Who I want to be when I grow up?

This question is a little difficult to answer to the point. I enjoy working with 3D programs like Maya, Zbrush, Toon Boom, and After Effects. I enjoy sculpting 3D models in Maya and Zbrush and creating textures for them. I also enjoy creating effects in After Effects creating environments, particle effects, and lighting. During my research I have come across area's of training at other schools, and where they could lead me after training.

One of the schools I'm currently looking into is The Vancouver Film School, located in Vancouver Canada. They offer much information into what kind of training I could be provided with. I find it hard to pin point exactly where I see myself in the future until I am able to get more training in working with 3D animation but I have limited it down to a few career choices.

In the VFS 3D modeling course the students often go onto work as Character, Prop, and Environment Modelers in the video game, film, and TV industries. A list of careers can be gained by studying this field:

Visual Effects Artist -

The effects artist is responsible for the creation of natural and supernatural phenomena and the compositing of them into the finished image. Effects can range fro the subtle (removal of wires, gunfire) to the extremely complex (water, explosions).

Demo Reel by Nils Brekke

Texture Artist -

A Texture artist creates and applies textures, colors, and other surfaces attributes to 3D models. They often work in photoshop, painting their textures by hand or by manipulating photographs of real-life surfaces.

Modeler -

Using a designer's conceptual drawings, a modeler creates the 3D geometry that animators later use to create motion. A team of multiple modelers may be broken up into different positions, including character modeler, prop modeler, and environment modeler.

Demo Reel by Max Wahyudi "As Time Goes By"

Places to work

Rhythm & Hues -

Location: LA West side, two miles south from LA international Airport

Past works : The Wolfman, The A-Team, Knight & Day, and Alvin and the chipmunks

Current positions opened :

Matte Painter - The matte painter reports to the VFX Supervisor and Art Director and will be responsible for creating matte paintings and concept art for high end VFX feature films. Positions are full time and at the studio. Projects range from 4 weeks to 6-12 months.

Compositor - 2D - Compositions work closely with Lighters and Matte Painters to finish shots; seamlessly integrating live-action footage or elements.

Jr. Houdini Effects TD - Effects TDs create visuals to represent natural phenomenon (fire, water, smoke, clouds, and bubbles) and anything else extraordinary. These effects employ the use of particle systems, deformations, blobbles, flocking, dynamics, rendering, compositing, shader writing, scripting, and other procedural techniques.

Modeler - Technical Director -

What does a good Modeler show in his or her portfolio?

Modelers have come from a variety of backgrounds. Successful applicants must show a solid sense of three-dimensional design and attention to detail through work with traditional sculpture, architecture and/or industrial design, as well as digital models.

Since much of our work deals with combining computer generated elements with live-action, you should show that the level of detail in your work can approach photo-realistic complexity. Also, a demonstrated high level of understanding of anatomy and proportions of realistic human figures and animals is helpful.

Since our work is also quite diverse in subject, the most successful applicants also demonstrate a breadth of competence in 3D form – from mechanical design to organic objects, from photo-real To stylized.

What do Modelers do at Rhythm & Hues?

Modelers concentrate on modeling and sculpting, but these days, that encompasses the assigning of UV texture mapping coordinates, as well as creating any groups which the Lighter or Character Animator may need. This means that the Modeler must understand the different ways to project a texture map and what those results will be. They must also understand how the object will be lit. Modelers work very closely with Lighters and Animators to ensure that there is enough detail and control where necessary and not too much detail where it is unnecessary.

Demo Reel for R&H - Visual FX

To submit your work you must have the following :

Cover Letter, Resume, Demo Reel (DVD NTSC only) & shot breakdown sheet

Huge list of film companies that are Midwest Based