What does a Special Effects Artist do?
Special effects (or SFX) artists draw from disciplines including mechanics, pyrotechnics, chemistry, sculpture, makeup, and puppetry to create astonishing effects and convincing illusions for stage productions, films, music concerts, and live events. Special effects artists can control the weather, build and bring to life gruesome monsters, construct stunning pyrotechnic displays, create convincing wounds, or even manipulate the audience's perception in more fundamental ways—making them believe something small is large, for example. The art of special effects spans multiple industries and a world of approaches, from the practical effects artists of Hollywood to the theatrical effects artists of the stage, the pyrotechnics specialists who commonly work on music tours and concerts, and the many shades of grey between.
At a Glance
Because special effects requires such a diversity of knowledge, and because dedicated educational and training programs are scarce, special effects artists come from a tremendous variety of backgrounds. A special effects artist might study or train in any number of core fields, including mechanical engineering, carpentry, architecture, drafting, mathematics, and physics. In addition, there's an equally large number of complementary subjects which might come in handy, such as sculpture, puppetry, makeup, chemistry, electrical engineering, and even computer science.
Special effects artists are employed by special effects companies, scene shops, and theater companies. Some artists are freelancers, although the need for warehouse or studio space and equipment makes it difficult to go completely solo in this business.
- Mechanical engineering
- Pyrotechnics
- Drafting (AKA technical drawing)
- Prototyping
- Prop and set design
- Sculpture/modeling
- Casting/molding
- Broad knowledge of state and federal safety regulations (esp. concerning pyrotechnics)
- Collaboration
- Time management
- Makeup design
- Lighting design
- Costume design
Special effects artists are innovative experimentalists, inventors and problem-solvers who are self-motivated and curious about everything under the sun. While some effects have tried-and-true methods, on the whole, it's not a paint-by-numbers career; effects designers tend to be people who would rather figure something out on their own than follow an instruction manual.
Special effects artists generally work out of an office, which is often located in or near a workshop or warehouse. Although they typically set their own hours, they are beholden to the general production timeline and the needs of the other design departments.
