What do effect artists do in the gaming industry? What skills need to be pumped and where to look for inspiration? And finally, the most important thing is how to get into the profession (spoiler: it's easier than it seems)? These and other questions were answered by Anton Gritsay, Sub Lead VFX Artist of the Krasnodar studio Plarium.
- Anton, tell me about the specifics of the VFX-artist. What place does he take in creating games?- In my opinion, VFX-artist is a great finalizer. He creates the final image and completes the work, which has gone from concept to modeling and animation. VFX specialists have the last place in the pipeline, but perhaps one of the first in importance. That's because in modern games, effects are used not only as a decor, but also as an interactive marker that influences the gameplay. For example, the effect signals that something is about to happen, and the player must have time to react to such an event.
- What are the main tasks facing the VFX specialist?- There are two of them: the creation of visual effects according to the style of the project and the optimization of effects for devices. The second task is based on technical limitations dictated by a wide range of mobile devices.
- What is the difference between the work of Real-Time VFX Artist and the artist’s work on effects in cinema?- These two professionals are often confused. At first glance, they achieve similar results: something glows, moves and explodes. But the difference is, and sometimes significant. The key difference in working on game effects is the speed of response. Real-Time VFX Artist monitors any part of the effect in real time and instantly tracks changes, making it faster to learn from mistakes. But the VFX Cinematic artist has to wait an hour or two to render the result and make corrections. Another significant difference is that the real-time effects must be optimized for the devices on which the game is launched. The weaker the device, the harder it is to make a beautiful, fast-working effect. For mobile games, technical limitations are almost paramount.
- How does a VFX artist interact with other gemindustry specialists?- As a rule, working issues are discussed with the staff of the departments of 3D-modeling, animation, and sometimes texturing. But VFX-specialists most closely interact with programmers, including those engaged in graphics only, Graphic Dev. Together we solve non-standard tasks for current projects and make the most ambitious plans for the future.
- What skills does a VFX artist need?- The basis of any effect is the construction of 3D objects, so the VFX artist needs experience in classical and procedural modeling. The 3D object displays the texture — artistic skills and knowledge of graphic packages, such as Adobe Photoshop or Substance Designer, are useful. In order for the textures to come to life, to start moving, you need to know how shaders work, to be able to create them, which means you will need programming skills and modular prototyping. In addition, an important component of the effects - the dynamics, and to create it you need to understand the animation. And of course, you need to know the development environment, in my case it is Unity 3D.
Another useful skill will be flexibility, as the developer's toolkit is updated and modified from year to year.
Also, to create high-quality effects, a VFX specialist should have a wide range of views. This may scare away young artists. Starting from scratch is difficult: you must possess basic skills in at least several areas and continue to develop. Experts in everything - a great rarity. Everyone has weaknesses and strengths, so learn to work in a team, complementing each other. This has a positive effect on the development of professional and personal qualities of specialists.
- Skills are important, but inspiration is still needed in such a creative profession. Where to find him?- A characteristic feature of a VFX artist is observation. You need to be attentive to details, be interested in trifles, and then you will be able to look at the world in a new way. One of the principles of success, I believe the presence of its own visual library. It is good to regularly replenish it, for example, to watch movies, focusing on special effects and action scenes. It is also useful to look at the effects in games of any platforms: from mobile to console. It should play more often and focus on successful projects.
As for my personal sources of inspiration - I really love The Slow Mo Guys web series. In slow motion videos, it is possible to take a closer look at the dynamics of real physical processes in order to try to translate what they see into the effects language.
- Are there many VFX artists on the Russian labor market?- There are not enough specialists. Professionals have long been found a job, and only good reasons can make them change their company. The root of the problem lies in the shortage of young VFX artists. Perhaps this is due to the lack of good training programs.
- What do you need to enter the profession of VFX-artist?- I think that it’s enough to love the visual effects so that you wake up one morning and say to yourself: "I want to learn how to do them." This applies both to those who have an artistic taste, and those who have excellent technical potential.
There are many entry points to the profession, and everyone chooses their own path. The main thing is to keep in mind that in the end you will have to strive for the harmonious development of all necessary skills. Someone is purposefully preparing to become a VFX-artist, and someone becomes them by chance and devotes his whole life to this work. In my case, it was a unique experience: since childhood I loved drawing and did not give up to practice, and while studying for a computer systems and networks specialist, I managed to combine technical knowledge with artistic skills, and I realized myself as a Flash specialist. After completing a number of freelancing projects (mostly small orders and mini-games), I felt that for a real breakthrough you need a launch pad with a team of like-minded people. In those days, a little-known company Plarium with a small staff became a cherished place where I found true friends and really opened up. Everyone who reads this article, I want to go to the end and believe in your dream.
- Do they learn the professions of VFX artist in Russia?“Alas, in Russia, VFX artists pay little attention to learning. Of course, it would be useful to master such an actual specialty in universities, and this is about creating effects for mobile games. Plarium is well aware of this situation, so the company plans to contribute to the popularization of this area.
- Tell me about your career in Plarium: what are the requirements for VFX artists here?- Requirements for professional skills and personal qualities. Sometimes, the fact that a person fits our team as an individual becomes a weighty reason to approve a candidate. Specialist level below the required we will finish on the spot, this is a fixable matter. And to keep the team in a positive atmosphere that has been formed for many years, you can only hire a person whose values correspond to the cultural values of the company.
- What tasks are waiting for candidates?- Here is a list of the categories of effects that the specialists from the Krasnodar studio Plarium are working on:
- Character Effects (effects for characters and mobs);
- Spells / Abilities Effects (effects for strikes, spells, explosions, etc.);
- Environmental Effects (effects for the environment, effects for the second plan);
- UI Effects (effects for the user interface).
Most often, the work involves the creation of effects for mobs, bosses, minor and main characters. Their features can be enhanced by effects such as glow, fire, and others. As a rule, for each character uses unique effects of spells and physical effects. For locations also come up with the characteristic effects that complement and sometimes enhance the atmosphere of the place. For example, the land of volcanoes is not without sparks and streams of exploding lava, and the scenic area with plants - without falling leaves and waterfalls.
Now about the UI. The interface is an integral part of any game, and effects are also needed here. Some are responsible for usability or game mechanics, others decide the design and style of the project. There are practically no identical tasks, and every day a specialist is waiting for new challenges.
- What are the opportunities for development in Plarium Krasnodar?- The company sends employees to trainings and conferences in other cities, pays for online courses. Here they encourage a healthy lifestyle, organize team building and maintain a favorable climate for fruitful work. I am ready to say with confidence: Plarium is the place where the boring phrase “Everything is in your hands” really makes sense.
Start your career as a VFX artist
Want to create visual effects for mobile games? Studio Plarium Krasnodar is looking for employees! We are waiting for your resume by email: hr.team@plarium.com.