When it comes to special effects in movies and commercials, there’s a skilled visual effects (or VFX) artist behind the creation of each and every illusion that you see. VFX artists handle a wide range of special techniques to create stunning visual effects, including rotoscoping, image manipulation, digital composting, and even the creation of practical effects. Each and every one of these techniques can have quite an impact upon their audiences; in fact, the use of special effects in film to connect with viewers is more prominent than ever before, says the Hollywood Reporter.
If you’re curious about becoming a VFX artist, one of the first things to keep in mind is that there might be a long road ahead of you when it comes to honing your skills, building a client base, and creating an impressive resume or show reel. Read on for a few brief pointers on becoming a VFX artist.
Choose a Focus
Of course, not every single effect is created by just one person. It helps to choose an area that you wish to focus on, whether it’s utilizing VFX software for computer animation, 3D modeling, or special effects aided by green screen technology. Since VFX teams are often strongly driven by collaboration, your specialized knowledge will likely be vital in honing the final product your team creates.
Education
Enrolling in a visual effects school is an excellent way to learn the basics, as well as advanced techniques. A traditional education experience will also put you in contact with other VFX artists, thus building your network and connections. The best part? You don’t need any sort of degree or prior experience to enroll in a visual effects school, so there’s no pre-requisite to chasing your dreams.
To Freelance, or Not to Freelance?
Freelancing can be an excellent way to build up your resume and network, by seeking out your own clients. You might want to start small by doing projects for friends, and branch out via recommendations and referrals. The pay might not be as good as a salary from a job at a large studio, but then again, plenty of full-time freelancers manage to live quite comfortably.
Institutions such as Hi-Tech Animation offer a number of courses covering different areas of graphic design and VFX, so it pays to do your research beforehand and discover which courses and institutions meet your needs and goals–as well as the area of specialization you choose. One day, the incredible effects you see on-screen might just be your own.
Hi-Tech Animation is a premier institute offering cutting-edge training and coursework in the use of VFX software. Visit the website today for more information!
