Meet Phil Walton | Snap AR Creator Ambassador & Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Phil Walton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Phil, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I spent ten years working as a 3D animator and then as a freelance creative before I discovered Lens Studio, an AR development software from Snapchat. Augmented Reality (AR) was a technology that traditionally required some serious programming skills, but with Lens Studio I found it was very user friendly for someone with an art background. Not only was it something that I could not only build amazing AR experiences with, but marketers for brands and businesses were exploring this emerging technology to reach their customers– and hiring folks like me to build them. It was something that I really enjoyed doing, and I found that people all over the world responded to the Snapchat creations I was making, so I continued to pursue it. It took some time to build a good portfolio, but eventually I had clients coming to me to build them experiences. I eventually decided to open my own studio to handle all the incoming requests. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of creating effects for brands like, Lionsgate Films, Nickelodeon, CBS, Hulu and Taco Bell.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It took me about a year to find my creative voice with Augmented Reality. It a medium that merges advanced technolgy with visual and auditotry elements, but also interactivity. Part of the fun is creating experiences that let the user take and make all their own. I experimented a lot as I grew and become more comfortable with the program, but eventually discovered a signature style that really resonated with people and it’s kinda become the type of experience that is recognizable, even if the don’t know who is behind it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m actually in the Nashville area, so places I like to take visitors and friend is down to Broadway to see the Honky Tonks then go out for barbecue at Martin’s.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve had a lot of support and encouragment for my professional journey. Specifically my wife and family, who believe in me even if they don’t fully understand what I do. Also all the wonderful people I’ve met along the journey like my wildly talented fellow creators who are a constant source of community and inspiration. And also the amazing people who work at Snap, Inc. They really care about not only making a great platform for people to express their creativity and grow their businesses, but they care about us as people too.

Website: https://www.auguryar.com/

Instagram: @phillip.walton

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-walton-2669a62/

Twitter: @fireandknife

Other: Snapchat – @phillip.walton