VFX is a pipeline, and each tool owns one stage of it. Knowing what each does makes it easier to pick where to begin.
Compositing: where shots come together
Compositing tools combine footage, renders and effects into one believable image. Node-based software is common in film pipelines, while layer-based software is popular for motion graphics and fast turnarounds.
Effects and simulation
Fire, smoke, water and destruction are built with simulation tools. They reward people who enjoy maths and experimentation.
- Tracking and matchmoving
- Rotoscoping and paint
- Simulation and look development
Finish small shots. Completed work teaches faster than tutorials.
Where to start
Learn one compositing tool well before spreading out. Finish small projects, because a handful of complete shots teaches more than many half-learned features.
[Demo] Stand-in article written for the design. Replace it with Arena’s own article before launch (CI-46).
