From breathtaking alien worlds to physically accurate simulations, Visual Effects (VFX) is at the heart of modern filmmaking, television and gaming. Whether it’s creating realistic digital creatures, transforming actors into superheroes or seamlessly blending CGI with live-action footage, VFX professionals make the impossible, possible.
This dynamic and ever-evolving industry offers in-demand career opportunities for those with a passion for creativity and technology. In this guide, we’ll break down what VFX is, explore career options and salary expectations, and answer some of the most common questions about how to get started in this exciting field.
What is VFX?
What is VFX, what’s involved in VFX and what does VFX stand for, anyway?
VFX is short for visual effects. It’s the art of creating or enhancing imagery for film, television, games and other media, blending multiple layers of media including live action footage and computer-generated imagery (CGI) for a seamless viewing experience.
Whether it’s adding futuristic cityscapes, creating realistic explosions or seamlessly blending digital characters with live-action footage, VFX artists bring imagined worlds and effects to life. From Hollywood blockbusters to indie films and streaming content, VFX is a crucial part of modern storytelling.
VFX CAREER PATHS – WHAT JOBS CAN YOU GET IN VFX?
Now that we’ve answered the common question, “What is VFX?”, let’s explore VFX careers!
A career in VFX offers a range of exciting roles, each requiring a mix of creativity, technical expertise and problem-solving ability. Keep reading as we break down some of the most common career paths in VFX, what they entail and the average salary for each role.
VFX COMPOSITOR
Before we dive into what a compositor does, you might be wondering, “What is compositing?”.
Compositing is the process of combining multiple visual elements – think live-action footage, CGI, colour grading, and other special effects – to create a seamless final shot. Compositors are the last line of defence in the VFX pipeline, ensuring that every effect looks realistic and blends naturally with the scene. They correct colours, adjust lighting, remove green screens and fine-tune details to make the visual illusion flawless.
A VFX compositor will often work closely with Matchmovers – who track and match footage to ensure CGI elements integrate perfectly with live-action – and Fluid Simulation Artists who create realistic water, smoke and fire effects.
3D MODELLER
3D modellers create digital objects, characters and environments that serve as the building blocks for animation and visual effects. They craft everything from realistic creatures in Hollywood films to stylised game characters, vehicles and futuristic cityscapes.
Using industry-standard software like Maya, ZBrush and Blender for VFX, 3D modellers craft highly detailed assets that animators and VFX artists bring to life. Some 3D modellers specialise in hard-surface modelling (robots, vehicles and architecture) while others focus on organic modelling (humans, animals and other creatures).
VFX ARTIST
A VFX artist is a generalist who works across various aspects of the visual effects pipeline. They handle everything from particle simulations (fire, smoke and explosions) to digital environments, character animation and CGI integration.
Depending on the studio, a VFX artist might specialise in:
- effects animation, creating realistic motion for digital elements like water, fire and destruction
- lighting and rendering, ensuring CGI elements blend seamlessly with real-world footage
- procedural effects, using software like Houdini to generate large-scale effects such as weather systems, collapsing buildings or massive battle scenes.
ROTO & PAINT ARTIST
Roto and paint artists are arguably the unsung heroes of VFX, cleaning up frames and removing unwanted elements like boom mics, wires or camera rigs from shots. They use rotoscoping techniques to isolate parts of an image so that VFX artists can apply effects precisely where needed.
Their work is also essential for compositors, as they prepare footage for seamless visual integration. In some cases, they also restore old film footage by digitally removing scratches and colour-correcting degraded images.
MATCHMOVERS
Matchmovers bridge the gap between live-action footage and digital elements, ensuring that CGI seamlessly integrates into real-world scenes. They track camera movement, object placement, and perspective to create a foundation for visual effects in film, television and advertising.
Using software like Maya and Nuke, matchmovers work on everything from high-speed car chases to character and creature integration. Their expertise is essential in bringing VFX-heavy scenes to life, making matchmovers a key part of the post-production pipeline.
HOW TO START A CAREER IN VFX: OUR TOP TIPS
TIP 1: MASTER THE TOOLS OF THE TRADE
An essential skill of a VFX professional is bringing worlds and characters for movies, games, and other visual experiences to life on screen using specific software. These include Nuke, SideFX Houdini, Maya, Blender for VFX and Adobe Creative Suite, to bring your ideas to life. Your understanding and dexterity in these industry-standard technologies and pipelines will make or break your career in this field.
TIP TWO: SHOWCASE YOUR SKILLS IN A PORTFOLIO
In the world of VFX, your portfolio is your passport to the industry. Employers and studios want to see what you can do, not just hear about it. Work on personal projects, short films or collaborations that showcase your technical skills and creative range. Focus on quality over quantity – one polished, industry-level piece is worth more than a dozen unfinished works.
TIP THREE: GAIN HANDS-ON, PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
The best way to break into the VFX industry is by getting hands-on experience. Seek out internships, freelance gigs or collaborations with filmmakers, game developers and creative studios. Attend industry events, connect with professionals and build relationships that could lead to job opportunities. The more exposure you get to real-world projects and industry workflows, the more confident and prepared you’ll be when stepping into your first professional role.
TIP FOUR: FAST-TRACK YOUR FUTURE WITH SAE
Our final tip might be the most important – find a way to combine tips one, two and three so you can master industry tools, showcase your skills and add some real-world experience to your resume. The easiest way to do this is by studying VFX at SAE!
Specially designed in consultation with industry experts from Technicolor and Ubisoft, SAE’s VFX and virtual production courses will nurture your creativity, empower you to experiment, and enhance your technical skill set. Let’s break them down:
- Bachelor of VFX and Virtual Production – This two-year degree is our most comprehensive, covering everything from the fundamentals through to more advanced VFX and virtual production techniques. On top of specialist elective units that let you drill down into your interest area, you’ll also get to complete a work integrated learning unit that includes 80 hours of industry placement.
- Associate Degree of VFX and Virtual Production – Guided by our industry experts, you’ll learn to apply theoretical knowledge and current best practices while utilising cutting-edge equipment such as virtual production studios, motion capture suits, high-end digital film cameras and green screens. We’ll also equip you with critical employability skills including strategies for problem-solving, communication and self-promotion – all in under a year and a half.
- Diploma of VFX – Our most intensive VFX course that can be completed in just seven short months, giving you the basic knowledge you need to secure entry-level industry roles. Develop foundational skills in cinematography, compositing, real-time engines, 2D and 3D modelling, and virtual environments. These units can be put towards our associate or bachelors degrees, giving you a head start for further studies.
With the latest tech and tools at your fingertips and our experienced industry mentors by your side, you’ll master techniques in compositing, real-time engines, procedural graphics, 3D modelling, virtual environments, animation, texturing and shading.
No matter which of our VFX courses you choose to study, our hands-on classes will have you working on industry-based projects, collaborating with like-minded creatives, building professional connections and creating a kickass portfolio, giving you a clear path from classroom to career-ready.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT VFX
DO I NEED A DEGREE TO WORK IN VFX?
Not necessarily but let’s put it this way – while the internet may be jam-packed with information, a YouTube degree or TikTok diploma can only get you so far. There are VFX techniques you won’t even know to search, and teaching yourself can get overwhelming.
When you choose to study VFX at SAE, you’ll gain hands-on experience and graduate with a technical portfolio fine-tuned by feedback from our expert facilitators. Our academics are by your side every step of the way, helping to prepare you for work as a VFX professional.
IS VFX A GOOD CAREER CHOICE?
Yes! The demand for VFX is growing across film, TV, games, and streaming platforms, offering diverse career opportunities. Plus, the Australian government predicts continued growth in the creative industries, supported by the provision of $400 million over the next seven years for local and international production (Job Outlook).
HOW MUCH DOES A VFX PROFESSIONAL MAKE IN AUSTRALIA?
Depending on your work experience and where you’re located, VFX professionals in Australia can make anywhere from $75,000 to $150,000 AUD per year.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A VFX ARTIST?
This depends on your learning path, but with dedicated study, many aspiring VFX artists start working in entry-level VFX roles within 1–2 years.
Our bachelors degree in VFX can be completed within two years, our associate degree in under a year and a half, and our diploma within just seven months – take your pick!
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VFX AND ANIMATION?
We’d need a whole blog post to break down the difference between VFX and animation… Lucky for you, we have one! Check out our dedicated blog post 3D Animator or VFX Artist for more info.
WHAT IS VFX? OUR FINAL THOUGHTS
Voila! We hope this guide has helped to answer some of those nagging questions like, “what is compositing?”, “what is VFX?” and “what does VFX stand for?”.
Whether you’re interested in becoming a VFX compositor, a VFX artist or a matchmover, our VFX courses will equip you with the technical skills and industry connections you need to launch your career.
Want to learn more? Explore our VFX courses today or chat with our Course Advisors to find the right path for you.
