Beyond the Horizon

Blog of Spencer Magnusson

Hi, I’m a hobbyist Blender educator and tool creator, and digital storyteller. See how I’m thinking and feeling outside my “content.” See past what’s on the surface, beyond the horizon.

These blog posts are anything that makes more sense here than for an “algorithm”: super-technical Blender tips and tricks, video game legacies, art, and my life. Expect reflections on an artist’s journey, the industry, philosophy extending into faith, and storytelling in all forms. If you’re an artist, developer, or lifelong learner looking to stay inspired and think more deeply about the craft of art and life, you’re in the right place.


Guilt from not being Productive Enough

Social Media, Limits, and Goals

May 30, 2026 | 8 minutes

Frankenstein: The Ultimate Horror for Artists

The Cost (and Terror) of Creation

April 24, 2026 | 8 minutes

Sequels: Dishonored

The importance of pillars, and the cost of deviating from them

March 30, 2026 | 5 minutes

Being a “Healthy” Artist

What I’ve Learned and Wish I’d Known Earlier

February 02, 2026 | 4 minutes

The Artist Landscape

Reflection on What’s Changing and What Can We Do

January 01, 2026 | 8 minutes

When Experiences are Avoided

Why learning and the creative process must be protected

December 11, 2025 | 4 minutes

A House Plant, Kelsea Ballerini, and Sticking with the Good

It all started with my birthday

November 09, 2025 | 6 minutes

How It Began

A Reflection and History of my (Blender) Journey

September 01, 2025 | 8 minutes

Confidence and Toddlers

How learning to walk taught me motivation

July 17, 2025 | 8 minutes

Nanite in Blender?

Why I think that would be a bad idea

June 27, 2025 | 9 minutes

Protecting Yourself from Scammers

5 Common Signs of a Scammer

June 20, 2025 | 4 minutes

Sequels: Assassin’s Creed

Is Story Doomed to Fail in Sequels?

May 28, 2025 | 6 minutes

CPU and GPU Usage in Blender

And how to effectively manage them

May 15, 2025 | 3 minutes

Is open source cheaper? Should it be?

The financial complication of being open source

May 09, 2025 | 6 minutes

Sequels: Mirror’s Edge

Are Sequels Doomed to Better Mechanics and Graphics?

April 28, 2025 | 6 minutes

Should I go to college?

Answering the biggest up-and-coming artist question

March 31, 2025 | 5 minutes

Running Out of Memory in Blender?

How to take control of memory usage

March 17, 2025 | 9 minutes

2 Blender Features That May Be the End of (Some) Add-ons?!

When scripts are no longer the only solution

January 13, 2025 | 5 minutes

Why Doesn’t Blender Just Sell Add-ons on its Own Platform for Money?

Why donations are the only way to support Blender

November 28, 2024 | 2 minutes

What is Art?

Defining it (for myself) once and for all

October 15, 2024 | 5 minutes

An Argument for Data Collection (Done Right)

The importance of effective, ethical feedback

June 11, 2024 | 5 minutes

Looking Back on BCON

How I Got to Speak, and Whether You Should Go to the Next One

May 17, 2024 | 5 minutes

From a Recruiter: What Makes Someone Stand Out

I Learned from a Recruiter 3 Tips Everyone Needs to Hear

March 22, 2024 | 4 minutes

The Creative Cycle: Telling Your Story Effectively

The importance of habits, technique, and story

December 09, 2023 | 5 minutes

Giving Back: My Career Tips

For all those laid off or otherwise looking for a job

November 16, 2023 | 4 minutes

How to Make an Animation

Here are my 4 tips

September 22, 2023 | 3 minutes

Painting CG with Light Painter

Making my dream lighting tool a reality

September 08, 2023 | 3 minutes

nView

The Blender Add-on that Taught Me to Be a Smart Programmer

August 22, 2023 | 4 minutes