Special effects artist

Special effects artists create illusions for movies, videos and computer games. They use computer software.

The following job titles also refer to special effects artist:

special effect image designer
special effects animator
digital effects specialist
visual effects artist
special effects technician
senior special effects artist
digital effects artist
special effects specialist

Bachelor’s degree is generally required to work as special effects artist. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Special effects artist is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to special effects artist.

animator
animation layout artist
animation director
video and motion picture editor
stop-motion animator

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of special effects artist. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of special effects artist with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of special effects artist.

Digital compositing: The process and software for digitally assembling multiple images to make one, final image.
Graphic design: The techniques to create a visual representation of ideas and messages.
Motion graphics: The techniques and software for creating the illusion of motion such as keyframing, Adobe After Effects, and Nuke.
Computer equipment: The offered computers, computer peripheral equipment and software products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
Ict software specifications: The characteristics, use and operations of various software products such as computer programmes and application software.
Multimedia systems: The methods, procedures and techniques pertaining to the operation of multimedia systems, usually a combination of software and hardware, presenting various types of media such as video and audio.

These skills are necessary for the role of special effects artist.

Follow work schedule: Manage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.
Follow a brief: Interpret and meet requirements and expectations, as discussed and agreed upon with the customers.
Adapt to type of media: Adapt to different types of media such as television, movies, commercials, and others. Adapt work to type of media, scale of production, budget, genres within type of media, and others.
Finish project within budget: Make sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.
Analyse a script: Break down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.
Study media sources: Study various media sources such as broadcasts, print media, and online media in order to gather inspiration for the development of creative concepts.
Provide multimedia content: Develop multimedia materials such as screen shots, graphics, slide shows, animations and videos to be used as content integrated in a broader informational context.
Create moving images: Create and develop two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in motion and animations.
Develop animations: Design and develop visual animations using creativity and computer skills. Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, colour, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion.
Design graphics: Apply a variety of visual techniques in order to design graphic material. Combine graphical elements to communicate concepts and ideas.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of special effects artist. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Adobe photoshop: The computer program Adobe Photoshop is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software company Adobe.
Motion capture: The process and techniques for capturing the movement of human actors in order to create and animate digital characters that look and move as humanly as possible.
Adobe illustrator: The computer program Adobe Illustrator CC is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software company Adobe.
Gimp (graphics editor software): The computer program GIMP is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by The GIMP Development Team.
3d lighting: The arrangement or digital effect which simulates lighting in a 3D environment.
Sketchbook pro: The computer program SketchBook Pro is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software company Autodesk.
Microsoft visio: The computer program Microsoft Visio is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software company Microsoft.
Graphics editor software: The field of graphical ICT tools which enable digital editing and composition of graphics, such as GIMP, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, to develop both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics.
Synfig: The computer program Synfig is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by Robert Quattlebaum.
Copyright legislation: Legislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of special effects artist. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Manage feedback: Provide feedback to others. Evaluate and respond constructively and professionally to critical communication from colleagues and customers.
Consult with production director: Consult with the director, producer and clients throughout the production and post-production process.
Convert into animated object: Convert real objects into visual animation elements, using animation techniques such as optical scanning.
Manage portfolio: Maintain a personal portfolio by selecting your best photos or work and regularly adding new ones in order to show your professional skills and development.
Render 3d images: Use specialised tools to convert 3D wire frame models into 2D images with 3D photorealistic effects or non-photorealistic rendering on a computer.
Operate 3d computer graphics software: Use graphical ICT tools, such as Autodesk Maya, Blender which enable digital editing, modelling, rendering and composition of graphics. These tools are based in mathematical representation of three-dimensional objects.

2166 – Graphic and multimedia designers

 

 

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References

1. Special effects artist – ESCO