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Your Path into Game & Animated FX
Start building your solid foundation today for free. Launch your journey with interactive workflows in the industry's most essential pipelines:
- Real-Time Engines: Build dynamic simulations in Unreal Engine (Niagara) and Unity.
- 2D & Stylized Animation: Master frame-by-frame motion in Adobe Animate and Toon Boom Harmony.
- Digital Foundations: Create professional base assets using Photoshop and foundational art theory.
Beginner's Guide to VFX
11 Free Lessons: 3+ Hours
NEW Beginner's Guide to VFX
Inside the lessons: This is your "Level Zero" starting point. We strip away the confusing jargon to show you exactly how different game styles, technical departments, and engine tools work together to bring virtual worlds to life.
Learn MoreFeatured Free Core Courses
Want a glimpse at what's included with the free VFX Apprentice training?
Here's a look at courses with over 15 hours of lessons waiting for you inside.
Artistic Principles of VFX
6 Free Lessons: 112 Minutes
Learn the five artistic pillars to make visual effects look professional, punchy, and clear.
League of Effects
2 Free Lessons: 20 Minutes
Break down League of Legends-inspired FX fan art by Kevin Leroy. Includes Unity project files.
Block-In FX: FIRE
2 Free Lessons: 104 Minutes
An introduction to fire FX in both Unity and Niagara in Unreal Engine 5.
LIVE Events at VFX-A
Free Lessons: over 18 hours
Watch the recordings of the free events held at the VFX Apprentice Discord server!
FX Artist Interviews
8 Free Lessons: 220 Minutes
We talk to working FX artists about their careers and advice they have for new artists.
Color Theory for VFX
1 Free Lesson: 5 Minutes
Get an introduction to Color Theory with this first lesson of our new foundation series!
Unreal Engine Fundamentals
4 Free Lessons: 124 Minutes
Get started with real-time FX in Unreal. Dive into real-time VFX, materials, and kit bashing.
Photoshop for VFX
5 Free Lessons: 115 Minutes
Get up to speed on the tools, adjustments, and pro tips on Adobe Photoshop for FX.
Character FX Design
2 Free Lessons: 40 Minutes
Drawing fundamentals for illustrating fire and water for FX and 2D animation.
Adobe Animate Intro
7 Free Lessons: 129 Minutes
Get to know all the animation tools and controls and create an FX flipbook in Adobe Animate.
Toon Boom Harmony Intro
5 Free Lessons: 86 Minutes
Learn the industry-standard tools and workflows for Toon Boom Harmony.
Import VFX in UEFN
1 Free Lesson: 11 Minutes
Learn how to bring your own VFX into Unreal Editor for Fortnite.
Magic Orb Follow-Along
1 Free Lesson: 130 Minutes
A deep dive into creating 3D meshes, hand-drawn textures, and engine implementation.
After Effects for Games
1 Free Lesson: 16 Minutes
Learn After Effects by making a slick animated mouse cursor ready for in-game use.
FREE Project Files
Download Project Files and Assets
Download assets, uber shaders, and project files to follow along with the free courses.
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