How I Would Learn VFX (If I Could Start Over)

[@musfikhasnain1]

Wow, We are consuming content of Game of Thrones guy 😍 Thanks for the Advices brother ❤

[@alexhalsteadfilm]

Thank you!

[@letus_readbooks]

Im just about to start a Bachelor in animation and games design, this video is a gem for me right now. Thank you man

[@alexhalsteadfilm]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@Popkorn28]

Hey, appreciate your video. You said to specialise, but with the state of the industry I don't know if specialisation is the way in. Maybe it is the way to stay in, but I tried to get in as a Junior Comp. I studied film production first and then did a short (10 months) study in VFX. I finished in 2022, great timing, I know. One of my mentors, who was lead Comp artist told me I'm definitely junior level and I applied everywhere for about a year, but got mostly ghosted with a few rejections as well. The competition is brutal and there are nearly no spots for juniors. The few people who I know got a position are generalists. Companies seem to prefer them since they can wear many hats and atm they can't hire many people. I haven't given up yet, I'm continuing to learn and do projects beside my job and am applying to study vfx properly. But I am very worried about the industry (at least here in EU / Germany especially with scanline Germany getting closed). Instead of getting closer to my dream it feels like it just moves further away every day. Still I try to improve as much as possible, and now learn houdini as well, just to broaden my chances.

[@alexhalsteadfilm]

It's been a tough few years for the industry, and experiences vary again depending on where in the world you are. Junior roles have been rare in some studios, so my suggestion is to look for other ways in. So for comp this could be through roto/paint jobs, or an internship like the ones that Framestore and ILM run each year. But also consider any advertised role for a studio to just get your foot in the door as often that's the hardest part, and once you're in you have access to the crew and resources that can help you transition into your desired discipline. Unfortunately there's no set path and everyone's journey is different. I wish you all the best and let me know if I can help answer any questions that may help you along your way.

[@kevinciotta]

Great video! very relatable to start out find a problem and look for the solution instead of filling up your head up with brainfog in a premade educational program. looking forward for more!

[@alexhalsteadfilm]

@@kevinciotta Thanks Kevin! More coming!

[@CalverSchool]

Thanks for sharing your insight. I like that you said it's helpful to experiment with processes outside of the main tasks, like photography. It really helps to connect dots and understand things on a more fundamental level. I'm personally still a freelancer after 12 years of working in VFX & 3D, but that's what I enjoy. 🤠 I'd even say individual generalist are also becoming higher in demand, at least it feels that way from what I've seen from my Community.

[@alexhalsteadfilm]

Yeah learning from the real world is key! I think the best balance is specialized generalists - artists that can do lots of different things but ultimately specialize in their departments. That said, true generalists are also definitely in demand but less so in VFX.

[@harrisonmolling3805]

Great advice

[@alexhalsteadfilm]

Thanks Harrison :)