Kate Xagoraris

Meet Kate Xagoraris

FX Artist at Spin VFX
kate-x-new-headshot

About Kate

About Kate

Mentor of Houdini FX

Kate is a VFX artist in the motion picture industry. She primarily works with Houdini and, in her spare time, runs a blog based on incorporating scientific ideas in VFX, studio-oriented training, and general Houdini tips. Kate has enjoyed working as a teacher and mentor in the industry. She has presented at Houdini User Group events and promoted the benefits of scientific knowledge in visual effects.

Before moving into visual effects, Kate worked in the animation industry. She also works freelance as a visual effects author researching Canadian post-production history. 

Kate's credits include Antman Quantumania, Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio, and Raised by Wolves (see more of her credits below).

  

Kate's work

Credits include The Umbrella Academy, The Boys, Chaos Walking and Bad Boys for Life, to name a few.

The Umbrella Academy
The Boys
Chaos Walking
Bad Boys for Life

Q&A with Kate

Which city are you currently based in?

Toronto, Canada

What did your pathway into the industry look like?
I originally graduated from a 3D animation program at Humber College. My original career path was completely removed from visual effects. I really wanted to head into astrophysics and work for the Canadian Space Agency pre-college. However, along the way, I had some pretty major life events shift my focus into film. After graduating from 3D animation, I ended up working as a lighting, rendering, and compositing artist for a few animated shows, before transitioning into FX full time as a Houdini artist.
What has been the best experience of your career so far?
The best experience of my career has been working on The Boys. The daily reviews were so wacky and fun, that it was something I looked forward to everyday.
What’s your advice for your students?

School is the hardest and most confusing part about going into VFX. Don't be afraid if you don't have previous experience with 3D software, or feel like you should know your career path already. We're all here to learn from each other, and this is just part of the process.

Learn FX from industry pros 

What do you enjoy most about being a CG Spectrum mentor?
I really enjoy seeing the creations each student makes with the course material at every Q&A. Everyone has their own take on how an end result should look, or their own spin on things.
How do you stay creative outside of work?
I run a VFX blog based around incorporating scientific ideas with visual effects, as well as a tutorial page, and scientific design in Houdini discord group.
What excites you most about the future of VFX?
I love the idea that programs like Houdini are being used in other industries such as archaeology and astrophysics. As well as how some shows and movies directly impact scientific discoveries through their visual effects.

Learn more about Kate's experience on her website or connect with her on LinkedIn.

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