Meet Patrick Foley | 3D Artist | Creative Director

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

Hi Patrick, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My work life balance has always been interesting, because the work I do was once a hobby I never expected to get paid from. I’ve never really had a problem with separating work with personal activities because they’ve always gone hand-in-hand. I started creating in 3D about 3 years ago in college in my free time, creating abstract designs to post on a dedicated instagram account. I was so invested in progressing in this newly found craft that I set out to post nearly one render a day, and kept that up for the next couple of years. Initially, there was no huge growth or business. But after about a year and a half, I began to see the potential, and how posting my work online was essentially a constant stream of marketing my skills to the world. Before long I was gaining followers (or as I saw them, potential clients) at an exponential rate. This of course pushed my motivation and drive even further. The great part is, all of this daily work I put in didn’t take more than a couple hours per day, so it has and still is very easy to manage time, along with working on client work, and having off time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what’s always set me apart from others is my drive to pursue new areas and new skillsets from nothing. And not only trying to learn new softwares, buying new equipment, or diving into new industries, but seeing them to the end and not giving up after a few weeks/months. I started early on in High School, taking photoshop and video classes pretty seriously, all while going to a pretty conservative school where most students end up going to college for business etc. I then dove into photography and videography, shooting music videos for local artists. I kept that up for 6 years, progressing to bigger shoots and bigger clientele. Eventually I stumbled upon the 3D world, where I noticed many of the skills I learned as a Director of Photography transferred over. The main point here is that the more industries and softwares I was able to dive into, the more everything started to come together, paving the way to be where I’m at now. Not to mention the people I’ve met along the way, that I see as colleagues, business partners, and friends.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would totally take someone all around the beltline around midtown, Piedmont park, and nine-mile station on top of Ponce City Market. Great food, great drinks, and a great time in all of those spots.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to take a moment to recognize Christina Maloney, a Motion Media professor at SCAD (Savannah College of Art & Design). Although I never took her courses or even studied motion media at school (I went for Film & Television), She became one of the main reasons I was able to study the software I now use everyday. I asked to meet with her and showed my interest in Cinema4D and she generously provided me with a student licence. That was huge, because at the time, I don’t think I would have pulled the trigger to buy the program, and thus may have never progressed to where I am now. It’s just a great thing to be able to level with a student she never had, see the interest, and help in anyway that she could. Thank you!

Website: Patrick4D.com
Instagram: @Patrick_4D
Other: Other IG – @Patrick_Foley