Rising Stars: Meet Ricky Baba of West LA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ricky Baba

Hi Ricky, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From a young age, it was clear to my parents and teachers that I had a talent for the visual arts. Whether it was experimenting with watercolors or creating intricate colored pencil sketches, art always held a special place in my life. In high school, I found myself reconnecting with art while still balancing my love for math and science. One day, my art teacher offered some pivotal advice: I should consider pursuing art in college, specifically at Sheridan College, which was conveniently located near my hometown. I grew up in Scarborough, a suburb just east of Toronto, where I was born.

After a few years working at an animation studio in Toronto, I took a leap and moved to Los Angeles to join DreamWorks Animation as a 3D artist. Over the following five years, I contributed to major animated film franchises like Shrek and Kung Fu Panda. Craving a new challenge, I transitioned into the gaming industry, where I spent another five years building games and expanding my skills.

Eventually, I was drawn to the emerging AR/VR space and joined Yahoo in Playa Vista. At the time, AR was still in its infancy, but I was captivated by its potential for innovation and creative exploration. In my free time, I started designing Instagram filters, pushing the platform to create immersive and high-quality AR experiences.

That passion and experimentation paved the way for a role at Instagram, where I served as an Art Director on the Augmented Reality team. I’m currently an Art Director at Meta with a focus on Metaverse products.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been anything but smooth. As a Canadian, immigration has been a constant uphill battle. Every new job or opportunity required a temporary work visa, and crossing the border always came with uncertainty. I’ve been pulled aside for secondary screenings more times than I can count, subjected to intense questioning, and, on several occasions, outright denied entry. At one point, repeated denials meant I couldn’t return to the U.S., and I essentially lost my job as a result.

Staying ahead in my field has been another significant challenge. I’ve always believed in constant learning and pushing myself to improve, but that takes serious commitment. The creative industry evolves at lightning speed—new tools, technologies, and methods of making art seem to emerge overnight. It’s hard to keep up, especially now with the rapid introduction of AI tools. Staying relevant requires focus and discipline, so I dedicate time to learning, no matter how overwhelming it feels.

The competition is tougher than ever, which means I can’t afford to slow down. I spend late nights working on personal projects to sharpen my skills and explore new ideas. While this helps me stay competitive, it’s exhausting—mentally, physically, and emotionally. Balancing that drive with other parts of life is a constant struggle.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an Art Director at Meta’s Reality Labs, where I focus on developing VR products and crafting the visual design of Avatars in the Metaverse. Before this role, I was supporting the AR Design team at Instagram as a Managing Art Director. My career began in the world of animated films, working as a Concept Artist and eventually a 3D Artist at DreamWorks Animation in Glendale, CA. I’ve also had the opportunity to teach at the Gnomon School of Visual Effects in Hollywood, sharing my experience with the next generation of artists.

Over the years, I’ve built a reputation for staying ahead of industry trends and tackling a diverse range of creative challenges. One of my proudest accomplishments is my ability to dive into entirely new fields – whether it’s film, gaming, or AR/VR – and figure out how to thrive. I enjoy turning abstract ideas into compelling visual stories that inspire and engage audiences.

What truly sets me apart is my willingness to get hands-on. I don’t just direct from the sidelines; I actively collaborate with the team, working side by side to bring ideas to life. This approach strengthens the creative process, builds trust within the team, and keeps me constantly learning and refining my craft.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rickybaba.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/rickybaba
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/rickybaba
• Twitter: https://x.com/rickybabatweets
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rickybaba

Image Credits
Kung Fu Panda 2, Rise of the Guardians, Shrek Forever After are property of DreamWorks Animation. TMNT art is my personal work.