SHOULD YOU GO TO A VFX SCHOOL?

When you’re pursuing a career path of a visual effects artist, the most commonly asked questions are:

- “Should you go to school to study VFX?”
- “Should you study online?”
- “What school / online community should you join?”

The biggest myth in VFX is that you need a diploma in order to get a job in VFX. But in reality, the most important thing in getting hired is knowing that you can do that job. The only place where a diploma actually matters is when you’re applying for a work visa in a different country. Otherwise, the most important tool in getting hired – is how to make your VFX REEL!

In this career talk, Allan talks about:

- The pros of going to school like finding your community and how to network;
- The cons of going to school and the fact that academia can’t keep up with technological innovation;
- The price tag of former education – and how student debt adds to the pressure of having to get the job.
- How studying online allows you to choose your own courses and give you an opportunity to learn to troubleshoot (and VFX is all about troubleshooting);
- Why studying on your own keep your skills and knowledge more relevant;
- When learning online, you have to weed out through massive content on the internet – to get to the instructors who are actually qualified;
- Why studying on your own teaches you to troubleshoot on your own and makes you more open to learning new things;
- And so much more!

In his answer to the most frequently asked question SHOULD I GO TO A VFX SCHOOL?, Allan McKay breaks down the pros and cons of studying at a 4-year university versus studying online and why a VFX artist must be constantly learning – no matter the route! – as well as the importance of going all in!

If you’re starting out in digital art or VFX – or wondering how to break into the film industry – check out this career advice from Allan McKay. If you’re seeking artist career advice – this is the video for YOU!

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[AllanMcKay]

The most common question that I get asked is "Should I go to school to learn VFX?" There are certainly pros and cons to studying at a 4-year university and from reputable online sources, on your own. But in my opinion, in an industry that moves so fast and requires constant innovation, it serves you better to learn the latest technology online. But what do you think? I'd love to hear your opinion!

[DavidConant]

No. The degree is for HR. The modern price of college is not worth what you can teach yourself with strong fundamentals. Have an amazing portfolio and hold yourself accountable to a schedule while learning fundamental skills that involve problem solving. No one tutorial is gonna have the answer to a client’s needs.

[tiredguy]

I think like anything creative the answer is going to depend. First off a degree may help you overcome HR. That is whilst I want to believe that every studio looks at every portfolio, there may be some companies out there who may simply filter out your resume because you don’t have a relevant degree, so that portfolio you worked so hard on never gets looked at.

But more to the point the bigger question is are you the type of person who can produce a portfolio that will get you an interview on your own/ learning online or are you the person that needs to go to a physical school to create that portfolio? Some people can learn great on their own and some do better with in person instruction, collaboration etc… I don’t think either way of learning is invalid, just find how you best learn.

[GusKesaranond]

Im only at gnomon because I need a degree to get work visa, otherwise the online fx courses are way better than the classes we currently have

[JuJu-heck]

I just want to make my own movies that arent industry run. But i get that in most cases this doesnt pay right away.

[jonosvlog]

School is not worth it if you have good self discipline. I wish I knew that.

[arnoldhenning]

Hi @AllanMcKay Thanks a lot for the video and insight. I am looking into an animation career after high school. Do you think the same principles you covered in the video will apply to animation as well? And do you know how much different the animation work setup is compared to vfx? Thanks a lot

[bhanupartapsingh]

Please suggest some books for fx or any books for vfx ..

[bhanupartapsingh]

How to get your mentorship for tyflow ?

[rahulsolanki_]

hey @AllanMcKay i have a basic knowledge of the basic softwares like after effects, premier pro etc but how can i learn latest softwares because if i wanna learn and goes to the company to learn and company requirement will be like "Hey, first learn and then come here for job ". I am so confused what should i do.