Your skills will get you in the door, but your attitude, your adaptability, and how you treat people will determine how far you go.
The VFX industry might seem huge when you’re looking at the credits of a blockbuster film, but in reality, it’s a small, tight-knit community.
And today, with social media platforms like LinkedIn,Reddit, or X (Twitter), and even Instagram, this process has only accelerated.
Social media, particularly LinkedIn, has made staying updated (or being monitored) super easy. Studios now often have their PR teams monitoring these platforms
And let’s not forget the anonymous forums and Reddit threads. Sure, you might think you’re being careful, hiding behind a username, but it’s never as secret as it seems.
Between insiders, screenshots, and cross-references, the anonymity doesn’t last long. The more heated the conversation, the faster people are to start connecting the dots
And once word gets out—good or bad—it’s out there for everyone to see.
The NDA Factor
Then there’s the added complication of NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements) and confidentiality clauses. Let’s face it, a lot of the most exciting work in VFX is highly confidential.
Whether it’s a new movie, a game trailer, or that top-secret tech innovation, once you’re working on it, you’re under strict agreements not to spill the beans.
But here’s where it gets tricky: we all know how tempting it is to drop hints, especially when you’re working on something really cool.
A harmless post about long hours or being “excited about a big project” might seem innocent, but even vague mentions can cause problems.
someone will report any leaks—whether it’s a genuine mistake or not. In the VFX world, studios take content security seriously, and they’ll act fast if they feel it’s compromised..
Culture is another biggie.
Every studio has its own vibe, and fitting in culturally can be just as important as your skill set. Are you a team player? Do you bring positive energy to the room? Or are you that person who drags everyone down with negativity? Trust me, people notice.
And they talk. A lot. If you’re known for being someone who can be counted on, who’s easy to work with, you’re golden.
Personal grudges can also stir the pot. You’d be surprised how often an offhand comment from one disgruntled artist can turn into a major drama.
If you’re the type of person who leaves a studio with grace and professionalism, people will remember that. On the flip side, if you burn bridges on your way out, well, word gets around.
you don’t want your name coming up in a “we don’t want that person on our team” conversation.
The person you’re sitting next to today could be your supervisor tomorrow or could recommend you for your dream job a year from now.
Let me paint you a picture with a little story I once heard at a VFX company. There was this artist—let’s call him Dave. Dave was talented, no doubt about that. He could Comp his shots with the best of them, but he had one glaring flaw: his attitude.
Dave had a bit of a superiority complex, always thinking he was the smartest guy in the room. He wouldn’t hesitate to throw someone under the bus if it meant making himself look better.
Now, in a big industry, maybe Dave would have jumped from one studio to another, leaving his burned bridges behind. But in VFX? Nope. Word spread quickly about his behavior. By the time he applied for his next gig, the hiring supervisor had already heard about Dave’s behavior.
They decided to pass on his application, not because he lacked skill, but because they didn’t want to bring that kind of negative energy into their team.
Dave soon found himself struggling to land jobs, and it wasn’t because his work had suddenly dropped in quality—it was because his attitude had.
You might be a wizard with the latest tech, but if you’ve got a reputation for being difficult to work with, you might find those job offers drying up.
The VFX industry is tight-knit, and hiring managers often talk to each other. If you’ve got a bad rep, it’s not going to stay a secret for long
So, what’s the takeaway here? In an industry as small as VFX, your attitude is just as important as your portfolio. Word spreads quickly, and people will remember you—not just for your work, but for how you treat others.
So, be kind, stay humble, and remember that in this industry, how you work with others is just as important as the work you produce. In this industry, how you’re seen by others can make all the difference .Even you are a Average Mediocre artist.
And in this world, it doesn’t take long for a whisper to become a shout.
