VFX artist
As a VFX artist you'd use software to create animations and special effects.
About the job
What it's like
From the battle scenes in The Avengers to creating Middle Earth in The Lord of the Rings, visual effects (VFX) combines computer-generated imagery (CGI) with live action footage to create environments that would be too expensive, dangerous or just not possible to film.
These days, VFX is common in almost every type of film, TV production or computer game and is a fast-growing industry. Whether it’s using motion-capture technology, computer-generated imagery or giant puppets, VFX films create fantasy worlds and creatures only limited by the film-maker's imagination.
As a VFX artist you’d use software to create animations and special effects. You might also have to operate cameras, work with lighting, and use microphones to shoot videos and record audio,
To create the finished visuals you’d work with a team of VFX artists, engineers, designers and producers to meet the desired vision.
As a VFX artist you might:
come up with creative ideas and solutions for visual effects
use software and other resources available to you to design creative special effects
communicate your ideas to the project leads and other members of the team or the client
work with the project lead to create plans and schedules
be able to match the required art style of a project even if it's not your creative vision
work to tight deadlines and budgets
work with the editorial department to manage edits
Things to think about:
The film industry is mainly centred around London, but there are some smaller indie firms in towns and cities around the UK.
Hours
Working hours will vary and can be long, depending on deadlines. You might also have to work late nights or at weekends.
Environment
You'll mostly work in an office environment, but may also work on location or on a film set to help shoot certain scenes.
Travel
You might have to travel frequently for this job.
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Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- time management
- taking initiative
- implementing ideas
- attention to detail
- researching
- problem solving
- innovative
- creative
- working with technology
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Art and Design
Computing Science
Graphic Communication
Information and Communications Technology - ICT
Physics
Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
Foundation Apprenticeship: Software Development
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are various paths you can take to get into this job. Have a look at the options below.
Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you’ll need. Not all employers list specific qualification requirements but they do ask for relevant experience, usually work based.
There are a number of ways to get qualified for this job through college, university or work-based qualifications, such as apprenticeships.
VFX Artists will often have HNDs and degrees in subjects such as:
Visual Arts subjects – animation, design, illustration
Computer science
Employers might consider applicants without formal qualifications if they can demonstrate knowledge and experience of the industry. Others may gain entry to this role through routes such as becoming a Runner. As a Runner, you would be involved in a variety of tasks such as organising meetings, delivering messages between departments and answering phones – overall ensuring that everyone in the team has what they need. This role would demonstrate your adaptability and enthusiasm for working in this industry.
For the role of VFX artist, it's helpful to have a portfolio or showreel detailing your skills and experience through any work or projects you have done. This let you show off your abilities and creativity – so include your best work and keep it up to date.
As technology is ever-changing, you'd need to keep up with advances in software and hardware as well as trends and techniques used within the industry, throughout your career. There are a variety of free tutorials and online information about the technology used.
Apprenticeships
You can gain skills and qualifications in the workplace through apprenticeships.
Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) are chosen as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 but include hands-on learning at a local employer or college. They are the same level as a Higher.
You might want to consider an FA in areas such as:
IT: Software development
Creative and digital media
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider an MA in Creative and digital media.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni or college. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in IT: Software development.
Not all employers list specific qualification requirements but they might ask for relevant experience, usually work-based, that show a range of transferable skills.
It's useful to attend events and conferences, to keep up to date with changes and advancements in the industry as well as to network.
Gaining relevant work experience would be beneficial as it would help you gain experience and network. Make sure you include your best work in your portfolio or showreel and you can send this to employers.
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