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VFX Foundations and Artistic Principles

Instructor: Jason Keyser
Included with VFX-A All Access

A high-level introduction to the world of VFX for games. Learn how VFX are used to inform gameplay with their use of shape, color, value, and timing. Each a powerful tool for VFX artists to create stylized FX. 

FREE COURSE
In All Access

2+ Hours

This course includes over two hours of beginner VFX training.

Skill Level

Beginner Level One course for new and aspiring VFX artists. 

Software

No requirements. This is
a lecture-based course

Instant Access

This course is immediately available to All Access members. 

Course Breakdown

Lesson overview.

Artistic Principles of VFX

There's so much to the craft of making VFX. In this lecture, Jason Keyser focuses on teaching the mindset of a hand-crafted & art-directed approach that can serve you well while working on 3D particle systems.

Gameplay

VFX inform players on how to play the game, which is the most important aspect of good gameplay FX. Knowing what to do based on a clear visual understanding of how the game is meant to be played is the single greatest asset we can provide to anyone who chooses to play a game. 

Shape

Shapes are the primary way to communicate with gamers. They can be the immediate distinction between good and bad for the user - letting them know what is going on and how they should play the game. 

Value

While shapes are the way of communicating, values are the best way to get a player's attention. 

Let's go over how much attention and work you put into one specific effect while drawing the eyes to certain parts of the screen.

Color

Certain aspects of picking and choosing color palettes can be very specific to the game you’re working on. We'll talk about the importance of primary and secondary colors within one effect and the importance of having clear communication throughout the colors you use.

Timing 

Learn how VFX move and interact in space and time within the game. 

Understand the importance of reducing the amount of time your particles are on screen, so you can de-clutter the space and help communicate with the gamer.

Composition

Composition is an artistic principle that we see every day in movie posters, comics, or YouTube thumbnails. But how can VFX artists use this to their advantage?

Learn how to guide viewers' eyes to the most important part of your effect and capture a wider audience with these guidelines.

What members say about VFX Apprentice

Luke Mason

VFX Artist, Blizzard Entertainment

VFX Apprentice is always the first place I suggest to start in the world of real-time VFX. The quality and care are simply unmatched. The comprehensive lessons forever changed how I paint, whether it be for textures or concepts.

Bruno Cano

VFX-A All Access Member

Joining VFX Apprentice was, for sure, the best decision I've made in my early VFX career. The courses are great and the mentors and students are always trying to help. I just love being here!

Free VFX Training

FREE

No credit card required

  • Artistic Principles of VFX
  • 10+ Hours of VFX Training
  • Animation and Game FX
  • Select Project Files + Assets
  • Free Community Channels
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All Access (Annual)

$132.33/month

12 months billed once

  • Save $680 vs. monthly
  • 200+ Hours of VFX Training
  • New Lessons Monthly
  • Weekly Live Sessions
  • Project Files + Assets
  • Lifetime Community Access
JOIN NOW

All Access (Monthly)

$189/month

Billed monthly

  • 200+ Hours of VFX Training
  • New Lessons Monthly
  • Weekly Live Sessions
  • Project Files + Assets
  • Full Community Access
JOIN NOW

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