Hello everyone!

First I would like to mention that my background is in programming. I have been programming games in C++ inside of UE4 since it came out almost 2 years ago and I had been programming for a year before that. For the last 4 months I have been learning all I could find about creating real-time VFX. I have made great progress and I feel like this is something I would like to do professionally. Now that I have a solid grasp of Cascade and how to work with shaders I have chosen to learn Houdini to create my animated textures using particle simulations (fluids, particles, PyroFX). Note that my modelling skills are limited to creating shapes to support the effects that I make, which is basic geometry and abstract shapes.

Now to my question:

Do I have any chance of getting hired as a VFX artist at a big triple-A with my skill set? Which currently does not include any traditional art skills, advanced modelling skills or animation skills besides animating Dust/Fire/Smoke/Magic/Water?

I really believe that I can create a convincing demo reel by leveraging my current skills but I'm afraid that employers might not be interested in hiring somebody without an art background.

Thank you Tom and cozzie for the quick replie!

Ofcourse you do, but it all depends on how impressive your specialism is. What I'm saying is that it's better to shine and be a star in one thing, instead of being able to do lots of things 'OK'.

If you're convinced you have a good example/ demo, apply to a studio and see how it goes. If you wont get hired, you'll for sure learn in/ from the process.

What I want to specialize in and market myself as is somebody who is great at making magic effects for abilities in RPG games. This is as specialized as I'd like to become :p

1. Do I have any chance of getting hired as a VFX artist at a big triple-A with my skill set? Which currently does not include any traditional art skills, advanced modelling skills or animation skills besides animating Dust/Fire/Smoke/Magic/Water?
2. I really believe that I can create a convincing demo reel by leveraging my current skills

3. but I'm afraid that employers might not be interested in hiring somebody without an art background.

1. Yes, there is a chance. The probability may be rather low, but we can't know without the limited information you've provided. Like, for instance, how many AAA companies are there within daily commuting distance of where you live?

2. Prove it. Make that demo reel.

3. Got a portfolio and a demo reel?

You probably ought to read this forum's FAQs.

I apologize for not reading the forums FAQs, it does look like an amazing resource and I will read it right now! I am lucky and live in Montreal so there is definitely a few. My plan for the demo reel is to pick the best effects that I made for this RPG game I am making with a friend. I have a few already on display on my youtube channel but I don't think they are good enough yet to be put in my demo reel. You can take a look here if you're curious!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpfZAiE91IPM17X4zZWpsFQ/videos?sort=dd&view=0&shelf_id=0

I don't think they are good enough yet to be put in my demo reel.

Then keep working at it!

The FAQ answered all of my questions at this point, so thank you for writing that. I'll definitely keep going back to it in the future. I just couldn't help but have doubts about my lack of traditional art background. VFX art feels so unique and different, the more I experiment the more I find that being creative with shaders is what creates those effects that "wow" people (especially other VFX artists :P).