Whatartist is a research and design studio, based in Los Angeles, founded by Aaron Bocanegra in 2001. We merge art, design, and technology to tell stories, create experiences, and develop custom tools. Our strength is our ability to solve diverse problems and consider entire systems to take an idea from research, through production, to distribution.

installation art
Large Scale installations for public or private purposes
interactive art
Works that utilize feedback from the viewer to create immersive experienes
public art
Large scale works for cities or institutions with interactive light elements
photography
Large/Medium/Small Format: Product, Architecture, Jewelry, Fashion, Catalog, Food, Music/Live Event, Documentary, Photojournalism
filmmaking
Producing, Directing, Editing, Cinematography, Sound Design, Motion Graphics, Special Effects, Color Grading: Small, independent films, documentary, music video, narrative-short film or feature length
sound design
Gaming or film design, interactive, realtime generative, SuperCollider, Protools, Audition, Ardour. Field recording. Design for documentarty, independent, short or feature length films
motion graphics
After Effects, Maya, Smoke, Flame. Programmatic design or static design for gaming or film
stage visuals
Theatrical design for plays or performances including static or interactive media, lighting, and sound design.
lighting design
From art, to home, commercial, or interactive we can design exciting light displays for any purpose.

With a background and fine art, photography, and filmmaking, and interactive media, we are versatile and capable of realizing media art projects of all scales. Our photography studio is capable of every format and field.

media art
prototyping
tool building
circuit boards
electronics
leds
interactivity
automation
sensors
data

Our studio can design, develop, and manufacture custom software and hardware tools to meet your needs in the arts, science, and technology. All our work is based on the principles of the open source community and creative commons.

technology
interaction (IxD)
graphic
user interface (UI)
industrial
product
data visualization
systems
consulting

Our approach to interaction design is driven by research and system theory; we develop an information architecture that meets each individual projects needs, using contemporary design, implementing a branding experience that reaches your target audience.

design