Unfortunately, if you never had a previous experience in the VFX industry, it is unlikely that you’re going to have a hero prop or character right away. Even if you have shown incredible skills in your reel, they will ask you to start small. And to be honest, it makes sense right?

Your student reel might be good, but it doesn’t show that you know how to work in a studio setting and deal with reviews, deadlines, etc.



Don’t get me wrong; I’m not trying to discourage you if you want to have a character/creature in your student reel. I’m just saying, be honest with yourself and if you are not sure that it is possible to make an incredibly realistic character or creature for your reel, don’t be intimidated.

It may be better to keep it simple and choose an interesting prop and to make it as realistic as you can. In my opinion, it is better to have an object with outstanding textures and materials than an organic piece poorly executed.