We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Luis Garcia Grech a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Luis, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
With a background in architecture and experience in the Motion Graphics industry, I’ve immersed myself in two fields that thrive on creativity and the intricate creative process. In both realms, creativity is not merely a innate trait; it’s a dynamic force that requires constant nurturing and care.
A wise professor once shared the concept of our unique “Creativity Monster” residing within each of us—a force that demands continuous nourishment. To feed this creative essence means to be actively engaged in the creative process, embracing learning through hands-on experience and persistent iteration. I firmly believe that the quality and creativity of any idea are contingent on one’s ability to develop and refine it. This journey involves trying, failing, and then returning to the process of trying again.
In my transition from Architecture to the film and entertainment industry, I found the preservation of this “Creativity Monster” to be a natural step. My approach to creativity is rooted in design, and this ‘design method’ applies seamlessly to crafting not just buildings, but also movies, music videos, or commercial campaigns.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Originally an architect based in Madrid, I shifted from designing Airports and Hospitals to the Entertainment Industry fueled by an enduring curiosity for dynamic creative processes. In this exploration, I discovered SCI-Arc, a cutting-edge architecture school in Los Angeles, where the “Fiction & Entertainment” Postgraduate program led by architect-director Liam Young offered the perfect fusion of design and storytelling.
Post-program, I co-founded RAW, a studio of speculative worldbuilders and explorers of uncharted territories, alongside three colleagues from the program. At RAW, we seamlessly merge design with 3D technology to craft narrative worlds. Our multinational team hailing from Colombia, Israel, Belgium, and Spain brings diverse backgrounds, enriching our work with cultural depth and a distinct personality. Trained as architects, our collective passion for storytelling led us to the entertainment industry.
Leveraging experimental 3D technologies, virtual production, and traditional VFX pipelines, we employ AI tools and industry-leading software, including Unreal Engine, Houdini, Maya, Nuke, and Marvelous Designer. Each project, ranging from experimental short films to virtual production commercials, undergoes a meticulously crafted workflow, ensuring efficiency and aesthetic captivation.
As we navigate the future, our next steps remain uncertain, yet we eagerly anticipate designing mesmerizing worlds and collaborating on projects that will captivate our clients in the years ahead.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Certainly, my architectural training has been a cornerstone of my professional journey. Architects are honed as hands-on problem solvers, equipped to navigate any situation through consistent practice and endless iteration.
Central to this process is the “design method,” a versatile toolkit applicable not only in architecture but across any creative field. It has been instrumental in keeping my approach fresh and distinctive as I entered the entertainment industry.
In tandem, my passion for film and literature has sustained my thirst for knowledge and kept my inner child alive. Growing up in a family of movie enthusiasts, book lovers, historians, and journalists, the love and passion for storytelling have propelled me on the professional path I continue to pursue to this day.
As advice, I’d emphasize patience, persistence, and the importance of retaining the inner child that ignited your journey in the first place.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Thriving in this demanding and ever-evolving industry requires resilience, as pressure and overwhelming feelings become constants. Dedication, especially in the early stages of your professional journey, is crucial for achieving goals. However, maintaining a balanced life is equally essential.
In this context, striking a balance between personal and professional life becomes paramount. Recognizing when to take a break is essential. Personally, I find activities like going for a run, a swim, or a leisurely walk with good music, as well as reading a book in the park or enjoying a movie in the theater, to be as vital for professional growth as the actual work itself.
In creative fields, passion is a substantial driving force. Preserving the enthusiasm that led you to this point is crucial for sustained success. To maintain this, living a fulfilling life is essential, ensuring that your professional aspirations align with the personal life that brings you happiness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rawxworld.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lgarciagrech/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-garcia-grech-849b161a6/
Image Credits
Wired JP Nadi Saddy Actual Objects Jennifer Chen POSTPOSTPOST 4993 Feet Under
