CG Whiz 2010 Winner Stu Schwartz’s Advice for Visual Effects Amateurs

Most new graduates are unsure what visual effects jobs are out there, what jobs they can apply for or even how to go about it. In fact, if you check out the US Bureau of Labor Statistics website you can read how CG grads “get their start in industry by running errands, moving objects on the set, controlling traffic, and helping with props. Production assistants and grips (stagehands) often work in this way.”

CG Whiz is all about skipping this step and helping up-and-coming CG special effects amateurs and young professionals get a foot in the door, actually land their first job in the industry, or get the big break that will change the direction of their career. 

Escape Studios and CG Whiz are dedicated to helping budding visual effects talent get noticed and get employed. One of our biggest success stories, last year’s CG Whiz winner, Stu Schwartz, sat down to chat with us about how his experience of industry and job prospects have changed since entering and winning our competition. 

1. Since winning CG Whiz last year, what has been your most important realization about working in the visual effects industry?
One thing that I've definitely learned is that everything takes time. You cannot expect to create great work without putting in the necessary time. There's always more to learn in the visual effects industry, so always pushing your work to the next level, and keeping up with technology is essential.

2. What about the CG special effects job prospects - in your experiences so far, have your skills been in demand? Is work plentiful once you're plugged into the right networks?
Yes, I see lots of opportunities available for visual effects artists. As long as there are motivated, enthusiastic people out there, I believe there will always be jobs out there. I believe work is plentiful once you're plugged into the right networks, and provided you are always pushing yourself. What company isn't always in demand of hard working, motivated, and competent artists?

3. How has your skill level improved since CG Whiz and your placement at Escape Studios? Do you work faster, are you more adventurous creatively and do you take more risks?
I think my skill level has increased tremendously since my placement at Escape. Now I feel much more willing to try shots that I may not have been as keen to attempt before. I have gained a lot of knowledge in most parts of the pipeline, so it's very comforting knowing that if I were put into any situation, I would have some experience and knowledge going into the job.

4. What's your "don't mess it up" advice to this year's Amateurs? If there's one thing they should avoid, what is it?
I would say, don't get too emotionally attached to your work, it's really important to get feedback from your peers so that you can continue to get better and work on your weaker skills. Also, it's always a good idea to go back and rework old projects. A fresh look at an old project that still needs more work will usually result in more content for your demo reel.

Check out Stu’s winning entry from CG Whiz 2010 and stayed tuned for part two of this inteview with Stu, where we geek out and get a little more technical.

The competiton closes next Friday 12th November so make sure you enter today!