Member Profile: Dmitry Drapikovsky
What do you do and how long have you been doing it?
I create sports and esports graphics for broadcasts and live events, a field I’ve been working in since 2013. However, if we go further back, I started working with CAD systems in 2006.
What was your first job?
My first job after graduating was as an Urban design engineer. A perfect mix of technical work and creative exploration, with a chance to leave a lasting legacy on the built environment.
Where did you complete your formal education?
I graduated from the Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture Urbanistics Course.
Back in the day, computers hadn’t been invented yet, so all the creative work was done with a drafting compass and a big ol’ collection of pencils!
How did you first got involved in SIGGRAPH?
As motion designers, we’re total geeks when it comes to new technologies. We’ve always stayed up to date with the latest exhibitions and discoveries. I never imagined I’d make it to America, let alone attend SIGGRAPH in person. But in 2024, I finally made it to SIGGRAPH in Denver for the first time.
What is your favorite memory of a SIGGRAPH conference?
I felt the strength of the community and the connection with like-minded people. I had the chance to talk to Edward Dawson-Taylor about sports graphics and share my thoughts on educating the next generation in this field. The feedback and insights were incredible – we all speak the same creative language. That support inspired me and made me realize the importance of meeting industry professionals in person, not just online.
Describe a project that you would like to share with the ACM SIGGRAPH community.
We built an NFL family show from scratch – Tuesday Night Gaming. If you have a great idea and a strong team, even giants like the NFL are open to collaboration. We handled every part of the process, from creating the branding to developing substantial American holiday takeovers and professional football player walk-ins.
Another memorable project took place in Chongqing, China in 2019. We created an impressive AR dragon that flew over the stage, showering everything around with flames. It was witnessed by thousands at the venue and around 500,000 more online.
If you could have dinner with one living or non-living person, who would it be and why?
Dinner with Tim Sweeney would be a blend of cutting-edge tech talk and visionary insights on where digital storytelling, motion design, and real-time graphics are headed.
I’d definitely leave with fresh ideas about how I could push the boundaries of my own work. And possibly a few stories from the man himself about building the foundation of a company that changed everything!
What is something most people do not know about you?
No one knows my real age. I’m the person who seems to be 22 but has 12 years of experience.
From which single individual have you learned the most in your life? What did they teach you?
This is more of a collective image. At different stages of my life, I encountered truly strong managers, producers, and business owners. Long-term communication with them helped me develop the ability to set and achieve goals, as well as cultivate a creative vision that can drive results. I’m grateful to you all for crossing my path at the right time.
Is there someone in particular who has influenced your decision to work with ACM SIGGRAPH?
My friend Alex, a brilliant engineer in AR and XR technologies, inspired me to attend exhibitions and conferences in person. He travels the world, attending the most significant industry events. And this is the best way to make friends with whom you will have something to talk about.
What can you point to in your career as your proudest moment?
The moment I started hosting international shows, I realized I’d become a global specialist. This was the turning point in my career, marking the shift from local recognition to worldwide influence. I gained new cultural insights, expanded my network, and boosted my confidence, all while shaping the industry on a much larger stage.