How to Kickstart a Career in VFX

To become a truly proficient digital artist, regardless of your chosen discipline, mastering the core fundamental skills is essential. This includes a deep understanding of lighting, composition, drawing, and cinematography. While software plays a significant role in the VFX industry, achieving photorealism hinges on your ability to grasp these principles, allowing you to refine your decisions and sharpen your eye for detail—understanding how things look and why they look good.

Beyond technical prowess, VFX work is inherently collaborative. The ability to work seamlessly with others, communicate effectively, and take direction is vital to success. Maintaining a sense of passion and curiosity will ensure you're prepared to meet the ever-evolving demands of the VFX world and thrive in the challenges ahead.

It would be beneficial to have a clear idea of the role you might like to have in VFX and understand the software you’ll need to master it. Regarding university courses, go for one with plenty of practical modules to ensure you get hands-on experience with tools that update frequently. Join online forums for your favourite software because the discussions that happen there are useful to solve problems and increase your knowledge. Looking ahead, consider the role of AI at every stage and how it might impact the industry in the coming years. Get a showreel together as soon as possible, even if it’s just made up of training exercises, since it’s what sells you as an artist. Lastly, learning as many software shortcuts as possible will help you work faster and show a deep understanding of the process.

In the world of VFX, mastering the right software is essential. Proficiency in industry-standard tools is crucial to landing your first gig. However, don’t stop there—developing an understanding of broader concepts like lighting, physics, and composition will set you apart. Start with the basics and progressively move toward more advanced techniques. VFX is also about creative problem-solving. Whether you’re tasked with creating a magical effect or simulating a natural disaster, the most successful artists are those who can innovate with their tools. 

Your demo reel is your key to entering the industry. Keep it concise, impactful, and focus on showcasing your best work up front. Include breakdowns and detailed explanations to demonstrate your workflow, especially for more technical roles. Quality always trumps quantity, so avoid cramming too much into your reel. If you collaborated with others, be sure to clarify your contributions. A well-crafted demo reel is often what gets you noticed. 

The VFX community is small, so start building connections early, whether through industry events or online forums. Attending conferences or joining local meetups can open doors to job opportunities. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, and never underestimate the power of mentorship—finding an experienced artist to guide you can fast-track your career in ways formal education might not. Networking isn’t just about job hunting; it helps you stay informed on industry trends and continuously improve. 

Breaking into VFX can be challenging, but persistence is key. Many veterans started with internships or junior roles, handling tasks like roto or cleanup. Over time, they earned more complex responsibilities and built their reputations. Stay patient and use every opportunity to learn and grow.

Entering the VFX industry can feel intimidating, especially as technology rapidly evolves, making workflows more accessible. Artists can streamline their development process and explore a variety of methods. However, with large projects, the key is focusing on the finer details.

Take, for example, creating a visual of a car speeding away from an explosion. Start with practical questions: Can I shoot this scene with a real car, or should I animate? What's the timeline? Where should the camera be? What does the background look like? These decisions shape the project before animating, lighting, and rendering begin.

A successful VFX artist approaches scenes like puzzles, seeking efficient solutions while bridging producers and the final product. Organisation is crucial — well-structured files save time and allow for more creativity. VFX isn’t magic; it’s about solving similar problems repeatedly. Experience gives you the insight to tackle challenges efficiently.

How do you break into VFX? Start with your own projects! The best way to learn is to fail—each mistake teaches you what doesn’t work. Experiment with techniques, push creativity, and don’t stress about perfection. Your failures will shape your skills and help you find your niche. VFX spans movies, TV, games, commercials, and more, with many overlaps. Explore what excites you, do your research, and most importantly—have fun!

As an artist navigating the journey toward seniority, I hope I can bring a fresh, firsthand take on what has worked for me within the last five years.

For the past nine years, I've dedicated myself to honing my craft and contributing to the magic of film. Due to the pandemic, 2020 felt like a major setback, threatening to derail my career just as I was gaining momentum. Instead of giving up, I decided to use that time of uncertainty to refine the showreel I’d made at university and apply for every opportunity I could find. I’ve connected with mentors who taught me paint and roto, and through a lucky conversation about my passion for compositing, I landed an interview—and nailed it.

After a few years of honing my skills, I developed a passion for AI, which led to an incredible opportunity to work on a project that required advanced AI knowledge. I embraced the challenge, and now, I work as a VFX artist exploring how new technologies can enhance the field. I love coming into work because I love my job!

My advice? Stay humble, be persistent, and approach every opportunity with a mindset open to learning. Seek out mentors, build meaningful connections, and never give up—you never know where the next conversation or opportunity might take you.

VFX can be a hugely creative rewarding artistic career. But where to start if you are taking your first steps?

The first major step is to know your market and the potential companies you could work in. Research relevant locations, their work type and start to make your own database. Don’t just include the biggies you may have heard of but investigate all shapes and sizes!  Joseph Bell, VFX industry thought leader, has been researching the size and location of hundreds of companies across the world. His Visual Effects World Atlas looks to be hugely informative and will be available shortly for free download www.vfxatlas.com 

Follow the companies on their socials, LinkedIn and LBB!  This will help inform not only your choice but HOW and WHEN you approach them!

Second step – Pull your application material together. CV, reel, portfolio AND be ready to adapt an engaging, tailored cover letter. A good, accurate cover letter addressed to the correct company/ person  is everything and shows you understand the company and the role you’re applying for. It’s also where your personality comes across. A reel doesn’t have to be long – one good piece you’re proud of can be enough. Remember that many VFX companies use a talent database, or smaller companies have an individual hiring for every role. They will see every application and recognise those that are spamming or don’t understand what they’re applying for.

Third step - Taking the plunge! Strong cover letters to named individuals for a specific advertised job(s) are the obvious first step. If you are applying for multiple roles within the same company, explain why in your cover letter.

Graduate schemes and internships are invaluable and highly coveted. Following the companies on their social media will ensure you’re one of the first to see any schemes they’re launching and you will already be prepared to apply quickly.

If you love certain companies, but there are no roles suitable for you being advertised on their websites, make contact anyway. Running and reception can be good first steps into a company and then maybe you can move into your preferred role more easily. Make contact with a named individual if that’s possible and then keep in touch! You will be surprised how many potential candidates never reply to a rejection based on ‘no role at that time,’ and don’t stay in touch, follow up and develop the relationship. Send in updated work, an updated CV. You never know, they may contact you if something comes up. 

Yes it sounds like detailed, meticulous work – but then that is what working in VFX is all about!

It's worth keeping an eye out for different governments doing different schemes. That's usually a good indicator of where the VFX industry will be "booming" next.

At the moment we see East Europe being a popular area. Competitive rates mean that producers are more interested in taking jobs there.

Some tips on getting a job: create a real portfolio with personal projects and send it to post producers; ask if you can do some interning in a post house or even with senior artists. Just sitting with them and learning will help; network a lot and keep an eye online; be open to travel and consider opportunities around the world.

To break into VFX, focus on mastering the fundamentals of art—lighting, composition, and anatomy—before diving into software. Familiarise yourself with key tools like Maya, Houdini, and Nuke, but keep an eye on emerging tech like real-time rendering (Unreal Engine) and AI-enhanced workflows.

Building a strong, well-rounded portfolio is essential. Focus on creating a few polished projects, showcasing your skills with detailed breakdowns of your process. Collaborating on indie projects or short films can also help demonstrate teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

Networking is vital—attend industry events like FMX or connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Studios, including Platige Image, often offer internships and apprenticeships, which are great starting points for hands-on experience. We also run workshops and masterclasses to help aspiring artists understand our workflows and develop their skills. Stay adaptable, as the industry is constantly evolving. Real-time VFX and virtual production are booming, and staying updated will give you an edge. Finally, be patient, accept feedback graciously, and maintain a passion for learning. Persistence and dedication are the keys to success in this competitive industry.

The VFX industry is an exciting and dynamic field with a constant flow of diverse projects that keep you engaged and always learning. Developing a sharp eye for detail and learning from experienced VFX supervisors is essential for improving your skills. At JAMVFX, we’ve had the pleasure of working with many VFX interns, and we’re keeping an eye on some promising talent. We’ve also hosted show-and-tell sessions for colleges, offering students a glimpse into the VFX world. While the final product may seem glamorous, the early stages often focus on technical tasks that form the foundation for success. 

We seek problem solvers and talented individuals who can grasp the entire workflow. Though AI tools are on the rise, mastering industry-standard software like Flame, Nuke, Houdini, Maya and Adobe is still crucial for pushing creative boundaries. Aspiring VFX artists can gain visibility by posting tests on social platforms, showcasing their skills and potential. However, problem-solving skills are vital, VFX artists often face technical and creative challenges in their projects whether it is optimising renders or working out how to create a specific look. I would also encourage aspiring VFX artists to attend industry workshops, seminars, and conferences to connect with professionals and learn from their experiences. This can open doors to job opportunities and internships.

At the very start of my career I didn’t even know what an MPEG4 was! However, I just plunged in and owned my inexperience. I asked ALL the questions and tried every new thing I could until I found my confidence. I think this is even more pertinent in today’s climate with new technologies evolving all the time. 

My advice for anyone wanting to get into the industry is to not stand in your own way. Ask that stupid question, apply for that job that you think you might not be 100% qualified for, say yes to that thing that makes you nervous. The way to get better is to constantly challenge yourself and, always remember, you are likely to be your own harshest critic. 

There are many routes for new artists to break into the VFX industry but there are three things that have nothing to do with creativity or technical skills that will prove invaluable at every phase of a VFX career: Be a nice person, network, and be a team-player.

The VFX industry is smaller than you probably imagine. You are likely to meet and work with the same people regularly. Be nice and people will remember you fondly and say nice things about you to someone who might hire you one day.

Networking, hate it or love it, is probably the #1 thing you can do to improve your chances of landing jobs. Participate in forums, and give thoughtful critiques when appropriate. Go to user group meetings. Every bit of contact with your peers and the industry will help grow a network of contacts that will lead to jobs and more contacts.

Be a team-player. Be proactive, consider what you can do to make things easier for the whole team and do it. If you’re unsure about notes, or how to accomplish something just ask so no time is wasted. Work cleanly so others can understand and take over your work if needed. If you’re working remotely, be available, respond quickly on Slack, come to meetings on time. Be aware that other people are counting on you.

The secret to all three of these tips is they have a symbiotic relationship. Each one will help level-up each other until eventually you’ll be able to land jobs regularly working on cool projects with people you know and like.

 

Even though the VFX industry has suffered in the last couple of years, I still feel it holds great potential for young people to pursue an exciting and varied career. With budgets getting squeezed, there are opportunities for young VFX artists to be given a chance to contribute to major projects and develop their skills. Although I think the opportunities to learn software through online learning are better than ever, and will help a young person develop so far, I feel there is no better way to learn than being in a post production environment, ideally with experienced VFX artists who will be willing to talk and answer questions and show techniques that may not be in the text books, let’s face it, everyone likes talking about themselves. 

At Smoke & Mirrors, young people who started as runners less than a year ago have progressed to become key personnel, working as a grade assistant and Flame/studio assistant, respectively. Time was built into the bookings schedule, so that more experienced staff could mentor them in whatever skill they were interested in, and then they were set projects and goals to achieve in their own time, with the ability to ask questions as required. A heavy VFX project these days requires a whole team of artists working on clean up, compositing, matte painting, rotoscoping, CG, graphics design etc so it is far more collaborative than it used to be, and believe me if someone shows any aptitude, they will definitely be called in to help, as there is never enough time or people on most projects. 

 

So, my advice would be to keep well abreast of developing technology such as AI, where you may be able to learn skills that more experienced artists don’t have. Get into a post production company as a runner, check out all the different areas, ask lots of questions and don’t be shy about pushing yourselves forward. The quickest way to learn is on a real project. It makes sense for VFX companies to be progressive and encourage young talent. 

José M Norton, director at Picture North

As far as VFX goes, this is just my opinion, but it feels to me like we might be in the midst of a VFX revolution, with incredible apps both mobile and desktop that are revolutionary. Apps like Simulon, which is still under closed-beta, Unreal Engine, and Light Craft’s Jet Set, are helping bring the smartphone gyroscope, lidar, and tracking capabilities to filmmaking, while taking advantage of AR (most use Apple’s AR kit). They’re making CG feel almost tactile and capturing information from the real world to help composite virtual elements. My advice would be to absorb as much of this stuff as possible, along with any AI tool that can help accelerate notoriously boring tasks like green screens and rotoscoping. If you arm yourself with these tools, you’ll most likely gain a competitive edge.

Stay curious. In the ever-changing world of VFX, curiosity is essential. Be curious about new technologies, what others are creating, and the people around you. Don’t limit yourself to your niche—explore beyond it. While specialised knowledge is valuable, expanding your expertise across different areas of VFX can make you more versatile and open up new opportunities. 

Remember, VFX is a collaborative craft. The people who succeed are often those who ask questions, share their knowledge, and are eager to learn from others. It can sometimes feel isolating behind the keyboard, but those who truly thrive in this industry are the ones who stay curious and connected.

 

Lastly, look beyond the obvious. Growing VFX scenes are emerging in smaller, more affordable locations. Remote work is more common than ever, so keep an eye on new studios and industries like gaming, virtual production, and even corporate content creation. Opportunities often arise in unexpected places.

For anyone looking to get into the VFX industry we would recommend making and creating your own work, from short films, music videos even replicating your favourite film scene. It's the best way to learn and a brilliant calling card when applying for internships or junior positions.

Tool wise Nuke (2D) and Blender (3D) are brilliant places to start. Nuke offers a free student version which is almost identical to the full version and Blender is free! Also we'd recommend learning at least the basics of photography. A lot of our work is about mimicking real life photography so understanding the principles is a wonderful skill to have.

For someone looking to get into the field, I suggest focusing on three primary skill sets: creative, technical, interpersonal. 

Creative: It’s important to realise that this is, first and foremost, an artistic pursuit. Focus on developing a strong understanding of basic design. It’s imperative to study colour and composition as well as editing and filmmaking, whether that be at school or using online resources.

Technical: Familiarise yourself with the basic elements of visual effects, such as compositing, 3D, and animation, and learn industry-standard software. The industry and technology are constantly evolving, and to be successful, you must also evolve. The best way to learn is in a production environment. Find an internship or an entry-level position that allows access to software and working professionals, which helps to build experience and develop network connections.

Interpersonal. Hone your communication and problem-solving abilities. It’s so important to be able to verbally communicate visual concepts. Time management skills are also essential. You have to be able to embrace feedback, interpret client requests, and provide revisions within the parameters of a deadline.

From the start of ELMNTL, we’ve always been focussed on offering opportunities and support to young and emerging creative talent, of all levels. Many of us have been in that position of wanting to learn, to stand out against your peers and to be involved with the big projects you see being crafted around your studio.

As with all development, it takes time. While you're developing your own craft, take time to understand the importance of building your knowledge levels beyond your preferred discipline, ask about the production process and schedules, about the edit process, understand the internal workings of the MCR and data lab teams and how departments talk to each other in terms of workflows.

During lockdown, a lot of one-on-one mentoring was taken away from young creatives. They felt exposed, without the benefit of seniors in the same room to watch, listen to and question in the way their predecessors learned their craft. With that in mind, make the most of any access you can get to those you can learn from — talk, poke, ask questions, develop your own unique ‘handwriting’ and always try to have a sh*t ton of fun while you're doing it!

Photo by Tron Le on Unsplash