Beginning Your Career as a VFX Artist
If you are looking to break into a new and exciting career as a VFX artist, here are some things that you should know.
Complete your GCSEs
Earning your GCSEs is an important foundational stage in building a strong career that will take you to unimaginable places. This is because the educational requirements of most VFX jobs don’t have any specifics. Most of the employers you encounter will ask that you have at least finished secondary education. Most people complete these studies by the age of 16, they can be completed at any point in life.
Develop your skills
While you are working on the educational aspects of your career as a VFX artist, try to pick up many other skills and capacities that you can. Practice creating novel and original pieces of art from your imagination. Improving your capacity to use technology as well, video animation software is an especially important skill. Look to improve your skills with extra online and in-person classes. Take a look at the Think Tank Training Centre. You will find many options waiting for you.
Consider earning a university degree
You will enjoy a considerable advantage if you attend a university and gain experience as a visual effects artist. Look for universities that specialize in visual arts, media, animation, and other skills and capacities that will serve you well in your career and the positions you would like to fill. Some positions may require that you have a degree. So it may be a good idea to research the positions you would like to fill and begin taking notes of the educational requirements found in the most desirable positions.
Complete an internship
Internships are a great way to make a break into your professional field and garner considerable experience during your training at university. Try to incorporate the help of your university’s internship department to secure you a good position as an intern. Connect with a mentor who can provide guidance and personal advice along the way. As well as helping you succeed in your training and capacity, these internships look good on your resume.
Choose a specialization
Special effects artists typically have a few special skills which they exceed. You may want to consider maxing out your skill points in one such skill as you complete your education. Ideally, this will be in one of the areas you have a special interest in or is required by a desirable position. Demonstrating an above average capacity can help you stand out from the other applicants for a specific role.
Look into freelancing
Freelancing is a good way to build your experience as a VFX artist. Taking up odd jobs now and then will allow you to develop a more versatile style. And allow you to gain experience in bringing projects from conception to final productions. This could also be a good way to learn about the various needs and demands in the market and find a niche in which you will be very happy. Furthermore, this shows industriousness that always looks good on a resume.
Explore open roles
Research openings in your area of expertise and interests. But always remain flexible to the roles you would be willing to take on. If you see that you are better qualified for a specific type of job, it may be worth investigating further. Even if it is not your preferred area of employment, there may be some very important reasons why this position needs your exact skill set. You may find this type of position very comfortable.
Prepare your materials and apply for jobs as a VFX artist
As you make your way through your professional life, make sure you keep your CV, resume, and cover letters well updated and ready to be delivered at a moment’s notice. Many companies are using ATS (Application Tracking Systems) used to sift through resumes and find talent through carefully selected keywords. It would be to your advantage to find out what keywords are used frequently in the mission statements and job offerings in the niche you are interested in.