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| Avatar (2009) - Critically acclaimed for it's revolutionary vfx |
3. You Can't Go Wrong With Online Courses...
Take it from me because I've been in your shoes. I know what it feels like when you're not sure if visual effects (vfx) is right for you or if you're better off becoming a science/business major. I myself attended university for Computer Science for a year before I developed the guts to step up and pursue my passion.
Most of my frustration surrounded education. I couldn't find an art school or a specialized animation school that was right for me; even if I found one, it would be crazy expensive and I'd be thousands of dollars in debt by the time I graduated - not to mention the condition of visual effects industry nowadays.
This is when you turn to online courses. I recommend FXPHD.
It's a known fact that to get your foot in the door, you have to have a professional demo reel. A piece of paper with your name on it - that shows you've been through 4 years of school doesn't mean much in the industry. Your showreel is what counts. Have a reel that reflects your strengths through your best work and you're good to go.
A professional reel could be anywhere from 30 seconds (YES! Some reels are 30 seconds long and they're fantastic!) to 2 mins. So take some courses at FXPHD and build a reel using the techniques you've acquired through these courses, then move on to number 2.
----- Also, if you're ever considering signing up for a term or two, the Nuke courses (all of the compositing courses actually) are my personal favorites. -----
Other great sites that are offering visual effects and post-production courses are:
Digital Tutors
Animation Mentor
Escape Studios
Workshops at CGSociety
Most of my frustration surrounded education. I couldn't find an art school or a specialized animation school that was right for me; even if I found one, it would be crazy expensive and I'd be thousands of dollars in debt by the time I graduated - not to mention the condition of visual effects industry nowadays.
This is when you turn to online courses. I recommend FXPHD.
They have loads of post production courses - I've had the pleasure of attending a year worth of classes there and boy has it helped me take my vfx knowledge to the next level! The courses are designed to provide you with original footage, allowing you to make every shot your own.
Personally, I think the best part about FXPHD is the quality of training. Not only are you taught by industry professionals who have worked on features like Avatar, and Transformers etc. but you also have access to forums where you can post your questions should you run into any problems or post your work for critique ( the idea that you should make a particular shot your very own is recommended by professors there so that they can see your progress) So one-on-one time is guaranteed!
It's a known fact that to get your foot in the door, you have to have a professional demo reel. A piece of paper with your name on it - that shows you've been through 4 years of school doesn't mean much in the industry. Your showreel is what counts. Have a reel that reflects your strengths through your best work and you're good to go.
A professional reel could be anywhere from 30 seconds (YES! Some reels are 30 seconds long and they're fantastic!) to 2 mins. So take some courses at FXPHD and build a reel using the techniques you've acquired through these courses, then move on to number 2.
----- Also, if you're ever considering signing up for a term or two, the Nuke courses (all of the compositing courses actually) are my personal favorites. -----
Other great sites that are offering visual effects and post-production courses are:
Digital Tutors
Animation Mentor
Escape Studios
Workshops at CGSociety
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| You know you want to do things like this! |
2. Network And Intern
If you're already an You need to have a network full of industry contacts. Period. Join sites like Google+ or Twitter if you like and promote your work. Establish connections through forum discussions linking back to your portfolio site or your demo reel. This should be your time to shine and blow your own horn.
Become a member of cgsociety and build a portfolio. Other artists will see your work and give you tips on how to improve your pieces and/or compliment you on your achievements. This will serve as motivation for you to do more. Consider getting critiqued on your work as a way to meet other artists. Further down the road, these references come in handy when applying to jobs because who knows, you might get recommended for a position by your colleague.
Interning is probably one of the best things you can do as a vfx artist. Years of production experience counts. Do not expect paid internships as they're very hard to find. But you shouldn't let this take away from all the coaching you'll get while working. Think of this as your one-way ticket to getting hired because that is the whole point of interning. You want to find your way into a company, show off your skills by getting things done on time, realize your potential and let the higher ups see it themselves, and BAM! They want you to stick around for that big feature film they've just been greenlit for.
And don't worry, all this is happening to me as I speak. Like I said, I've been in your shoes!
Become a member of cgsociety and build a portfolio. Other artists will see your work and give you tips on how to improve your pieces and/or compliment you on your achievements. This will serve as motivation for you to do more. Consider getting critiqued on your work as a way to meet other artists. Further down the road, these references come in handy when applying to jobs because who knows, you might get recommended for a position by your colleague.
Interning is probably one of the best things you can do as a vfx artist. Years of production experience counts. Do not expect paid internships as they're very hard to find. But you shouldn't let this take away from all the coaching you'll get while working. Think of this as your one-way ticket to getting hired because that is the whole point of interning. You want to find your way into a company, show off your skills by getting things done on time, realize your potential and let the higher ups see it themselves, and BAM! They want you to stick around for that big feature film they've just been greenlit for.
And don't worry, all this is happening to me as I speak. Like I said, I've been in your shoes!
1. Teach YOURSELF!
I can't stress enough on how important this is. (hey! It's #1. Take a hint?)
A piece of paper from college doesn't show anything other than the fact that yeah you've devoted what, like 4 years to becoming an artist? I once asked a colleague of mine who has been working as a motion graphics and vfx artist much longer than me: 'What college did you attend?' He goes, 'I'm straight out of high school. Never attended college.' He went on to say that he taught himself everything that he knows about 3Ds Max and After Effects. 'I think that everything they teach you at art school, you can do yourself if you're really serious about making it in the industry.' And I totally agree with him. Nothing speaks for your skills other than the times you've spent experimenting with the software. Anyone can push buttons in 3Ds Max and Maya when they're told to do so, but what sets you apart? How are you any different from the rest? It's all about you! Believe it or not.
So what're you waiting for?
There's no reason for you to be lying around and trying to decide whether vfx is right for you. If you think you have what it takes to pull of all-nighters and give up weekends for work but at the same time enjoy it when that shot you worked on comes up on the silver screen, then you my friend, need to get out there and pursue your passion.
If there are any other tips and tricks you'd like to add - and I'm sure there are many as we can go on forever and ever - do comment to let others know. :)
Good Luck!
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