My Journey into VR/AR: Wins, Struggles, and Moving Forward
So, a lot has happened recently. Last years April, I wrapped up the Birmingham Open Media (BOM) Immersive Art Bootcamp, showcased my projects, and honestly? I’m pretty proud of what I achieved. It was a solid experience that helped me build new skills and confidence in creating immersive art. But, as with any big milestone, there’s always that little voice in the back of my head asking, "What’s next?"
Jumping into Passion Projects and Learning Motion Design
Rather than sitting around waiting for the next big thing, I’ve been diving into passion projects and picking up new skills like motion design. It’s been exciting to explore different creative avenues, but I won’t lie—it’s also overwhelming at times. There’s SO much to learn in the world of VR/AR, and it sometimes feels like I’ll never catch up.
The thing with passion projects is that they give you a sense of freedom that structured learning doesn’t always offer. You get to explore without the pressure of deadlines or external expectations. But with that freedom also comes a lack of direction sometimes. I’ve had to be really intentional about setting goals and milestones for myself, or else I’d just be tinkering endlessly without actually progressing.
I’ve been playing around with different styles and techniques, figuring out what resonates with me creatively. Learning motion design has been a fascinating process—it’s like a bridge between the static and dynamic, bringing 3D work to life. The challenge, though, is that it requires a whole new way of thinking about movement, timing, and interaction. It’s not just about making things look cool; it’s about creating motion that feels natural and immersive.
The Imposter Syndrome Spiral
Lately, I’ve been feeling imposter syndrome hit hard. Shifting from software engineering into VR/AR has been a wild ride, but breaking into the immersive art industry isn’t exactly easy. I keep catching myself comparing my work to others in the field and questioning whether I’m "good enough." Logically, I know that everyone has their own journey, but emotionally? That’s a whole other battle.
One thing I’ve learned is that imposter syndrome never fully goes away—it just shifts as you progress. At first, I felt like an outsider because I didn’t have much experience in immersive art. Now, even with some projects under my belt, I still struggle with feeling like I don’t belong. It’s a frustrating cycle, but I’ve been trying to remind myself that the only way to improve is to keep going, even when self-doubt creeps in.
Talking to others in the industry has helped a lot. I’ve realized that even people I admire—those with years of experience—still feel like they don’t know enough sometimes. That’s just part of being in a constantly evolving field. The key is to focus on progress rather than perfection.
The Setbacks: Stolen Laptop and Job Rejections
Just when I was getting into a groove, life threw some curveballs my way. My laptop was stolen, which completely derailed my momentum. It took a while to get a new one (shoutout to my relatives for the support!), but the delay really tanked my motivation. On top of that, I’ve been getting rejection after rejection for jobs, which definitely isn’t helping my confidence.
Losing my laptop was more than just an inconvenience—it was a hit to my workflow and motivation. I had files, projects, and notes that I suddenly couldn’t access. Even with backups, it felt like a major setback. It’s wild how much we rely on our tech, and when it’s taken away, you realize just how much of your creative process is tied to it.
The job rejections have been tough too. Every "no" feels personal, even when I know it’s not. I’ve been trying to remind myself that rejection is part of the process, but that doesn’t make it any easier. Each rejection stings a little, making me question if I’m on the right path. But I keep telling myself that every "no" gets me closer to the right opportunity.
Playing to My Strengths
After a lot of reflection, I’ve decided to lean into what I’m naturally good at:
Problem-solving & analytical thinking
Project management
Technical documentation
Technical adaptability
Data analysis & decision-making
Instead of focusing on what I don’t have, I’m shifting my mindset to highlight the skills I do bring to the table. I know I have a strong foundation in technical and creative problem-solving—it’s just a matter of finding the right way to apply it.
One of my biggest strengths is my ability to break down complex problems into manageable steps. Whether it’s troubleshooting an issue in Unreal Engine 5 or figuring out how to optimize a 3D asset, I thrive in problem-solving scenarios. That’s something I need to remind myself of more often. I might not be the best 3D Visualisation Specialist or XR Designer yet, but I have a strong technical mindset that can set me apart in the industry.
Knowing My "Why"
At the end of the day, I keep reminding myself why I started this journey in the first place. I want to create immersive experiences that blend art, science, and technology. I want to build something meaningful. This industry might be tough to break into, but I’m in it for the long haul.
So, if you’re also feeling stuck, questioning your skills, or dealing with setbacks—just know you’re not alone. Keep going, play to your strengths, and most importantly, remember your "why."
Until next time!
