We recently had the chance to connect with Rahul Gupta and have shared our conversation below.
Rahul, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, drumming has been a big source of joy for me. After spending most of my day in front of a screen working on digital effects and simulations, it feels grounding to create something completely physical and immediate. I’ve always had a deep love for percussion, there’s something about rhythm that’s both meditative and energizing.
Apart from drumming, I try to keep a healthy balance with things that make me feel alive: staying active, exploring new places, new cuisines, and picking up hobbies that have nothing to do with work like hiking and playing board games.
Creativity doesnt have to stay behind a monitor!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Rahul Gupta, I operate under the alias Arctiem. A VFX and real-time FX Technical Director who builds cinematic visual effects at for film, and commercials using game engines and procedural tools. I also direct shots and design sequences, working out camera moves, timing, visual flow and scripts.
I split my time between hands-on simulation work (pyro, fluids, cloth and character FX) and integrating those pieces into real-time pipelines using Houdini, Nuke and Unreal Engine. Some of my work includes creating explosions, fires, waterfalls, building destructions, among other things.
I work with EDGLRD in Miami, where I’ve helped shape highly experimental, hybrid projects that blur cinema and interactive visuals — from music videos and editorial work to festival films and commercial campaigns. As part of EDGLRD, I have contributed to high-profile and experimentally driven projects — including work on Aggro Dr1ft and Baby Invasion, and collaborations involving artists and brands such as Bladee, Yung Lean, The Weeknd, Nike, Vans and Boiler Room, I have also contributed to Art Galleries in California.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I think the part of me that has served its purpose and can now be released is my fine arts phase. I began my creative journey through traditional art: figure drawing, charcoal sketches, human anatomy studies, architectural renderings, and plein-air sessions. Those years taught me how to observe, interpret, and build with intention.
But over time, I’ve realized that I no longer need to practice those skills daily, they’ve become part of my instinct, my internal visual library. That foundation shaped how I see light, motion, and form, and it still quietly guides every simulation I create or a shot/movie I direct.
It’s something I deeply value, but I no longer need to hold onto it the same way. Letting it go means trusting that those lessons have already become part of who I am.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
It’s okay to not have everything figured out. Trust your instincts, be brave and be brave enough to be different.
Follow the least tread path and you will differentiate yourself in the crowd.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies my industry tells itself is that success is guaranteed if you just work hard enough. In reality, talent and effort matter, but luck, timing, and connections play an equally huge role. Many incredibly skilled people never get the break they deserve, while others succeed seemingly overnight.
It’s a mix of craft, opportunity, and chance, not just hard work alone.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m completely absorbed in something, whether it’s building a scene, watching light move through smoke, or just walking somewhere quiet with no rush to be anywhere.
It especially helps if I am personally invested in a project and I want to attach my name to it, that’s when I start losing track of time!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arctiem.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arctiem
