VISUAL FX LEARNING PATH

Pt. 1 - Foundations
Welcome to the 1-year newbie-to-pro challenge!
In these first few months, your goal is to learn fundamental principles.
So don’t worry about your portfolio just yet.
For now, take the time to explore and learn about the world of visual FX.

You can access all of the resources you need through VFX Apprentice’s All Access subscription.
Or you can try our free training and search for equivalent resources wherever you’d like.

Month 1
Drawing Foundations, Design & Timing Principles

Elemental Foundations & Intro to Photoshop

Intro to FX Concept Painting

Intro to Game Engine VFX block-ins

Month 2
Intro to Hand-Painted Textures & Modeling

Intro to Shaders / Materials

Elemental 2D FX / 3D VFX Studies

Kitbash Your Own Particle System!

Month 3
Analyze & Breakdown a Fire Explosion particle system

Analyze & Breakdown a Lightning bolt particle system

Analyze & Breakdown a Wispy burst particle system

Analyze & Breakdown a Gooey splat particle system

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VISUAL FX LEARNING PATH
Pt. 2 - Practice
To get feedback on your work during this stage, you’ll need to ask someone to be your mentor. Don’t be shy!
The goal is still NOT to create portfolio pieces quite yet.
Analyze and emulate particle systems that inspire you. Study them closely and create similar FX to learn.
Pay attention to which types of effects you most enjoy studying and creating.

Month 4
Effect #1: Concept Design

Effect #1: Block-in Timing & Composition

Effect #1: Refinement

Effect #1: Final Polish

Month 5
Effect #2: Concept Design

Effect #2: Block-in Timing & Composition

Effect #2: Refinement

Effect #2: Final Polish

Month 6
Effect #3: Concept Design

Effect #3: Block-in Timing & Composition

Effect #3: Refinement

Effect #3: Final Polish

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VISUAL FX LEARNING PATH
Pt. 3 - Portfolio
Identify 3 game projects you would love to work on, and read their job descriptions.
Reach out to someone who works on one of these games, or a similar title, and ask them to be your mentor.
With the guidance of your new mentor, create a portfolio targeted at exactly what they are looking for.
Check in regularly with your mentor to ensure you are progressing in the right direction.

Month 7
Effect #4: Concept Design

Effect #4: Block-in Timing & Composition

Effect #4: Refinement

Effect #4: Final Polish

Month 8
Effect #5: Concept Design

Effect #5: Block-in Timing & Composition

Effect #5: Refinement

Effect #5: Final Polish

Month 9
Effect #6: Concept Design

Effect #6: Block-in Timing & Composition

Effect #6: Refinement

Effect #6: Final Polish

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VISUAL FX LEARNING PATH
Pt. 4 - Job Applications
Now it’s time to get your portfolio rolling out for the world to see!
Job searching is all about timing. Studios have rolling openings from month to month, so keep that in mind.
Sometimes your dream job might come as your second or third company. Plot your career path accordingly.
Studios will likely ask you to do tests, so be prepared for more VFX work during this stage!

Month 10
Assemble and post your portfolio on YouTube/ArtStation

Contact [email protected] for VFX job referrals

Apply to at least 3 jobs you would like to work at

Do a practice interview with your mentor

Do your first phone interview

Month 11
Interview with multiple studios

Begin thinking which studios’ cultures you like most

Do your first VFX art test

Get feedback and iterate on your test

Month 12
Do additional tests based on studio interest

Do additional interviews with studios

Receive offer(s) for your first job

Accept an offer to start working as a VFX artist!

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