When you’re creating amazing VFX, you want to make sure that it makes a lasting impression. Here are 6 ways your VFX work can help you get noticed.
A VFX artist is the creator of special effects that amaze us in films.
They use software to create mind-blowing scenes that may not be practical or cannot be filmed. As a VFX artist, your work is to make these scenes realistic.
In this industry, you can choose to work as a Match Moving Artist, Motions Graphic Artist, Video Editor, and so on. But if you are a beginner in this field, you must be ready to struggle to prove your mettle.
Breaking into the visual effects industry to bag a project is not so easy, but with the correct tricks, you can have your breakthrough moment.
We have shared 6 very useful tips that will make industry people notice your VFX work. These tips are a mix of suggestions of skills, resources, and traits that you should use to create a good impression in the VFX industry.
1. Be An Expert In The Fundamentals of VFX
The foremost thing to succeed in any field is building a strong foundation.
Use various VFX software while working, and also your imagination and creativity to the maximum.
To keep yourself one step ahead of the crowd, you can learn the basics of storyboarding, photography, cinematography, and digital design. Keep yourself updated with the latest techniques and software used in filmmaking.
In any professional studio, you would be expected to know match moving & camera tracking, digital designs, clean plate & wire removal, layer-based compositing, and set extension & CG integration.
Be open to experimentation and also be adaptive to working under different environmental setups. Some software that you should know about is Mocha, RealFlow, After Effects, Nuke, Photoshop, and PFTrack.
2. Use YouTube To Get Your VFX Work Get Noticed
YouTube has more than 2.6 billion users. According to statistics, that is one-third of worldwide internet users.
That means hundreds of people spend hours watching videos on this platform.
Thereby, you must use YouTube’s popularity to leverage your popularity as a VFX artist.
Create your own channel to display your visual effects work. If you are consistent with posting your work regularly, you have the possibility of building up a massive audience here alone.
You must also think about how you can attract your target audience. Turn visitors into subscribers by producing and showing quality content and using basic marketing skills.
The more people watch your content, the more probability of industry experts and stalwarts noticing or hearing about you.
Movie producers, studios, and talent acquisition managers now scout YouTube for promising fresh new talent. So make your presence felt here and see how new opportunities open up for you!
3. Be Aware of The Responsibilities of A VFX Artist
The VFX work is usually taken care of at the post-production stage. But you must know your duties to become successful and respected as a VFX artist.
Have a methodical approach toward work and complete work within deadlines without fail.
Think about unique concepts and designs and use cutting-edge technologies. You should have some editing skills to work with the editorial team.
Be open to feedback from your supervisors and clients.
You should also take part in managing the workflow. So be ready to work with producers, arrange meetings, etc.
To summarize, your job is not only limited to one department, involve yourself at all stages till delivery.
4. Create An Impressive VFX Portfolio
When you are looking for a VFX job, you need to get noticed by employers. So of course you should have your resume and cover letter ready.
But that is not enough to stand out. Showcase your talent through showreels.
You should present at least one showreel when applying for jobs or going for interviews.
Use top visual effects like cinemagraphs, stop-motion animation, motion graphics, text effects, transition effects, and augmented reality effects.
When you include showreels in your portfolio, it immediately becomes a strong one. Remember to show keep short, engaging, unique, and informative showreels during interviews.
Build an updated and relevant reel involving the skills listed by the employers in their ads or career page.
5. Develop Essential Non-Technical Skills
There are some transferable skills that all successful VFX artists have.
You have to have strong artistic ability, intense passion for your work, strong communication skills, the ability to face criticism gracefully, and problem-solving skills.
You also need to have self-belief and yet be focused on the task and not be self-focused.
Keep a flexible, approachable, and humble attitude. Build respectable relationships with your mentors and seniors.
The most important non-technical skill for VFX artists is adaptability. As you develop your skills, you must be able to work with different teams smoothly.
6. Build Online And Offline Professional Connections
Use social media sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to build professional relationships. Connect with other artists and professionals related to the VFX industry.
Today, networking is key to getting noticed. Join relevant online groups and share your work samples regularly.
Also, share others’ VFX work and display a helpful attitude. You cannot expect others to help and promote you if you are unwilling to help others progress.
Build real-life connections too. Connect with colleagues and every other individual you come across with whom you share common interests.
Visit studios and see if you can connect with the crew members or directors.
Remember to be respectful, do not cross boundaries, and disturb others. But still remain persistent, and determined, and try your best