Few voices are as powerful in the rapidly evolving field of 3D as Andrew Price's, often known as Blender Guru. In a recent live recording of SIGGRAPH 2025, Andrew joined the producers of the Bad Decisions Podcast to talk about the industry's future, the effects of artificial intelligence, and why small independent artists with audacious ideas might be the ones driving the next major artistic revolution rather than large studios!
From SIGGRAPH To The Future: A New Era For Artists.
Andrew started up by thinking back to SIGGRAPH 2025, when real-time route tracing in Blender and NVIDIA's DLSS were the main attractions. Real-time Cycles rendering was once thought to be unattainable, however it is now doable. These developments signify a democratization of creative power rather than merely being technological firsts. As Andrew pointed us, you can use these tools to create a film if a large studio can with just three people. Since they can now compete with large studios, independent artists are the real beneficiaries of new technology.
AI, Storytelling, And The Shifting Landscape.
The conversation naturally turned to artificial intelligence (AI), which is present in many facets of the creative industry. Many artists are concerned that AI will replace them, but Andrew took a different tack and said that big corporations that are burdened by their size and cost are the real threat. AI procedures allow individuals and smaller groups to freely tell unique stories without gatekeepers interfering.
He emphasized that future rewards will go to "high-agency" artists—those who not only create compelling plots but also believe they can autonomously produce whole films or video games. AI won't be able to rival Disney or Pixar in terms of having perfect hair, but it doesn't have to. Like YouTube accomplished with late-night TV, AI-powered independent productions can attract niche audiences with authentic, original content.
Neuralink and the Next Frontier.
Elon Musk's Neuralink project was mentioned in one of the more contentious conversations. In the future, Andrew and the hosts envisioned chips taking the place of headsets so that viewers and artists may connect straight to virtual environments. Do you want to accept the chip? The discussion brought to light the both the enthusiasm and the apprehension around the integration of technology and the human intellect. While Hollywood is dominated by dismal views, Andrew acknowledged that reality can be more complex—not utopia or dystopia, but a new reality in which people adjust to better tools.
The Rise of Independent Creators.
The discussion's focus on the experiences of people who are already succeeding as independent creators was arguably its most motivating aspect. The message was clear: the era of permissionless storytelling has arrived. This was demonstrated by YouTubers like Corey Williams converting personal ideas into multimillion-dollar offers and by small game studios creating critically acclaimed titles with just 30 developers.
Andrew advised artists not to stifle their initial creative impulses. With the availability of technologies like Blender, Unreal Engine, and AI-powered workflows, the problem is no longer one of resources but rather one of creativity and narrative.
Lessons from Failure and Growth.
The show also discussed Andrew's previous blunders, including his contentious NFT endeavors. He freely acknowledged that they took up months of work with little effect, teaching him valuable lessons about communication, timing, and community trust. However, these setbacks strengthened his conviction that perseverance and experimentation are essential qualities for prospering in the modern creative economy.
Looking Ahead.
Andrew is currently concentrating on teaching, creating a brand-new, all-inclusive Blender course that caters to both novice and expert users. His objective is to provide the upcoming generation of artists the self-assurance to transform concepts into fully realized narratives, in addition to technical proficiency.
Watch the full video interview below and stay informed on how technology has already starting shaping our community:
About Andrew Price:
Andrew Price, also known as Blender Guru, is a 3D artist, educator, and entrepreneur. Famous for his Donut Tutorial that has introduced millions to Blender, Andrew has spent over a decade empowering artists through accessible training, Polygon assets, and insightful talks on the future of creativity. Beyond tutorials, he is deeply engaged in exploring how AI and new technologies will reshape the role of artists in the coming decades.
About About Bad Decisions Studio:
Bad Decisions Studio is a creative powerhouse producing cutting-edge educational content, podcasts, and cinematic training programs for the 3D community. Based in Dubai and Vancouver, their mission is to democratize high-end filmmaking and game development tools, offering artists the knowledge and confidence to create professional work with lean teams and innovative workflows. Through their Bad Decisions Podcast, they bring thought leaders like Andrew Price to the forefront, sparking conversations that shape the future of digital art.
