Inspired by Robert Greene’s timeless The 48 Laws of Power, we’ve distilled the essence of navigating the VFX industry into The 48 Laws of VFX. This guide isn’t about manipulation or office politics—it’s about understanding the unspoken codes of the craft, the workflows, and the psychology of working in a fast-paced, creatively demanding environment.
Ready to decode the secrets of survival in VFX? Let’s dive in.
The 48 Laws of VFX
Never Outshine the Supervisor
Let them take the credit; their approval keeps you in the game.
Never Put All Your Talent in One Software
Versatility is your weapon. Don’t let dependency limit your power.
Conceal Your Deadlines, Reveal Only Results
Always appear in control, even if the render crashed an hour ago.
Always Have a WIP
Even if you’re stuck, show progress. Deadlines demand appearances.
Learn to Steal Like an Artist
Every VFX breakthrough builds on someone else’s node tree.
Don’t Fix What Isn’t Broken
If the client is happy, resist the urge to tweak.
Control the Chaos
Keep your node graph clean—an organized flow is a sign of a disciplined artist.
Master the Art of ‘Final’ Delivery
Say “final,” but always expect revisions.
Depend on the Lazy Genius
The artist who automates everything will save your project.
Always Be Overprepared
Clients will inevitably ask for 4K at the last moment.
Avoid the Trap of Perfection
The deadline waits for no compositor.
Keep the Supervisor Guessing
Be indispensable, but don’t reveal all your tricks.
Leverage the Power of Reference
Wedges win arguments faster than logic.
Don’t Overcommit to a Shot
If it’s not hero, don’t treat it like one.
The Client Is Always Right (Even When They’re Not)
Make the impossible possible and invoice them for it.
Get the Most Out of Render Time
Use the downtime to plan or troubleshoot, not doom-scroll.
Position Yourself as the Problem Solver
The artist who ‘saves the day’ earns the trust (and often the overtime).
Learn the Language of Producers
Speak in deliverables, timelines, and budgets—not “frames.”
Anticipate the Next Rejection
Deliver a version you know they’ll change; it’s part of the dance.
Never Let the Client See You Sweat
A calm demeanor wins more approval than panic ever will.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
AI isn’t stealing your job, but it can take the grunt work.
Don’t Be Afraid to Say No
Especially to unpaid overtime or unreasonable deadlines.
Balance Artistry with Speed
Good, fast, cheap—pick two, but make it look like all three.
Build a Reputation of Reliability
Missed deadlines kill careers faster than bad composites.
Master the Art of Feedback Translation
“Make it pop” doesn’t mean what you think it means.
Always Have a Backup
From files to plugins, redundancy is survival.
Be an Eternal Student
The software changes; the fundamentals don’t.
Choose Battles Wisely
Not every note is worth a fight—save it for the ones that matter.
Let the Work Speak for Itself
Your reel is your loudest advocate.
Stay Invisible Until the Right Moment
Don’t brag until the shot is rendered and approved.
Don’t Gossip About Supervisors
The industry is small, and word travels faster than a render farm.
Perfect Your ‘Hero Shot’ Mentality
Treat every frame as though it will end up in the trailer.
Never Reveal How Long It Actually Took You
Illusion is part of the craft.
The Pipeline Is Your Ally
Work with it, not against it.
Invest in Shortcuts That Matter
A well-timed script or preset can save hours of frustration.
Overtime Is the Enemy of Creativity
Guard your time and sanity; burnt-out artists don’t thrive.
Don’t Let Tools Define You
Nuke, Maya, or Houdini—they’re just tools; your creativity is the constant.
Listen More Than You Speak
Understanding feedback is more valuable than defending your choices.
Turn Constraints Into Opportunities
Limitations fuel innovation, not excuses.
Never Let a Shot ‘Die’
Every shot can be salvaged with enough creativity and caffeine.
Collaborate, Don’t Compete
A team thrives when ego takes a backseat.
Keep Your Workspace Zen
Clean desk, clear nodes, calm mind.
Always Know Your Worth
Don’t undersell your time, talent, or experience.
Be Ready for the ‘Last-Minute Miracle’
The “final-final” version always needs something extra.
Take Care of Your Eyes
You can’t composite if you’re blind from staring at the screen for 14 hours straight.
Respect Every Department
The 3D team, roto artists, and producers are your allies, not your enemies.
Leave a Legacy
Mentor, share knowledge, and inspire the next generation of VFX artists.
Don’t Forget to Breathe
In the end, it’s just pixels. Save the drama for the screen.
Whether you’re a wide-eyed junior compositor staring at your first node tree or a seasoned VFX supervisor who’s seen it all (and then some), these laws are your blueprint for staying ahead of the game. Embrace them
