The journey to AR filters wasn’t easy for Paris-born Rocha, but the creator, who studied Art History at the Sorbonne University, is making the most of it. Now making filters for clients and for pleasure, the former makeup artist is making waves in filter innovation. I learned more about the artist and the story behind her incredible, fun, and surreal filters.
Q: When did you start making filters and incorporating AR into your work?
A: Everything started with […] the loss of my grandparents. I dove into a big depression and [it lead] me to a suicide attempt. The stroke left me severe motor problems…I lost the [fine motor function] of my right hand and leg. I was a makeup artist so I had to let go of my profession.
My only companions became filters [on social media]. The first filter I saw was from Marc Wakefield. So, I decided to make stories with it. After that, my passion for AR grew — my love for the community also, and I started creating filters.
Q: Which filter (of ones you’ve made or others) is your current favorite?
A: My favorite filter is the most simple but had a huge impact at the time. It’s called Alive. It’s about mental health awareness. I wanted to share my story and the message was that we have to stay alive no matter what because things change and good things can happen, as it happened to me with AR. Every creator used this filter to show their support and to share the message. It was beautiful. Some artists [such] as makeup artists and dancers participated in this cause through their own art. It made me so happy.
Q: What do you like about creating digital art pieces along with traditional makeup looks?
A: As I said earlier, I was a makeup artist and I lost my hand, so I had to give [the profession] up. [But] thanks to AR, I can continue making what I love, and make women feel beautiful.
But what I like the most is the chance we [as creators] have to create a world for the ones [we reach]. So many people live in misery, people who are sick, people who are oppressed in so many ways, people who have no voice to express themselves — we can give all of that [to them] through our creations.
Q: As a Facebook Spark AR Partner, where do you see the future of social media going?
A: Well, I hope it will bring people together and not the opposite. And I hope it will help people as it helped me. I hope AR will continue to grow for all kinds of art to be one.
Q: What has been your favorite client project so far?
A: So far my favorite project was two makeup filters for a huge makeup artist called Inês Franco. That’s what I like to do [most]. But right now I’m on two exciting projects that I can’t talk about [at] the moment.
Q: If time and budget weren’t an issue, what would be your ideal project?
A: Honestly I would want to work for Spark AR and build a program for young creators and for small Instagram accounts. Nowadays, people follow popularity and not the talent. It’s frustrating to see so much talent and nobody helps them to be seen. So that’s my goal! I [also] love makeup projects and projects [that are] for a good cause.
Keep up-to-date with Rocha on her Instagram.
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