Ben Fryc | 3D Artist and Designer at Framer and Creator of Knob Keyboard

Today I'm speaking with Ben Fryc, a 3D artist, motion designer, and creative who's worked with Google, Figma, Loom, Wealthsimple, and now, for the last year, at Framer.I've followed Ben's work for years and really admired it. It's been exciting to watch his 3D and motion craft bring even more polish and energy to Framer's already stellar brand over the past year.In our conversation, we dove into his first year at Framer, the tight-knit marketing/video team, how he collaborates with folks like Andy Orsow, and the creative process behind their in-house work. We also covered his tool stack (Cinema 4D, Redshift, After Effects, Plasticity, and where each shines), the shift from freelance to full-time, his fantastical Knob series (and the role of Joseph Sims' sound design in elevating it), the wild journey turning those renders into real hardware with Work Louder, and where AI fits (mostly conceptual, not production).We also spoke about his personal work building the Knob keyboard, from "how hard could it be?" to shipping Batch 1: the compromises, community momentum, and what he'd tackle next with limitless resources (like a dream mouse or desk takeover). I really enjoyed this interview. Ben's a great guy. So I hope you do too.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ben Fryc and His Work

01:43 Joining Framer: A Year in Review

04:24 The Creative Team at Framer

07:31 The Role of 3D in Framer's Brand

10:30 Creative Process and Collaboration at Framer

13:32 Experimentation and Learning in Design

16:24 Tools of the Trade: 3D Design Software

19:13 Challenges in 3D Design and Production

22:16 The Intersection of Speed and Craft in Design

30:12 Navigating Project Timelines and Client Work

31:13 The Challenges of Scoping Projects

32:31 Pre-Production: Aligning Teams and Feedback

33:46 Rendering Techniques and Tools

34:11 Exploring Plasticity and the Knob Series

35:29 The Role of Sound Design in Visual Projects

38:16 From Concept to Creation: Designing a Keyboard

43:09 The Power of Willing Ideas into Existence

49:11 AI's Role in Motion Design and 3D Work

54:58 Looking Ahead: Future Projects at Framer