GanzChroma 0272
The good news?
They’re easily fixed.
Here’s another tip.
Feature shots that highlight your problem-solving skills.
What you should stop doing
Don’t just show the final shot. Emphasize the challenges you overcame. Many artists make the mistake of only showcasing the final polished shot in their demo reel. While the final shot is important, it doesn’t tell the full story of your abilities. Employers want to know how you got there, and simply showing the end result misses the opportunity to demonstrate the depth of your skills.
What you should do instead
To stand out, you need to provide context. Show the problem you started with and the steps you took to solve it. This could be through before-and-after comparisons or a detailed breakdown of your work. By doing this, you’re not just showing what you did, but how you did it. Highlight your technical expertise and creative problem-solving in action.
Why that’s the better way
When you show the process behind the shot, it adds a new layer of understanding for the viewer. They see that you’re capable of more than just executing instructions and that you can identify problems and figure out solutions independently, which is a crucial skill in the VFX industry.
Why it works
In a competitive job market, it’s not enough to show that you can create beautiful images. Employers need to know that you can handle the complexities of real-world projects. By showcasing your problem-solving skills, you demonstrate that you’re equipped to manage the challenges that come with high-stakes VFX work.
Why it’s impactful
Shots that showcase your ability to tackle difficult problems will stand out in a competitive field. The VFX industry is crowded, and many artists have similar portfolios. However, by featuring shots that highlight your problem-solving abilities, you create a reel that stands out. It shows that you’re not just another artist - you’re a creative thinker and a technical expert who can deliver results even when faced with tough challenges.
As Theodore Roosevelt once said, "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood." Your demo reel is your chance to prove that you’re in the arena, facing the challenges head-on and delivering exceptional work.
📽 Remember 📽
Your demo reel is your first and often only chance to make a strong impression.
Get it wrong, and the opportunities you’re aiming for may slip through your fingers.
Get it right, and you’ll attract the roles that can launch your career.
P.S. If you’re ready to build a reel that gets noticed, join Alpha Chromatica:
(it’s where your career starts)