An FX artist creates visual effects in movies, TV shows, and video games. They're responsible for creating smoke, fire, destruction, water, as well as smaller effects such as objects colliding or liquid simulations in a glass. If you're hoping to get a job as an FX artist for film, an FX artist for games, an FX technical director, or a character FX artist, read on!
The goal of an FX artist is to create seamless effects so the audience doesn’t think about the fact that the effects are computer-generated. This can take countless hours of research into real-life phenomena, watching reference videos, and even building new tools for teams to use. FX artists are essential in today’s entertainment business as most films, TV shows and games require digital effects (read about the top 5 most in-demand VFX jobs).
CG Spectrum's online Houdini FX student reel
A day in the life of an FX artist
Work varies between artists, projects, and studios, but there are common threads in the visual effects pipeline. Typically, a project is handed down from a VFX supervisor. Depending on the size of the project and timeline, the artist spends a certain amount of time researching. This could involve watching documentary clips, reference videos, and researching the properties and materials of elements in a scene to ensure a realistic end result.
"Without proper research, you can end up with an effect that isn’t convincing to the audience."
Once research is complete, it's time to build out the effect. It's crucial here to build projects in a way that allows for quick and easy iterations. You can do this in programs like SideFX Houdini, which is called working procedurally. A director may make a call to change something at the last minute, and you should be prepared to think and act fast. (Those who are easy to work with and comfortable making changes on the fly are more likely to get hired for the next FX artist job.)
Once a simulation is built, you'll need to cache it in order to see the effect. The amount of time that takes varies depending on the resources of your machine. Testing is needed to decide if accelerating your simulation using the graphics card is possible. An FX artist who can save time yet achieve beautiful results is invaluable.
Depending on the team size, an FX artist may have to be focused on different disciplines. At bigger companies, the artist will likely be focused strictly on the effect or simulation. For example, when tackling a complex shot such as a spaceship crash in a movie like Captain America: The Winter Soldier, there may have been an entire team of people working on different simulations to add to the shots. At smaller companies, you would likely be asked to set up a render as well. A good FX artist knows how to set up materials and lights to match the director's desired outcome.
CG Spectrum graduate Kar Ayvazovksy's showreel demonstrates several cool Houdini effects
How to become an FX Artist
A successful FX artist translates real-world physical properties into a digital simulation with ease. This ability takes time and proper FX training, so don’t be discouraged. The best way to build up your skills is to learn FX software, such as SideFX's Houdini, and experiment with each of the settings.
In addition, you should develop a good understanding of the behavior of fire, smoke, liquids, solids, and gases.
"When working on destruction, it is essential to know what different objects look like on the inside and outside."
Reading about physics principles can also set you apart from other artists, as you will truly understand how objects and different states of matter move and interact.
There are also differences between FX for games and FX for films, and those familiar with both can increase their chances of getting an FX job. Film effects don’t have as many limitations, whereas, in games, you have to prepare your effects for real-time rendering. This may involve complex techniques to get your effect out of Houdini and into programs like Unreal Engine and Unity. You have to limit the amount of memory needed to calculate the effect while keeping the look of the effect impressive. You may also build effects directly in Unreal or Unity using their particle effect tools, so it is good to at least be familiar with how they work.
If you're serious about a career in FX, consider studying at a Houdini Certified School (like CG Spectrum) to ensure you're receiving the most up-to-date training. While you can learn a lot from watching tutorials and reading books, the most effective way to learn is from industry mentors who have years of on-the-ground experience in a studio.
CG Spectrum's Houdini FX courses are taught by industry pros who use Houdini daily to create incredible effects for film and games. These experts will teach you how to harness the power of procedural node-based workflow techniques to create destruction, explosions, water simulations, and more. You'll also receive additional one-on-one career services, portfolio reviews, and industry insights from CG Spectrum's career development team to make sure you're job-ready (with continued support even after you graduate!).
FX artist salary guide: how much can you expect to make?
According to Glassdoor, the average VFX artist salary is about $72,379/yr (USD). With various other sources reporting a range between $51,000 to $110,000 (USD). Lead positions can sometimes make more. Another thing that can affect an FX Artist's salary is specializing. For example, some artists are particularly skilled at character FX, liquids, or destruction. It is still important to have an understanding of all aspects of VFX, but specialized artists are often sought after.
Though the VFX industry is generally pretty competitive, the demand for artists is growing by the day. With the projected growth of VR, films, and games that need FX, jobs are being listed all the time.
FX reel by FX Foundations grad Ulysses.
What do you need for a career in the visual effects industry?
A strong portfolio is needed to break into the VFX industry. Take a few of your best pieces of work and create a breakdown. A breakdown is when you show the different elements of each shot and how they are composited together. Watch CG Spectrum's Houdini FX Student Showcase, filled with amazing student work, for inspiration on what to include in your own portfolio (and to see what you could be creating by studying Houdini FX at CGS).
"The best thing to do in your portfolio is to show that you are versatile and can create well thought out shots."
Study successful artists within the industry. See if they have portfolios and reels on Artstation and Vimeo so you can see what got them hired. In addition to this, take note of which artists are freelance and which are not. When you look at their work, you may see differences in terms of the types of jobs they worked on.
Look up industry networking events in your area. Software companies and artists are often community-oriented and regularly hold conferences, webinars, and meet-ups. Practice your elevator pitch, and get comfortable with self-promotion!
To learn more, check out our interview with FX Technical Director Timucin Ozger and our amazing webinar with SideFX on seven skills to future-proof your VFX career.
Learn Houdini FX and get industry-ready with support from industry pros!
CG Spectrum's FX and simulation courses prepare you for working in film and games. Learn from mentors who have worked on blockbuster films and best-selling games. Whether you're just starting out, changing careers, or upgrading your skills, VFX training taught by industry experts is the way to go.
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