How to Get Started with a Career in VFX: A Beginner’s Guide
Visual effects (VFX) are used in almost every movie today. From “Bahubali” to “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” the industry is filled with such examples.
Therefore, students are increasingly looking forward to joining VFX, as it is becoming largely popular as a career option. These words might bring some queries into your head “How can I become a VFX artist?” or “Is there a particular roadmap I need to follow?”
We are here to answer these questions in this fascinating blog. We will unfurl the seven steps to beginning a career in VFX, ranging from animation courses to a whole lot more.
But before that, let’s first explore some key statistics about the VFX industry.
Key Statistics of the VFX Industry
VFX boosts market demand. Below are a few statistics related to the VFX job market.
1. The global VFX software market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.50% from 2024 to 2027. (Ref: Facts and Factors)
2. The global VFX industry may employ over 1,30,000 professionals by 2025, of which 36,000 will be in the US alone. (Ref: World Metrics)
3. Over 80% of global VFX companies have reported a shortage of skilled workers, highlighting the strong talent demand in the industry. (Ref: World Metrics)
4. Over 70% of VFX professionals hold certifications or animation courses from a recognized institution, showcasing the increased role of formal education in securing a job. (Ref: World Metrics)
5. Over 90% of job postings require knowledge of key VFX software, such as Autodesk Maya, Adobe After Effects, and Blender. (Ref: Maximize Market Research)
7 Steps To Get Started With a VFX Career
A career in VFX can be both exciting and challenging. It is challenging because many aspirants don’t know where to begin. So, to start, we have compiled seven steps to help you with career progression.
Self-learning:
Self-learning is the best teacher for any student. Start by experimenting with basic visual effects through the latest tools and software in animation, such as Blender, an open-source free software, like fire, water waves, clouds, smoke, and explosions. Side by side, develop your artistic skills by sketching your imagination on paper. The more experiments you do with these effects and drawings, the better you will become as a professional.
Enroll in a Course:
Nothing beats the right animation course from the notable School of Animation. It forms the systematic roadmap to becoming job-ready when you enter the professional world. A wealth of courses is available today, from certifications and diplomas to undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Start Your Demo Reels:
While enrolled in the course, you can build your portfolio through Instagram Reels, highlighting your prowess in VFX animation. As many people are on Instagram, you may find a suitable employer who will be impressed with your reels and help you land a lucrative job.
Get Freelancing Roles:
You can also connect with certain media outlets through LinkedIn, Fiver, Upwork, and other platforms for a freelance opportunity. The best part about freelance roles is that you can work at your own pace, besides attending the VFX course, and establish an impactful brand identity. Moreover, it also shows your time management skills and dedication to the role.
Learn Coding:
Though not mandatory, coding can set you apart from your competitors. It can help the industry automate repetitive VFX tasks, enhancing their work efficiency. By earning coding credits, you can contribute to these efforts and help senior VFX professionals focus on their core tasks.
Build a Tailored CV:
Now comes the engraving of all the above steps into one picture! Put all the skills you have gained during this time, from formal education (Diploma in Multimedia) and software training to creative thinking, portfolios, and coding, in a CV.
However, create it in such a way that you can edit a few sections later to incorporate the specific keywords to bypass the ATS (Application Tracking System) for a specific job(s).
Thanks for reading to the end. We hope you find it valuable and informative. Feel free to get in touch with our distinguished School of Animation team regarding any issues you might face about the Certificate Course in Animation, VFX, B.Sc. in Animation and Visual Effects, among others.
