Meet Joe Ryba

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joe Ryba a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Joe, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
When it comes to my work ethic, I attribute it to a combination of influences and personal values. I owe a great deal to my upbringing. As a kid, I was surrounded by people who emphasized the value of hard work and dedication. My parents and family instilled in me the importance of putting in the effort to achieve my goals, laying the foundation for my work ethic.

I have also always been fueled by an inner drive to excel. Setting high standards for myself and taking pride in the quality of my work has been a driving force throughout my journey. This internal motivation compels me to consistently push my boundaries and uphold a strong work ethic in all my endeavors.

Additionally, my work ethic is deeply intertwined with my creative passion. I approach each new challenge with a sense of enthusiasm and curiosity, driven by a genuine love for what I do. This creative spark not only fuels my motivation but also inspires me to innovate and explore new possibilities in my work.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m grateful for the chance to share my journey as a 3D artist. Coming from a small town, I didn’t know a creative career was a real possibility and actually didn’t encounter 3D animation until college. I always knew I wanted to do something with my creativity, and it was the seemingly endless possibilities of 3D animation that ultimately captivated me. Over the past 13 years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with talented individuals across diverse industries, encountering unique challenges that fueled my creativity.

What truly drives me is the endless potential of 3D art. While I appreciate all aspects of the craft, I find deep satisfaction in crafting abstract visuals and playing with light and shadow. For the past 8 years, I’ve challenged myself to create a new 3D animated piece every day, pushing my skills and sparking continuous growth and innovation.

I believe what sets my work apart is my relentless pursuit of innovation and my commitment to telling captivating visual stories. Currently, I’m a full-time 3D artist with the design group at HP Inc while continuing my personal daily creative journey.

My path as a 3D artist has been marked by unwavering dedication, a drive to push creative boundaries, and a constant thirst for growth. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had so far and eagerly anticipate further exploration and innovation in the world of 3D art.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three things really stood out in my creative journey: resilience, curiosity, and humility.

Resilience: Not being afraid to try things that might fail and being able to bounce back from setbacks has been crucial. Don’t let failures hold you back; see them as opportunities to learn and grow.

Curiosity: Always staying curious has really kept me moving forward. Never stop learning and trying new things—it’s the best way to find what your artistic style is, what your passionate about and will ultimately help you improve.

Humility: Staying humble has helped me learn from others and grow as an artist. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback and keep an open mind. No matter how long you’ve been doing something, there’s always room to improve.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
After working as a 3D artist for over 13 years, my main challenge right now is trying not to plateau or get too complacent. To overcome this, I’m constantly seeking out new challenges and pushing myself to explore different styles, techniques, and technologies. Whether it’s experimenting with new software, collaborating with other artists, or taking on projects outside of my comfort zone, I’m always striving to expand my skills and evolve as an artist.

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