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Science & ResearchISCO 2166

Special effects artist

A special effects artist is a person who creates illusions for films, video and computer games, working in computer software. The illusion is the product: something has to appear on screen that was not in front of the camera, and it has to sit in the shot as though it had been.

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Check yourself in a minute: special effects artist

Rate 5 of the 17 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

follow work schedule

follow a brief

adapt to type of media

finish project within budget

analyse a script

About special effects artist

Compositing is the central craft. The artist works in digital compositing, combining rendered elements, footage and mattes into a single image in which the joins are not visible.

Alongside compositing, the special effects artist also works in motion graphics, creates moving images, and prepares multimedia content, working with multimedia systems and computer equipment.

Two parts of the role are easy to miss. The artist works to guidelines: an effect belongs to someone else's film or game, with an established look, a defined pipeline and a shot that has to cut together with the ones either side of it. And the artist analyses media publications to see how a result was reached elsewhere, studying films, games and other media sources for techniques that can be applied to the work in hand.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (17)

digital compositingdigital compositingThe process and software for digitally assembling multiple images to make one, final image.graphic designgraphic designThe techniques to create a visual representation of ideas and messages.motion graphicsmotion graphicsThe techniques and software for creating the illusion of motion such as keyframing, Adobe After Effects, and Nuke.computer equipmentcomputer equipmentThe offered computers, computer peripheral equipment and software products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.multimedia systemsmultimedia systemsThe methods, procedures and techniques pertaining to the operation of multimedia systems, usually a combination of software and hardware, presenting various types of media such as video and audio.computer graphicscomputer graphicsThe field that merges approaches from computer science and design. It involves the process of creating images, 3D models generation, as well as the rendering, texturing and lighting them. Its applicat...digital artsdigital artsThe production of art through digital tools, software, computers or other electronic devices. It involves the use of various mediums for artistic expression such as digital photography or computer gra...follow work schedulefollow work scheduleManage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.follow a brieffollow a briefInterpret and meet requirements and expectations, as discussed and agreed upon with the customers.adapt to type of mediaadapt to type of mediaAdapt to different types of media such as television, movies, commercials, and others. Adapt work to type of media, scale of production, budget, genres within type of media, and others.finish project within budgetfinish project within budgetMake sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.analyse a scriptanalyse a scriptBreak down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.study media sourcesstudy media sourcesStudy various media sources such as broadcasts, print media, and online media in order to gather inspiration for the development of creative concepts.provide multimedia contentprovide multimedia contentDevelop multimedia materials such as screen shots, graphics, slide shows, animations and videos to be used as content integrated in a broader informational context.create moving imagescreate moving imagesCreate and develop two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in motion and animations.develop animationsdevelop animationsDesign and develop visual animations using creativity and computer skills. Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, colour, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating ...design graphicsdesign graphicsApply a variety of visual techniques in order to design graphic material. Combine graphical elements to communicate concepts and ideas.
Optional (17) — show
Adobe PhotoshopAdobe PhotoshopThe computer program Adobe Photoshop is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software...motion capturemotion captureThe process and techniques for capturing the movement of human actors in order to create and animate digital characters that look and move as humanly as possible.Adobe IllustratorAdobe IllustratorThe computer program Adobe Illustrator CC is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the sof...GIMP (graphics editor software)GIMP (graphics editor software)The computer program GIMP is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by The GIMP Development Te...3D lighting3D lightingThe arrangement or digital effect which simulates lighting in a 3D environment.SketchBook ProSketchBook ProThe computer program SketchBook Pro is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software ...Microsoft VisioMicrosoft VisioThe computer program Microsoft Visio is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software...graphics editor softwaregraphics editor softwareThe field of graphical ICT tools which enable digital editing and composition of graphics, such as GIMP, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, to develop both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics.SynfigSynfigThe computer program Synfig is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by Robert Quattlebaum.copyright legislationcopyright legislationLegislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.manage feedbackmanage feedbackProvide feedback to others. Evaluate and respond constructively and professionally to critical communication from colleagues and customers.consult with production directorconsult with production directorConsult with the director, producer and clients throughout the production and post-production process.receive appropriate permissions for use of recorded audiovisual examplesreceive appropriate permissions for use of recorded audiovisual examplesGain and receive appropriate permissions for use of recorded visual examples of your work. Obtain permissions to use images of people in your promotion.convert into animated objectconvert into animated objectConvert real objects into visual animation elements, using animation techniques such as optical scanning.manage portfoliomanage portfolioMaintain a personal portfolio by selecting your best photos or work and regularly adding new ones in order to show your professional skills and development.render 3D imagesrender 3D imagesUse specialised tools to convert 3D wire frame models into 2D images with 3D photorealistic effects or non-photorealistic rendering on a computer.operate 3D computer graphics softwareoperate 3D computer graphics softwareUse graphical ICT tools, such as Autodesk Maya, Blender which enable digital editing, modelling, rendering and composition of graphics. These tools are based in mathematical representation of three-di...

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Frequently asked questions

What does a special effects artist do?

Special effects artists create illusions for movies, videos and computer games. They use computer software.

What skills does a special effects artist need?

A special effects artist needs 17 essential skills, including digital compositing, graphic design, motion graphics, computer equipment, multimedia systems.

Will AI replace special effects artist jobs?

The AI disruption score for special effects artist is 52/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: follow work schedule, computer equipment, multimedia systems. Most resilient: follow a brief, consult with production director, digital arts.

AI Replacement Risk

52/ 100
Moderate Risk
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Quick Facts

SectorScience & Research
ISCO GroupScience and engineering professionals
Essential Skills17

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