How To Get Started in Visual Effects (in 2021)

The question I get asked the most is "How to get started in Visual Effects?"
In 2019, we're in the information age - with so many resources, so much information that it's so easy to get overwhelmed that we stop, before we even begin.

There IS information out there on this topic, but most of it is quite literal "go to gnomon, or some vfx school" "DONE". Most of us don't have the luxury to spend $80,000+ (USD) to attend Gnomon or similar schools. And, who's to say that is actually the answer.

In the beginning, we just want to hit the ground running. I wanted to focus on this topic from the point of minimizing the time, minimizing the noise, and how to get clarity in your goals and what you truly should be focusing on.

What software is best, houdini, cinema 4d, 3ds max, maya, blender or after effects, photoshop or any others. Who you should listen to or what resources to study, or what specifically you want to do, whether it's visual effects in terms of compositor, technical director, creature animator or many other disciplines - let's get clarity on what this means TO YOU.

It's so simple to know where your attention should go - once you really hone in on what your goals are. And in this video I want to break through the noise and really get to the essence of what you want to do, and simply answer the question "how to get started in Visual Effects"

QUICK QUESTION - Please leave a comment: What websites or resources do you find valuable for learning or keeping up to date with the latest design and vfx news? Or other goldmines on the web that others might not know about

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[sungjuyea]

1. Set specific "someday" narrow goals
2. mimic guys already in the game - studios, linkedin, ask questions
3. choose one or two tools that resonates you if you are a beginner, and try to understand concepts
4. on the way of learning, set tasks!
5. start from free materials
6. join some communities
7. post regularly

[erroldavis]

I'm a new animation and VFX student from Jamaica. Studying in New York. Working towards the game industry. Just wanted to say thank you the video helped a lot.

[ExacoMvm]

It's easy, just there's few simple steps:
1) Learn VFX programming to atleast advanced level.
2) Learn Physics and how in general everything works ( Data flow in 3D software etc ).
3) Have an good eye how certain VFX should look/behave like.

And now MAYBE someone gonna hire you as a Runner or to do some background VFX that nobody will pay attention to or in best case scenario u will get to sculpt some rocks for a game. Then when your friend gonna play that game u will be like "See that rock ure using as a cover? I sculpted it!".

[TheNewton]

For learning software faster one investment to consider is a 2nd monitor(or tablet or cast device) to reduce context switching. Not having to alt+tab between video tutorials and the software really adds up.

[th_DimensionalCinema]

Thanks man, you gave real advice. Everybody else just talks for 20 minutes.

[oksanazaitseva]

Thank you. My daily watching routine is your channel now.

[tuna]

As a beginner i tried to absorb everything i could without clear goals, afraid of missing/not knowing something important, and just blindly following tutorials because i feels like it needed (then forgot as soon as the day later) this video make me realize that. I guess that change now. Thanks!

[Terrabite]

The way you explain is 👌, subbed immediately 🙏 Hope to learn so much this year

[TheJennettKids]

Great advice! Thank you for taking time with your busy schedule to make these for us.

[baskapes]

we're in the information age - with so many resources, so much information that it's so easy to get overwhelmed that we stop, before we even begin.


This is what's happening man.. over 7 TB of tutorials sitting in HDD.
Crystal clear Explanation.
Going to start fresh with very limited resource (3dsMax, Substance and Zbrush)

[MWren]

Just came across your channel, such a great introducing video. Definitely worth the sub! You come across clear and knowledgeable, will be taking your advice for sure, thanks man

[fosade]

You came like a glove Allan really, today was thinking on how i could possibly start studying VFX and i just couldn`t find the best path. You just show me the best way to begin, thank you so much!

[AB-mvmb]

making videos out of busy schedule is no easy! thank you allan your videos have helped me a

[sachinchavan]

Thankyou so much Allen for your insights, Really needed this.

[antonian]

Thanks for this Allan! That is very helpfull for me as a new to vfx!!

[amandivita]

Thank you so much for the video Allan! Especially the advice regarding cutting the noise, and finding what you want to do. I was being really overwhelmed by all the different things I could do. Your advice about looking at the scenes/art that made me want to do 3D really helped clear a lot. Somehow, sometimes, a single sentence clears a lot of built-up doubts, like sharp wind cutting throught the heat. Thank you! Hope to meet you someday!

[esklevndurt]

thank you so much for doing that video. it helped me to realise what do I really need and what do I really want. Thank you for amazing advices. I guess that just have changed my life

[jeganj]

I'm fist step in 3ds max Allan!
Inspire and aspire to level up with profound knowledge
Your words really provoking the best ways to choose!
Thank you so much Allan phinominal impact!

[defaultaccount]

Thank you Allan McKay, you are my VFX

[JCobesV]

Youre the man Allan! I appreciate the efforts you put in sharing your advice and knowledge. Priceless. Much respect and keep inspiring!