All FX & Simulation courses
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.
Your pathway to the industry
Dive right into the full study pathway and be industry ready in 1 year.
Daniel Hourigan
Daniel is a senior Houdini FX artist with 15 years of experience working on blockbusters such as Terminator: Dark Fate, John Wick 3, Aquaman, The Wolverine, and Game of Thrones.
Read full bioManager of VFX
Known for John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum
Ben Fox
Ben's worked on high-profile commercials and Unreal Engine VR experiences for projects like Game of Thrones, Interstellar and Ready Player One.
Read full bioMentor of Houdini FX
Known for Interstellar VR
Kate Xagoraris
Kate is a VFX artist in the motion picture industry. She primarily works with Houdini, and in her spare time runs a blog based on incorporating scientific ideas in VFX, and general Houdini tips.
Read full bioMentor of Houdini FXhoudini
Known for The Boys
Gyuri Kiss
Originally from Hungary, Gyuri's work has taken him all over the world: from Weta in Wellington, to Animal Logic in Sydney, Method in Melbourne, and now Mainframe in Vancouver.
Read full bioMentor of Houdini FX
Known for Mad Max: Fury Road
Claire Pegorier
Claire has more than 25 years' experience as an FX artist for films and games on projects like Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, X-Men First Class, and Clash of the Titans.
Read full bioMentor of Houdini FX
Known for Passengers
I went from knowing nothing about FX, to receiving job offers within 6 months of study with CG Spectrum!
I was blown away by the level of personal interaction the 1-on-1 mentorship provides. Having a direct line to an industry veteran as my mentor has been an invaluable resource and has taken my rate of learning to the next level.
I'm so glad I've chosen CG Spectrum's FX course.
I can honestly say that the amount I've learned in a year studying here is more than I could've ever learned in a traditional school or by myself. The mentors are incredibly knowledgeable about their field, and they're very helpful and patient. You get to be a part of an incredible community of talented students and mentors, I think that's one of the biggest advantages that this school offers.
I am very excited about how much I have achieved!
Self-teaching is cool if you don't mind getting no interaction or help, and learning older versions of the software. Thankfully, CG Spectrum has given me the total opposite and an opportunity to push myself every step closer to the industry. With great resources at CG Spectrum, I learned not only my craft, but also how to prepare myself to be industry-ready.
I’m excited to start the new leg of my journey!
It isn’t every day you decide to quit your job, go back to school, graduate and get a new job in a field you’ve always dreamed about in less than 1 year. Needless to say, it has been one eventful year for me! I have to give a huge thanks to everyone at CG Spectrum for making this possible.
I’m not only learning the essentials of VFX but also key networking tips from my mentor.
I started CG Spectrum with no experience in visual effects. In my opinion, the education with CG Spectrum is the closest to giving me actual industry experience since I’m working alongside an industry vet whilst being taught the fundamentals of my trade. I can comfortably say I have more of a "peer to peer" relationship rather than "teacher to student", making it really easy to share my work and expect solid criticism.
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.
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.
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!
