Realtime VFX artist
Job profile
Without a VFX artist, there would be no special effects in your favorite video game or animated film! An indispensable profession in game design, the VFX artist creates and integrates digital effects throughout video productions. Explosions, flames, or the appearance of a fantastical creature are the work of this visual effects (VFX) artist.
VFX artist: Overview
Similar titles: special effects artist, specialized graphic designer, special effects graphic designer.
Education level: Bachelor’s degree (3-5 years of higher education).
Employability: Good.
Starting salary: €2,500 gross/month.
Experienced salary: €3,500 gross/month.
What is a VFX artist?
A creative and technical profession, the VFX artist is responsible for creating special effects (VFX). This specialized graphic designer works in video game or animation film studios. To create his visual effects, he must master movements, drawing, and professional software. Passionate about digital creations, the VFX artist is also in high demand in the film or advertising industry.
What training is required to become a VFX artist?
After obtaining a high school diploma, preferably with an artistic focus, you will need to pursue higher education for 3 to 5 years in animation.
What are the tasks of a VFX artist?
VFX artists rely on the project brief to create digital visual effects. They then integrate these scenes into the production. For this, VFX artists use software dedicated to computer-generated imagery (CGI) and animation.
Design and creation of visual effects
The VFX artist is the creator of explosions, fantastic appearances, and other special effects in your video games. He brings the production and the ideas of the director and artistic director to life. His work aims to provide players or animation film viewers with a captivating and dynamic universe.
Integration of visual effects into video production
The specialized special effects artist must also integrate these effects into the production. His work aims to provide players with a visual experience as realistic as possible. To achieve this, he adjusts lighting, colors, and shadows. The VFX artist works frame by frame. He must be meticulous and always respect the game design when working on a video game.
Ensuring visual coherence and resolving technical issues
The VFX artist uses his expertise to verify the final rendering. He checks the coherence between his work and the narrative. At this stage, the artist also transforms into a technical specialist: he controls and corrects the fluidity of the visual effects. He must also ensure that they blend harmoniously with the rest of the production.
What qualities are required to become a VFX artist?
The special effects artist profession requires strong skills in digital design, 3D modeling, and compositing. The artist must also demonstrate creativity and precision. He must have a genuine interest in teamwork.
Advanced knowledge of digital creation and animation software
The VFX artist must master the main software used by animation studios and video game studios.
- 2D animation tools: Adobe Animate, Moho, or TVPaint Animation.
- 3D modeling software: Toon Boom, Maya, Houdini, 3dsMax, or Blender.
The VFX artist must also have an excellent understanding of various game engines.
Artistic sense, attention to detail, and creativity
The work of VFX artists is guided by the project brief. However, the special effects professional must also demonstrate creativity. It is his responsibility to bring the artistic director’s ideas to life in images and movements. To do this, he must understand the aesthetic purpose of the production to propose detailed and adapted special effects.
Team spirit and management of production constraints
The profession of a specialized graphic designer in special effects requires close collaboration with the entire production team. The professional must be able to communicate with graphic designers and the development team. Excellent English skills are required when working abroad. The special effects artist must also be flexible and adapt to production constraints and deadlines.
What is the salary of a VFX artist?
For a first job, the salary of a VFX artist is €2,500 gross per month. With experience, the salary of a senior VFX artist can reach €3,500 gross in France. These amounts vary depending on the type of project, the company’s size, and its location. Abroad, it is not uncommon for the most renowned VFX artists to earn up to $80,000 per year.
Where can a VFX artist work?
The development of the video game industry in France guarantees a high employment rate for VFX artists. In addition to video game production, the professional can join the artistic teams of animation studios, advertising agencies, or film studios. He can also work as a freelancer on various projects. The VFX artist then works under a fixed-term contract or as a freelance contractor. His technical skills allow him to progress to a lead VFX artist, artistic director, or director position.
Training as a VFX artist with LISAA
A solid training in graphic design and animation is necessary to become a VFX artist. After obtaining a high school diploma, preferably in STD2A, a 3 to 5-year specialized animation course will enable you to master the various VFX techniques. In Paris, L’Institut Supérieur des Arts Appliqués (LISAA) offers a Bachelor in 2D/3D Animation. This program is also available on our Toulouse campus. You can continue your education with a Master in 2D Animation available in Paris.
The Bachelor in 2D/3D Animation from LISAA trains you in animation professions over three years. During your studies, you will develop your skills in drawing and art history. You will also receive advanced training in studio software. You will work with animation professionals to create your short film. Thanks to this bilingual French-English program, you will be able to join any video game studio internationally.
For more information, download the brochure for this program or contact us.
