vfxopenday-mobileheader

All FX & Simulation courses

Study FX with industry pros and create mindblowing visual effects
Overview

Create incredible FX for film and games! Learn Houdini FX at CG Spectrum

Guided by a professional FX artist, you'll harness the true power of procedural, node-based workflow techniques to create destruction, explosions and water simulations, learning how to model, texture, simulate and render cool VFX shots from scratch.

Why study FX & simulation at CG Spectrum:

  • Progress faster with mentorship from talented FX artists
  • Learn at a Houdini Certified School
  • Create a polished portfolio that stands out
  • Receive career support and guidance
  • Choose 1-on-1 or small group classes (max. 4)
  • Study online from wherever you are

CG Spectrum’s training programs include direct access to highly experienced FX artists who have worked at some of the world's best studios. As you move through the course you'll build cool pieces to add to your demo reel and develop critical job skills to get you closer to your dream job.

visual-effects-overview-02
Course structure

Your pathway to the industry

Dive right into the full study pathway and be industry ready in 1 year.

Pathway illustration for Houdini FX (Full pathway)

Delivery

Online classes, feedback and support

Included software

Houdini, Redshift, Nuke

Classes

1-on-1 or small group classes (4 students)

Community

Lifetime access to online community of mentors, alumni and students

Mentors

Have experienced FX specialists as your mentors

Master your skill set while getting expert feedback and support from your industry mentor in a live Q&A call each week. Your mentors are established FX artists with years of experience working on blockbuster films and hit TV shows at major studios.

Student Showcase

Explore student work and see what you can learn at CG Spectrum

Our students create high quality work that speaks for itself. We provide you with the tools and resources to help you build a portfolio that gets noticed.

VFX-reel-thumbnail

Studios who have hired our students

Our commitment to job-outcomes and focus on career development has helped graduates find work at studios all over the world.

Graduate success

80% employment success rate

We’re proud to say that the majority of our advanced graduates are now working in the highly competitive film and games industry.

Our courses and in-house career services are created to give you the essential skills to be job-ready after graduation. Still wondering if CG Spectrum is right for you? Chat with our student ambassadors.

Message
Benefits

Why study at CG Spectrum

Get a more hands-on education with mentorship from top film and game experts, an industry-approved curriculum and a thriving creative community cheering you on.

By giving you access to the most talented artists in the industry, we help you to become well connected, trained and prepared for life beyond school.

What you get when studying at CG Spectrum:

  • Get job-ready in half the time of an average degree program
  • Personalized job-focused curriculum and training
  • Private 1-on-1 or small group classes (max. 4 students)
  • Live call with your mentor each week + recorded video critiques
  • Flexible schedules & 100% online, study from anywhere!

Progress faster with expert feedback from mentors and join an inspiring and supportive community of industry experts and peers.

fish-alien
About us

The CG Spectrum difference

Our mission is to make sure our students are best prepared for a successful career when they graduate.

We strive to provide affordable, high quality and personalized education and believe in the power of learning first-hand from industry experts who already established a fantastic career.

What makes CG Spectrum unique:

  • Career services to accelerate your journey
  • Quality education at a fraction of the time and cost of university
  • Software licenses included, no additional costs
  • Direct access to industry mentors with years of film & game experience
  • Supportive and active community of peers, alumni & mentors

As an online school with students and mentors in 90+ countries, we're proud to bring the industry to you – wherever you are in the world!

rubenDsantos-cutout
Frequently asked questions

FX & Simulation FAQs

Are FX artists in demand?

Yes! Skilled FX artists are in the top 5 most in demand VFX jobs

Visual effects are everywhere in movies, TV shows, games and advertising, even if not immediately obvious. Things that aren’t safe, practical or cost-effective to shoot in real life (e.g. fire, destruction, frosty breath, blood splatter, bullet hits, sparks, clouds, ocean extensions, splashes) are created by FX artists. 

Studios also rely on FX artists to fix all kinds of problems. If a scene requires snow, but it’s the wrong season or shoot location, FX artists will add it in. 

What qualifications do you need to be a VFX artist?

In order to get a job as a VFX artist, you will need a strong portfolio showing you have a good eye for detail, strong technical and artistic skills, and proficiency in industry software such as Houdini and Redshift. 

A SideFX Certified School, CG Spectrum teaches students how to model, texture, simulate and render all kinds of VFX shots from scratch using Houdini and Redshift to ensure they have a strong portfolio.

How do I start learning VFX?

Start learning VFX by taking an online FX course from CG Spectrum, a SideFX Certified School. You'll be personally mentored by professional FX artists who have worked on blockbuster films and best-selling games. The full study pathway is 12 months, and you'll be ready to start applying for junior FX jobs upon graduation.

You can also try to learn on your own by downloading the software and watching tutorials online. This can be more difficult, as it's hard to find reliable sources of information, and there's no one keeping you accountable or offering expert feedback on your work.