Meet the Magnopians: Jo Murayama
Jo Murayama is a visual artist at Magnopus. Since joining the team in June 2024, Jo has been crafting immersive visual experiences. Before Magnopus, Jo built a diverse career as a video editor and growth marketer for e-commerce brands, and VFX artist/supervisor for commercials, music videos, and indie films. His passion for VFX and filmmaking began in junior high school, where his YouTube videos gained attention and kickstarted his career as a freelancer at just 15. Jo studied film and television direction at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena before fully immersing himself in video production and VFX. Born in Tokyo, Jo has called Los Angeles home since the age of eight, drawing inspiration from both cultures to fuel his creativity. He recently spoke to CGWorld Japan about his experience working overseas.
Tell us more about your role at Magnopus
As a visual artist at Magnopus, I get to engage in some of the most exciting, cutting-edge technologies that bridge the gap between physical and digital experiences. These technologies complement my speciality in compositing, which means combining different visual elements – such as live-action footage, CGI, and effects – into a seamlessly combined image. Visual artists here are similar to generalists in the VFX industry, which involves multiple different skills within the field of visual effects. However, at Magnopus, this role involves a lot more creative and technical depth as we’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
What attracted you to Magnopus?
Having spent a lot of time in growth marketing and freelance visual effects, I found myself often wanting to work on projects that push my creative boundaries. Unlocking ways to do that through rigorously researching, experimenting, and collaborating has always been the way I’ve grown as an artist. Magnopus’ innovative ways of connecting physical and digital worlds aligned perfectly with my passion for creative innovation. Before joining Magnopus, I primarily worked on personal projects and small independent ventures. So being part of an environment that’s more structured has been a significant career milestone for me. On top of that, the opportunity to work alongside some of the most forward-thinking, genuinely kind, and top-of-the-class artists and producers, who bring incredible experiences from AR/VR and VFX industries, was an offer I couldn’t pass up. I’m very glad to have joined – every day is exciting and rewarding.
Tell us how you got into VFX
Growing up, I was always fascinated by movies and constantly engaged in artistic expression. In my early childhood, I spent countless hours building cardboard houses, doodling in notebooks, and bringing new creations to life with LEGO.
In middle school, I got into watching YouTubers making creative content. My friend and I decided to make videos inspired by them. Eventually, we met another group of friends doing the same thing, but they specialized in visual effects. Being fascinated by their skills, I eventually learned how to use the same tools they were using – Adobe After Effects. Since the 7th grade, I would spend my after school hours watching YouTube tutorials to learn new visual effects skills, so that I can make my videos more advanced. Inevitably, I fell in love with filmmaking, the process, and the vast history of cinema. Through high school, I experimented with 3D tools and learned how to create photorealistic assets, utilizing programs like 3ds Max and Cinema4D. It was the early exposure to both art and technology that ultimately led me to pursue a career in VFX, where I could bring the same kind of experiences to others that I felt as a child.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not working?
When I’m not working, I like spending time with my friends; I often try new food spots, have group dinner/movie nights, and explore hiking trails with them. We also travel once or twice a year, either on a road trip to a nearby city we haven’t explored, or a new country. Around New Year, I fly back to Tokyo to spend the holidays with my parents, the rest of my family, and some of my childhood friends. I typically don’t work during this time of the year, so I can recharge and spend quality time with them. It’s one of my favorite things to look forward to throughout the year as I only get to see them once a year.
What's a unique tradition or ritual you have in your life that brings you joy or fulfillment?
James Hoffmann is an English barista, YouTuber, entrepreneur, coffee consultant, and author.
One of my hobbies is making specialty coffee; sourcing whole beans from different roasters, and dialing in flavour profiles using different grind settings, brewing tools, and techniques. I got into this a few years ago when I came across videos about coffee on YouTube made by James Hoffmann, an award-winning barista from the UK. Now, it’s a crucial part of my morning routine, making and drinking the perfect cup of coffee to start the day.
If you had unlimited resources and funding, what project or initiative would you launch?
I would like to pursue some of my personal passion projects in narrative films!
What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives?
Traveling and meeting new people in different parts of the world.
What would you consider to be your ‘superpower’?
Being able to organize my dishwasher in the most optimal way possible, without missing a single dish.
