A day in the life of an FX artist
An FX artist creates computer generated effects elements to integrate seamlessly with live-action footage. A highly in-demand role, FX artists may be required to create fire and smoke, explosions, destruction effects, magic, particle effects, bullet hits, blood, water, oceans, and everything in between. There is no end to the variety of VFX tasks that an FX artist may be tasked with.
If you want to work as an FX artist, you need to understand every step of the VFX pipeline.
The visual effects production pipeline refers to the various stages of production required to add visual effects to a film or video game. The pipeline organizes each department so that every artist knows their role, and a production can move along within the allocated timeline. The production pipeline differs slightly between film and game production, and roles will vary depending on studio size.
FX artists work in post-production, creating simulated elements and making sure that they are added seamlessly to the footage. FX artists work alongside animators to integrate effects such as destruction, fire, liquids, smoke, particle simulations, etc.
How to become an FX artist
To get a job in FX, you’ll need an amazing demo reel! Here are some tips to get you started. Don't forget to check out VFX supervisor Jorge Razon's top demo real and interview tips.
- Students, keep your reel < 1 min. If you have 1–2 years experience, < 2 mins.
- Include any production experience you have.
- Breakdowns are good but keep it to 3–4 quick wipes.
- Always Include breakdown descriptions where applicable.
- Use Vimeo— the video quality is better than YouTube.
- Everything in your reel should be 10/10, do not include mediocre work.
- Keep the music fairly conservative, nobody listens to it anyway.
- Watch your reel a lot of times and look for comp, edit, frame or spelling errors.
- Get feedback from at least 3 instructors or industry pros before releasing online.
- Show reference footage when applicable.
- Share your reel with the world via LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram.
- Include the Houdini procedural workflow (if applicable) to impress recruiters.
Almost all schools train students to become generalists. If you are applying for VFX jobs at a small studio with less than 30 artists, they will most likely want a generalist. Larger studios will have separate departments, so a more specialized set of skills is desirable.
