Bringing 3D into Motion Design: A Conversation with Ruben Lara

Meet Ruben Lara

Ruben Lara is a professional illustrator and motion graphics artist with a career spanning decades. His journey started in elementary school, where he developed a deep passion for art and design. Over the years, he has continuously expanded his skill set, embracing new tools and techniques to stay ahead in the creative industry.

Ruben has worked in various roles, including storyboarding, concept art, package design, and motion graphics. His ability to adapt and evolve has been a driving force behind his success. As an instructor for Jumpstart’s Motion Maestro program, Ruben is teaching Blender for motion designers—a course designed to integrate 3D into an After Effects workflow.

Watch the Interview

🎥 Watch our full conversation with Ruben Lara below:

Key Takeaways from the Interview

• Blender as a Motion Design Tool: Many motion designers hesitate to use Blender because they assume it’s primarily for 3D modeling and character animation. Ruben’s course focuses on how Blender can enhance After Effects workflows without requiring extensive 3D expertise.
• Leveraging 3D for Storytelling: Ruben discusses how 3D elements can be used for dynamic motion design, bringing more depth to projects that would otherwise be limited to 2D.
• The Importance of Versatility: Throughout his career, Ruben has emphasized the need for creatives to expand their skills beyond their primary expertise. Whether it’s illustration, storyboarding, or motion graphics, adaptability is key to long-term success.
• Curating Learning Resources: Ruben highlights the overwhelming amount of learning materials available online and stresses the importance of curated learning paths—something Jumpstart aims to provide.

Final Thoughts

Ruben’s expertise bridges the gap between traditional motion design and 3D workflows, helping students develop a practical understanding of Blender without getting lost in unnecessary complexity. His course in the Motion Maestro program is designed to equip motion designers with the skills they need to integrate 3D seamlessly into their work.

👉 Ready to take your motion design skills to the next level? Learn more about the Jumpstart Motion Maestro program [here].

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