Paul Deo

Paul Deo is a visionary artist revolutionizing the integration of spirit and technology. Growing up between New York City and New Orleans, he found early inspiration in the Apollo Theater performances of soulful artists and dancing in the streets to the second line parades of New Orleans, absorbing the rich flavors of both cultures. His psychedelic historical paintings and murals illuminate many areas throughout NYC. In 2019 New York Magazine voted his renowned, mixed media mural, “Planet Harlem” as one of New York City’s Best Places to Visit. 

From painting street gang jackets as a 7-year-old to his current work designing in 3D virtual reality space, Deo puts his heart and soul into everything he does. With a degree in Information Technology, he has continued to explore the connections between left and right brain to tap into infinite creative potential. Inspired by his work with refugee orphans from Guatemala and Honduras, he developed MyndTeam, an Intelligent Personal Assistant which allows users to create personalized teams of advisers in cyberspace. 

As Artist in Residence at Harvard University, Paul worked with students and local Native American tribes to merge an understanding, teamed with Augmented Pictures and created the first augmented reality mural on the campus. In 2019, he was honored to be selected by visionary director Spike Lee to paint the official mural for his 30th Anniversary celebration of the film, “Do The Right Thing.” 

Through his StuDeo company, Paul is known for sparking inspiration with his uplifting and energetic art teaching style. His students include incarcerated, at risk high school teens, and young people from elementary to college level. Most recently, he received the prestigious Carnegie Hall NeON Arts Grant and used it to start StarSeed Art and Technology, digital arts entrepreneur school. Through StarSeed A&T and StuDeo, Paul continues to embody his vision of opening the doors to the infinite potential of digital technologies and imagination to heal, entertain and earn money.

Will Roberts

Will Roberts is an award-winning NYC-based XR Director and immersive experience designer whose longtime interest has been exploring the intersection of technology,  modern folklore, and the human experience. Will is a former football player at the University of Oklahoma where he earned his B.A. in African Studies and later earned an M.F.A in 3D Animation and Interactive Art from Southern Illinois University. 

While earning his M.F.A, Will got his start in VR as a researcher, entrepreneur, and virtual world builder in the OG VR platform “SecondLife”. With his passion for technology and storytelling, Will also has designed for the film, technology, gaming and publishing industries. 

Will is the Founder and Creative Director at Augmented Pictures, a NYC-based immersive design and animation studio. Augmented Pictures primarily produces interactive and edutainment content for augmented and virtual reality. Outside of world building, Will cherishes time building up underprivileged youth. From documenting the lives of Liberian war orphans to leading youth empowerment programs in New York City, connecting and giving back to others is his ultimate purpose.