From blockbuster films to indie projects, nearly every production relies on visual effects (VFX) to bring their stories to life. Although there is a high demand for VFX artists, getting a job isn't always that simple. If you're serious about starting a career in VFX, it's crucial to sharpen your skills and stand out. Below, we outline five ways to improve your chances of breaking into this dynamic field and staying in demand once you're there!
For those who are committed to a visual effects career, there are great job opportunities out there, with hundreds of companies supplying CG effects for Hollywood and beyond. A VFX artist's salary is, on average, USD $81,936 per year (source).
5 tips to help you break into the industry and keep you there
1. Go to a school that specializes in visual effects
This is one of the best ways to gain a foothold in this type of career. Make sure the school you choose has instructors who are actively working in the film and games industry. Your instructors will be much more likely to know the latest CG software and digital production art techniques.
There's also the added benefit of your mentors being able to connect you with key people in the industry. A dedicated VFX school will invest more time in your success and help you gain the upper hand over the competition when going for VFX jobs.
Quick tips:
- Evaluate the curriculum and instructors
- Research reviews from former students
2. Strive to be the best at your craft
As an artist, it's important to be constantly learning. Dennis Muren, a VFX specialist who worked the computer-generated dinosaur effects in Jurassic Park, offers this advice:
Study art, photography, nature, because you want to have ideas for full shots in your head. Not parts of shots but the whole finished thing, even though you may not be responsible for all of that.
You want to understand the filmmaking process from the point of view of the director - even if you just want to do special effects, says Muren. It's important to understand more than just the tools of your discipline; you want to understand the production pipeline and what happens to your work when it is passed down the line to the next artist.
Quick tips:
- Develop your own short movies
- Get familiar with the VFX pipeline
- Recognize where VFX fits into a story
3. Create an amazing showreel of your best work
When applying for visual effects jobs, your showreel will often be the first thing a recruiter sees. Be unique with your showreel, so you don't just grab the recruiter's attention—you keep it.
Head to the careers page of a VFX studio you want to work for and see what roles/skills they are looking for. This will help you build a showreel that showcases the exact skills employers are looking for.
Check out our How to Make Your Portfolio or Demo Reel Stand Out article for some tips from our mentors.
Quick tips:
- Only show your best work
- Keep your reel up to date
- Make sure your content is relevant
- Keep your reel under 3 minutes
Advice on demo reels from 3D animator and CGS mentor Mark Pullyblank.
4. Never stop looking for inspiration
Continue to grow by feeding off your ideas. Don't be afraid to try new things; they may not always work, but you'll never know until you investigate them. When things start to get dull, you need to look for things you may have overlooked before. While getting inspiration is encouraged, be careful not to mimic another person's work. Be original and incorporate your own style when creating something new.
Quick tips:
- Dare to be original
- Put passion into what you create, ALWAYS
- Continue to adapt
5. Be a great team player
This last tip is primarily focused on keeping your job once you are hired.
One person can make or break a team. Be conscious of your attitude towards the people around you and what you're working on. Don't be afraid to have someone critique your work and vice versa. Constructive criticism delivered with respect helps build experience and authentic relationships.
The people you work with are the key to branching out in the industry, possibly introducing you to future employers. It's a small industry, so play nice.
Quick tips:
- Communicate respectfully
- Be a positive and reliable team member
- Offer your constructive feedback and support
So there you have it, five tips to help you get a VFX job. Be sure to share this post with friends or family looking to get into the exciting Visual Effects industry.
Looking for visual effects jobs? Get the skills you need at our VFX school!
CG Spectrum offers beginner and advanced visual effects courses that prepare you for a career in the TV, film and games industries. You'll be personally taught by amazing industry mentors who have created mind-blowing VFX for top film and games studios around the world. Get the skills employers are looking for.
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