Zac Farmer
Photos provided by Zac Farmer.
5(ish) Questions for is a chance to discover and learn about St. Louis Creatives, Community Champions, and, well, just interesting people in and around our city. It's a deep dive into what they love and where their passion lies. It's an opportunity for all of us to see our region from a different perspective. This written interview is a peek into their lives and their outlook on St. Louis.
Welcome Zac Farmer, a self-taught 3D artist and animator who turned a hobby into a thriving freelance career by leveraging online resources and personal projects. Farmer discusses the rapid evolution of the 3D animation industry, driven by technologies like real-time rendering and AI, while emphasizing the importance of experimentation and persistence. Inspired by St. Louis’ supportive creative community, he credit’s the city’s collaborative spirit and untapped potential for fostering growth and innovation in his work.
Still from a Zac Farmer 3D animation.
Tell us about yourself.
I’m a self-taught 3D artist and animator who specializes in Blender. I started out experimenting with animation as a hobby, then turned it into a full-time freelance career. Over the years, I’ve worked on everything from motion graphics and explainer videos to YouTube content and 3D animation for brands.
How did you get started?
I got started in 3D animation after realizing that Blender gave me the freedom to create anything I imagined. I was self-taught through online tutorials, trial and error, and by actively engaging with the online 3D art community. I started freelancing after creating a few personal projects and eventually turned it into a full-time career.
How is your industry evolving?
The 3D animation industry is evolving rapidly, especially with advancements in real-time rendering and tools like Unreal Engine. More industries are adopting 3D animation, from advertising to entertainment to even architecture and virtual environments. The growth of augmented and virtual reality is also pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in 3D art.
What role do you think technology will play in your field in the future?
Technology will continue to revolutionize the 3D animation field. As AI and machine learning improve, we’ll likely see more efficient workflows, automatic rigging, and real-time rendering capabilities that make creating complex animations faster and more accessible. Virtual reality and augmented reality will also expand the ways we interact with 3D content, giving us new platforms for storytelling and design.
Still from a Zac Farmer 3D animation.
Who has been your greatest mentor, and what was the most valuable lesson they taught you?
My greatest mentor has been a combination of online creators and the broader Blender community. I’ve learned so much from the shared knowledge of others, especially when it comes to problem-solving and staying persistent through challenges. The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to keep experimenting and not be afraid to fail, because failure often leads to the biggest breakthroughs.
Describe a project or idea (not necessarily your own) that has inspired you. Why?
A project that has inspired me is the Arcane series on Netflix. The level of detail in the 3D animation and how seamlessly it blends hand-painted textures with digital animation is breathtaking. It shows how 3D art can tell a story with emotion and depth, and it pushes the boundaries of what animation can do when backed by creativity and technology.
What are some of your goals for the next year, or the next 5 years?
In the next year, I hope to expand my portfolio, particularly in the realm of long-form content, and collaborate with more creators. Over the next five years, I want to grow my own animation studio, bring on other talented animators, and push the boundaries of 3D animation in innovative ways. I also aim to mentor other aspiring artists and contribute more to the community through tutorials and workshops.
What are some of the most important things that our audience can do to support you?
The best way for the audience to support me is by engaging with my content—whether that’s liking, sharing, or leaving feedback. The more people engage with my work, the more visibility it gets, which helps me continue to grow and create more. Also, if you're in need of 3D animation work, don't hesitate to reach out for collaborations!
What inspires you about St. Louis?
St. Louis has an incredibly tight-knit creative community, and I’m inspired by the collaborative spirit here. There’s a real sense of support for local artists and entrepreneurs, and I think the city is full of untapped potential. It’s exciting to be part of a community that values creativity and is pushing to grow its cultural presence.
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