RTVFX Podcast

Jeff A. Johnson is a senior VFX artist and supervisor with a background bridging film and games in many disciplines, and which has taken him all over the globe. His film work includes franchises such as Lord of the Rings, Matrix, Star Wars , Star Trek, Hellboy, and Shrek. His game development titles include “Black Ops 3”, “Call of Duty : Zombies Chronicles Remaster” and “Gears Tactics”, on which project he was the Lead VFX Artist at Splash Damage, a studio in London.

Have you ever wondered what technical art is?  Many people have their own definitions and this episode brings some additional insight on this broad profession. Joining us on the show are guest expert panelists Anthony Davis, Jan Kaluza, and Christian Sparks.

Travis Henderson is a VFX Artist at Heart Machine Studios. He has worked titles like Darksiders, Chronos and Dead & Buried.  Travis has been working in the field of VFX for over 5 years creating eye-catching effects across in Unreal, Unity for both PC, console and even VR environments.

Too often we get in our own way when it comes to success.  This episode explores some of the common excuses we find for ourselves and offers advice on how to overcome them.You are enough.  All you need is passion to overcome adversity.

Urban Bradeško is an FX Artist, Mentor, and Creative Director at Rebelway. He has worked titles like Magic The Gathering, Gears of War 5, Days Gone as well as film with the Netflix show Love, Death + Robots.  Urban brings a wealth of experience navigating the VFX world as a teacher, leader, and continuing student of the art.

Johannes Richter is a Principle VFX Artist at Remedy Entertainment. He has worked on projects in games and film including Control, Detective Pickachu, and Avengers: Infinity War..  Johannes has over 12 years of experience working as a technical director, teacher, and FX artist in the world of computer graphics.

Join on the first roundtable discussion about getting your first job in VFX for games.  In it we discuss portfolios, interviews, onboarding and more.  Our guests on the panel are:Shannon McSheehanAshley LyonJulian LoveAndreas GladSpencer Liles

David Shovlin is a Senior VFX Artist at Riot Games, working on multiple projects including Valorant. He has a long history in art working on casino & fantasy games at Monarc Gaming Labs, Red Robot Labs, and WMS Gaming. David is well versed in traditional drawing techniques and brings effects to life on the digital screen with expert precision.

Jason Keyser is a Senior VFX Artist and Founder of VFX Apprentice, an online learning platform for artists of the FX profession. He has worked on games like League of Legends at Riot Games, TV shows like Powerpuff Girls with Cartoon Network, and is a well known evangelist in the Flash, Unity & Unreal community. Jason enjoys educating artists both young and old on how they can succeed in their artistic goals with talks at GDC, Gnomom and the Academy of Art University.

Mickaëlle Ruckert is a Senior VFX Artist at Moon Studios and created Ori and the Will of the Wisps. She has been a professional in the FX space since 2008 working at studios like Ninja Theory and Arkane Studios with shipped titles including Dishonored 2, Wolfenstein Youngblood and Devil May Cry. Mickaelle is a well-known speaker in France as an expert in VFX and art topics at large.

An-Tim Nguyen is a Senior VFX Artist at Bungie currently working on the Destiny Franchise in Issaquah, Washington. He has worked on various video game titles like Halo, Rekoil, and Primal Carnage. An-Tim has humble beginnings in 3D art which quickly evolved into a love for driving emotional spectacle in VFX, and ultimately building memorable experiences for players.

Pawel Margacz is a Senior VFX & 3D Artist at DR, a 505 Games Studios. He has worked on video game titles like Battle Islands, Gwent & Deadnation with experience at game companies like Climax Studio, CD PROJECT RED and Digit Game Studios. Pawel also runs under the pen-name 1MaFX with a popular YouTube channel for FX tutorials and breakdown.

Bryan Venzen is a Senior VFX Artist at Red Storm Entertainment in Cary, NC. He has worked on projects like Mass Effect, Metroid Prime 4, and the episodic series for Minecraft, Guardians of the Galaxy and the Walking Dead. Bryan has a rich background in visual effects working in several different studio environments including TellTale Games, Retro Studios, BioWare and S2 Games over the last 9 years.

Trevor Gilday is a Senior VFX Artist at Archetype Entertainment in Austin, TX. He has worked on projects like the Mass Effect series, Anthem, and the critically acclaimed franchise Dragon Age franchise. Trevor has a rich background in visual effects working both in studio and remotely as a freelancer.

Bryan Erck is a Senior VFX Artist at Retro Studios in Austin, TX. He has worked on projects like Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Marvel’s Avengers, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, and Star Wars: The Old Republic. Bryan has a rich background in special effects work at companies like LucasArts and Midway Games.To see the SWTOR effect mentioned:https://vimeo.com/42751682

Simon Trümpler is a VFX Artist at Wild Sheep Studio in Montpellier, France. He has worked on projects like RIME, Wild, and the Invisible Hours. Simon has a rich background in 3D art modeling assets and creating textures in games like X:Rebirth and Sacred 2.www.rtvfxpodcast.com/episodes/ep-27-simon-trumpler

This is your year!We learned many things from 2020. Now we can move forward towards brighter and happier futures. Listen in on some humble encouragement to jumpstart your resolutions in the upcoming months. You are worth it. You can do it. You matter!New music is thanks to the talented Daniel Shae.Twitter: https://twitter.com/danielshaemusicWebsite: https://danielshae.co/

This epsiode features an interview with Nikola Damjanov, Lead Artist at Nordeus. He has created FX for games like Heroic and has a rich history and experience in the mobile games space. Twitter: https://twitter.com/damjanmxArtStation: https://www.artstation.com/nikoladamjanovLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikoladamjanov/ShaderForge Publication: https://nordeus.com/blog/art/50-shaders-of-forge-prototyping-with-shader-forge/Self Improvement: https://nordeus.com/blog/art/self-improving-large-scale/Procedural Citadel: https://80.lv/articles/006sdf-005cg-making-a-procedural-citadel-crystals-in-houdini/

This is part 2 of an interview with Lauren Simpson, a VFX artist at 343 Studios. She has worked on video game titles like Halo Infinite, God of War, and Uncharted 4, along with animated movies including Kung Fun Panda 2 & How to Train Your Dragon 2. Learn about what it's like to work full-time and handle being a mom as well!LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-simpson-643b215/ArtStation: https://www.artstation.com/laurensimpsonVimeo: https://vimeo.com/lrsimpsonRTVFX Forums: https://realtimevfx.com/u/lauren_simpson/summary

This is part 1 of an interview with Lauren Simpson, a VFX artist at 343 Studios. She has worked on video game titles like Halo Infinite, God of War, and Uncharted 4, along with animated movies including Kung Fun Panda 2 & How to Train Your Dragon 2. Learn about what it's like to work full-time and handle being a mom as well!LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-simpson-643b215/ArtStation: https://www.artstation.com/laurensimpsonVimeo: https://vimeo.com/lrsimpsonRTVFX Forums: https://realtimevfx.com/u/lauren_simpson/summary

This episode is an interview with Russell Bakewell. He is a VFX Artist and Game Developer with previous work on Diablo 3, Path of Exile and Gears of War. He is now running his own studio while freelancing.Twitter: https://twitter.com/BakewellRussellLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-bakewell-11ba9247/Forums:https://realtimevfx.com/u/russell/summary

This episode features an interview with Trish Taylor, author of "Yes! You Are Good Enough: End Imposter Syndrome, Overthinking and Perfectionism and Do What YOU Want". We explore some of the common challenges people run into and how they can handle them.Trish's Book:https://www.amazon.com/Trish-Taylor/e/B0781C54LD Trish's Website:https://www.trishtaylorauthor.com Trish's YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/trishtaylorcoaching Free Book Excerpt of Yes! You are good enough (includes 28 Day Plan)https://dl.bookfunnel.com/9yf5bfcfiy Free NLP Bookhttps://dl.bookfunnel.com/8ic38bqtcz Trish Taylor was living and working in England, happily settled in her 14-year role as a career counselor and part time Jazz Singer.An encounter with a Salsa dancing American literally swept her off her feet. They married and moved to the United States. She worked as an employment coach to individuals with developmental disabilities and later as a Mindset Coach and trainer. She now writes and speaks. She is the author of:Why Am I Scared? Face your Fears and Learn to Let Them Go.I'm Never Drinking Again: Maybe It’s Time to Think about Your Drinking?Yes! You Are Good Enough: End Imposter Syndrome, Overthinking and Perfectionism and Do What YOU WantA Brief guide to the Magic of NLPCo-author: Respect in the Workplace: You Have to Give it to Get it Trish lives in Pensacola, Florida with her husband.

This is part 2 of an interview with Julian Love, lead combat designer at Blizzard Entertainment for Diablo Immortal.Julian has been working in VFX for over 20 years with countless credits to his name.GDC Talkhttps://www.gdcvault.com/play/1017660/Technical-Artist-Bootcamp-The-VFXLinkedinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-love-7a24872b/Diablo Immortalhttps://diabloimmortal.com/en-us/

This is part 1 of an interview with Julian Love, lead combat designer at Blizzard Entertainment for Diablo Immortal.Julian has been working in VFX for over 20 years with countless credits to his name.GDC Talkhttps://www.gdcvault.com/play/1017660/Technical-Artist-Bootcamp-The-VFXLinkedinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-love-7a24872b/Diablo Immortalhttps://diabloimmortal.com/en-us/

This episode features an interview with Ian Confino, co-founder at Afterburner Studios, who recently launched their newest IP "Dreamscaper". Ian has worked on the VFX, animation, design and UI elements of the game and brings a wealth of knowledge managing the artistic vision of game development in small teams.Dreamscaper: http://dreamscapergame.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iancofino/Reel: https://vimeo.com/24261039Twitter: https://twitter.com/iancofinoMy new short film:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhGVg8_W_50&t

This week's episode is an interview with Gabriel Aguiar, a VFX Artist and Co-Founder at Gabriel Aguiar Productions. Twitter: https://twitter.com/GabrielAguiarFXUdemy: https://www.udemy.com/course/vfx-for-games-in-unity-beginner-to-intermediate/https://www.udemy.com/course/ue4-vfx-for-games-beginner-to-intermediate/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/gabrielaguiarprodPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/GabrielAguiarProd

This episode features an interview with Shannon McSheehan Berke, a VFX Artist at Riot Games. She has worked on League of Legends.Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShannonBerkeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonberke/RTVFX Forum Threads: https://realtimevfx.com/t/vfx-art-tests-what-does-a-great-experience-look-like/13659https://realtimevfx.com/t/shannon-mcsheehan-lol-fx-knowledge-share/1133/278Riot Game Series:https://youtu.be/3QKK2o5rWSQ?t=167

This episode features an interview with Andreas Glad. He is an award-winning VFX Artist currently working at Goodbye Kansas. Previous titles under his belt include Battlefield IV.Twitter: https://twitter.com/PartikelVFXReal-Time VFX Challenge II:https://realtimevfx.com/t/something-big-is-coming/13744/8

This episode is an interview with Florian Smolka, VFX Artist at Mimimi Games. He's worked on titles like Desperado 3.Twitter: https://twitter.com/Smou_

This episode features an interview with Vinessa Mayer, VFX Artist at Bungie. She's worked on titles like Destiny 2, FORZA, and Mortal Kombat. Vinessa shares her incredible journey finding herself in the world of visual effects after experimenting in many areas before. Learn how you can be an advocate for yourself during contract work, how to overcome imposter syndrome, and how getting involved in activities outside just the job can catapult your career.

Meet Ashley Lyons! Famed Team Lead VFX Artist at Gearbox Software. He's created amazing effects for lovable characters like Zane in Borderlands 3, along with environmental elements in Neverwinter.Learn about Ash's journey from Sculptor to VFX pro in this episode.ArtStation - https://www.artstation.com/artwork/JlVQ6mLinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleylyons/Twitter - https://twitter.com/FXBl4ckoutInterested in joining the VFX community?https://realtimevfx.com/

This episode is an interview with Rachel Day, VFX Artist at Bonfire Studios. Rachel has worked on titles like Overwatch and Diablo 3, and brings a wealth of knowledge in the character VFX world.

This episode features an interview with Yoeri Luos Vleer. He is a freelance VFX artist with a rich background in Unreal Engine. Luos shares his journey through its up's and down's including community building, technical advice, and monetizing your effects.

Matt Schwartz is a VFX Artist at Riot Games working on their card game Legends of Runeterra. He has also worked for Ubisoft on titles like Far Cry and Watch Dogs.LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-schwartz-18960714/Twitter - https://twitter.com/notmattschwartzArtStation - https://www.artstation.com/mattschwartzLegends of Runeterra - https://playruneterra.com/en-us/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------My first tutorial - https://youtu.be/qJ1ezxau5EU-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Join the RTVFX Community!https://realtimevfx.com/

This episode features an interview with Bill Kladis. He shares his experience with becoming a VFX artist, teaching others, running his own VFX business, and some of the life lessons we all need when adapting to circumstances through our years.RTVFX Contact - https://realtimevfx.com/u/imbuefx/summaryYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/imbuefxLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wkladis/Simon's Effect - https://www.artstation.com/artwork/BmN5G6?commentId=3328597ImbueFX Thread - https://realtimevfx.com/t/random-things-imbuefx/11609

This episode is an interview with Alex Redfish, Senior VFX Artist at Riot Games. He is a legendary VFX artist in the 2D Effects arena with famous works on games like Diablo 4 and Battle Chasers. Alex shares his knowledge on what it means to be a VFX artist in today's world.Alex RedfishArtStation - https://www.artstation.com/alexredfishVimeo - https://vimeo.com/user12223385YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKdO5ViTgEsEJwN__7ezAegLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-redfish-6354aa80/Deviant Art - https://www.deviantart.com/alexredfishTwitter - https://twitter.com/alex_redfish?lang=enResources:Project L - https://youtu.be/WRf9tnWk2sg?t=197Arc System Works Games - https://arcsystemworks.com/games/Adam Duff LUCIDPIXUL - https://www.youtube.com/user/AdamationStation/featuredJoe Madureira - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_MadureiraTexture Packer - https://www.codeandweb.com/texturepackerProcreate for iPad - https://procreate.art/ipadKlaus - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taE3PwurhYM

This episode is an interview with Anthony Davis, Technical Artist at EA and VFX Artist at Defy Studios. Anthony shares some of his professional experience and life hacks to become a great artist.Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonydavisvfx/Twitter: https://twitter.com/reddericktvDefy Studios: http://thedefystudio.com/Defy Studios Esports Bar: https://www.defyesportsbar.com/

This episode explores advice on what artists can do during crisis to live healthy and productive lives. It speaks in 3 areas:- General Advice for Job Loss & Dealing with Recessions- Specific Advice to Continue RTVFX During Isolation and Quarantine- Support Advice for Studios and FreelancersIf you need financial assistance:IRS Employee Retention Credit - https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-employee-retention-credit-available-for-many-businesses-financially-impacted-by-covid-19Self Employed Unemployment Information - https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/finance/money/coronavirus-spending-bill-expands-unemployment-what-you-need-to-know/Find Your State To Apply For Unemployment- https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/UnemploymentBenefits/unemployment-benefits.aspxAdditional Info on Creative Support - https://thecreativeindependent.com/guides/how-to-recession-proof-your-creative-practice/Economy Injury Disaster Loan Program - https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/CARES Act - https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/hr748/BILLS-116hr748enr.pdfPaycheck Protection Program - https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program-ppp

Tody's episode is an interview with Niels Dewitte, a VFX artist that is currently working at Agni-Flare with past credits working at nDreams and on the video game Phantom Covert Ops. Niels talks about his move from Europe to Japan and how different that transition has been. He also shares his experience as the moderator for the RTVFX forums.Niels name on RTVFX: WyveryWebsite: http://nielsdewitte.be/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Niels_DewitteLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsdewitte/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdMyPWd6AjFh8L69W4LSbjwHis Games: https://www.ndreams.com/titles/phantom/

Today’s interview is with Nick Seavert. He is the founder of JangaFX, a studio behind some of the VFX industries latest tech with products like VectorRayGen and EmberGen, a real-time fluid simulation program. Nick has been hard at work investing education and tools to make real-time artists more efficient in their roles. JANGA FX - https://jangafx.com/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtRjzr2QlxJcoQQ2c74dJpwLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasseavert/Twitter - https://twitter.com/JangaFX

Today's episode is an interview Thomas Harle, a freelance VFX artist in England. Thomas shares his experience working as a freelancing , being an educator and tutoring other students, and his YouTube tutorial series for technical advice in Unreal Engine’s material editor.Tom's Artstation - https://www.artstation.com/thomasharleTom's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzyMNIlh7lBQnIagTrEh1ZATom's Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-harle-32a5b32a/?originalSubdomain=ukRTVFX Forum - https://realtimevfx.com/

Learn about what makes a real-time visual effect in today's modern context, how it differs from other forms of effects, and some beginning steps for first time artists.