Munich, August 2024 – Ykonic Talents, YKONE‘s Germany talent management subsidiary, is now representing Amelie Runkel, their first AI/AR artist. YKONE has long recognized the significance of AI and AR in digital art, assisting clients across various sectors, including Martell, MB&F, and Experience Abu Dhabi, in expanding their brand reach and creating innovative campaigns through AI and AR.
Now, YKONE is taking a step further thanks to Ykonic Talents by representing digital artists, starting with Amelie Runkel. Based in Berlin, Amelie is a leading Physidigital Artist renowned for her expertise in Augmented Reality, 3D Animation, and Motion Design. Her work exemplifies the cutting edge of augmented reality and digital art, merging technology with creativity to deliver unique and engaging experiences for prominent brands.
Meet Amelie Runkel, an Ykonic Talent
Can you share your journey and what inspired you to become a Physidigital Artist specializing in augmented reality and 3D Animation?
I was introduced to augmented reality during my design studies and wrote my bachelor thesis on animated augmented reality in the museum context. I researched how augmented reality could add excitement to the museum experience and its educational mission. Then I realized: augmented reality has great potential to surprise users and engage them in an innovative way – not only in education, but also in entertainment and marketing.
How do you approach blending technology and creativity in your projects, and what challenges do you face in this process?
Creativity is my top priority. Once I have a clear understanding of the target group, I develop creative ideas that can be brought to life using AR and 3D technologies first before checking technical possibilities. In the implementation phase, I ensure that both the user experience and visual quality are optimized, as both are factors that can limit the success of an augmented reality experience. For me, high visual quality and innovation are the most important for blending creation and technology. This is usually the biggest challenge: combining innovation and feasibility.
You are working with many different industries. Which one inspires you the most, and why?
I am very inspired by the music industry, for which I create animations for music videos and creative augmented reality ideas, among other things. Music has always been a great source of inspiration for me, and combining my visual art with aural art is a great enrichment for me. Everything that is part of my personal lifestyle; music, fashion, traveling, beauty, are industries that I like to work creatively in because I can identify with them.
Could you tell us about your most memorable project and what made it stand out for you?
Last year, I was one of four artists to create an exterior design for Lexus’ new SUV model. I combined my physical art with an augmented reality animation that visualized how my artwork would look on the car. The design was then realized this year on a one-off. Augmented reality was the perfect technology in this project to bridge the gap between the creative art industry and the technical automotive industry.
You are also collaborating with artists like Cevin Parker. Could you explain the process and what you enjoy about this kind of artistic collaboration?
In previous shared projects, the collaboration was always characterized by a close exchange and input from both sides to develop a creative idea that both could identify with. What I appreciate about collaborative projects is that a new artistic style can develop from two individual points of view and that I can always learn something from projects with other artists: Be it the understanding of art, the sources of inspiration or the approach to projects; especially from the joint projects with Cevin Parker I can learn a lot from his experience.
Amelie’s portfolio showcases her use of AR and digital art across various industries. Her past projects include creating an interactive AR experience for Babor’s skincare packaging at Art Basel Miami, showcasing AR art for Nike Air Max Day, and featuring her work in Schön!Switzerland magazine with 3D AR via QR codes. She also developed a 3D animation for Dreissigacker Winery’s labels and an AR exhibition concept for the Kubach-Wilmsen Foundation’s stone sculpture museum.
These projects underscore her ability to blend technology and creativity, making her a valuable addition to Ykonic Talents.
For any collaboration inquiries, please reach out to:
Anne Höweler
anneh@ykone.com
