York. Like many, I grew up watching animated films, cartoons, and spending way too many hours gaming. Immersed in the 2000s pop culture, I was always surrounded by art, sketching and doodling whenever I got bored, though I never really thought of it as something I could develop or turn into a career.

What really stuck with me were the behind-the-scenes features on DVDs. I loved seeing how movies were made. The sets, the effects, and all the creativity that brought those worlds to life. As I got older, my fascination with technology only grew, especially seeing how quickly things were evolving and how imagination could blend with innovation.

In high school, I became more of a car enthusiast, which led me to study Automotive Technology at my local community college. However, when I took my first 3D course using Autodesk Inventor, everything clicked. It made me step back and reconsider my career path. I realized I could merge my creativity, curiosity, and love for technology in a way that felt truly fulfilling. That discovery led me into the world of 3D art and inspired me to pursue an Animation degree at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). 

More recently, I’ve been diving deeper into Houdini, drawn to just how powerful the tool can be. One standout moment that really inspired me was at SIGGRAPH 2024, where DNEG showcased how they captured the realism of the sand and sandworm in Dune. I was amazed by how much I didn’t know and how much was possible with this software. That sense of discovery is incredibly exciting to me and motivates me to keep learning and exploring more of the tool for myself.

Outside of 3D, or whenever I’m not at my desk,  I like to stay active and explore the things that keep me inspired. You can probably find me at a hockey game (getting way too invested in my team), at the gym, doing an outdoor activity, or checking out a local coffee or food spot. I’m also a lifelong Star Wars fan, particularly of the prequels, which gets too much hate. I enjoy playing guitar, taking casual photos, reading, and spending time with friends and family. Whether it’s through music, pop culture, or everyday activities, I’m always trying to find ways to stay curious and creative.