How can you prepare for a VFX career in gaming or advertising?

2 Choose your software

VFX artists use a variety of software applications to create different types of effects, such as 3D modeling, animation, compositing, rendering, and editing. Depending on your interests and goals, you may want to focus on one or more of these areas. Some of the most popular and widely used software in the industry are Maya, Blender, Houdini, Nuke, After Effects, and Premiere Pro. You can find many resources online to learn how to use these tools, such as video tutorials, blogs, forums, and podcasts. You can also experiment with different software and see which ones suit your workflow and preferences.

3 Build your portfolio

One of the most important steps to prepare for a VFX career in gaming or advertising is to create a portfolio that showcases your skills, creativity, and professionalism. Your portfolio should include your best and most recent work, as well as a variety of projects that demonstrate your range and versatility. You can work on personal projects, freelance assignments, or collaborate with other artists. You should also document your process and explain your role and contribution in each project. Your portfolio should be updated regularly and accessible online, preferably on your own website or a platform like ArtStation or Behance.

4 Network with peers and mentors

Another way to prepare for a VFX career in gaming or advertising is to network with other people who share your passion and aspirations. Networking can help you learn from others, get feedback, find opportunities, and build relationships. You can network online or offline, by joining communities, forums, groups, or events related to VFX. You can also reach out to mentors, experts, or influencers who can offer you advice, guidance, or inspiration. You should be respectful, curious, and genuine when networking, and always follow up and stay in touch.

5 Keep up with trends and innovations

The VFX industry is constantly evolving and changing, with new technologies, techniques, and trends emerging every day. To prepare for a VFX career in gaming or advertising, you need to keep up with the latest developments and innovations in the field. You can do this by reading blogs, magazines, newsletters, or books that cover VFX news, insights, and analysis. You can also watch videos, podcasts, or webinars that feature interviews, case studies, or demos of VFX projects. You should also be open to learning new skills, tools, or methods that can enhance your work and make you stand out.

6 Practice and improve

The final and most crucial tip to prepare for a VFX career in gaming or advertising is to practice and improve your craft as much as possible. VFX is a highly competitive and demanding industry that requires dedication, passion, and excellence. You should always strive to improve your skills, knowledge, and portfolio by working on challenging and diverse projects, seeking feedback, and learning from your mistakes. You should also set realistic and achievable goals, track your progress, and celebrate your achievements. By practicing and improving, you can develop your confidence, reputation, and portfolio, and increase your chances of landing your dream VFX job.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?