Visual effects (VFX)
Layout artist
Also known as: Layout TD
What does a layout artist do?
Layout artists determine the position of the virtual camera and ‘block’ the characters for computer generated image (CG) shots of a VFX sequence. To ‘block’ the characters, means to choreograph where the characters are positioned and where they will move to over the course of a shot.
Layout artists consider a shot’s framing, composition, camera angle, camera path and movement, and the rough lighting of each key scene. They keep a consistent scale of the elements within the frame. The work that layout artists do enables other VFX artists to have a basis for shot construction later in the VFX production pipeline.
They communicate with the director to work out what virtual camera ‘language’ to use; how they want the animation to be framed and look on screen. On larger-scale projects, such as certain feature films, layout artists will produce several versions of virtual camera shots of a scene, as well as its composition. This is so that the director and editors have options when ‘cutting’ the film together in post-production.
Layout artists can work as full-time employees of major VFX companies or studios. They can also work as freelancers on a project-by-project basis.
It is critical to understand the story and emotion of the sequence before placing cameras into the scene. Without this, a camera is only a spectator in the scene, not a storyteller
Watch and read
- Layout Artist
- What is the role of a Layout artist and a VFX producer?
- 3D and a Love of Film with Carolina Jiménez García, Lead Layout Artist
What’s a layout artist good at?
- Art: have a good eye for movement and scene layout to best convey mood and plot
- Photography: have an eye for composition, know how to tell a story through a shot, understand camera and lighting techniques, know how to use them to affect emotions
- Knowledge of VFX programs: be adept at using relevant programs such as Adobe After Effects, Blender, Cinema 4D, Houdini, Maya, Nuke, RenderMan and 3ds Max
- Collaboration and communication: be able to work with other VFX artists, use each other’s resources effectively and efficiently
- Organisation: work within the production schedule, manage files and meet deadlines
Who does a layout artist work with?
Layout artists work under the management of the CG supervisor. They regularly communicate with the production department and CG supervisor about schedules and deadlines.
Layout artists work closely with the director to decide on the virtual camera ‘language’ of the project; how they want the animation to be framed and look on screen. They also work with environment artists to create realistic 3D environment layouts in VFX programs. The work that layout artists do to position the character models in the frames of the scenes gives the animators a starting point from which to work.
How do I become a layout artist?
A good route into this role is to gain experience working as an environment artist, modelling artist or texturing artist first. Or you might start off as a runner in a VFX company. Some companies offer this as an entry-level role because it's a good place in which to get an overview of the work of all the other artists.
It's useful to have some experience and competency in using VFX software, such as Adobe After Effects, Blender, Houdini, Maya or Nuke. Having an understanding of editing programs (such as Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premier, Final Cut and Lightworks) is also useful.
At school or college:
You can take A-levels or Highers in fine art, art and design, graphic design, film studies or computing. Or you might want to take a level 3 vocational qualification in one of those subjects. Look at what your local college offers such as:
- OCR Technical Diploma in Digital Media (Moving Image and Audio Production)
- UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology
- T level Media, Broadcast and Production
- UAL Applied General Diploma in Art and Design
- UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Art and Design
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (3D Design)
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (Graphic Design)
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (Photography)
- T level Craft and Design
- T level Digital Software Development
Get an apprenticeship:
Apprenticeships are jobs with training. They’re a great opportunity to earn while you learn. You might want to enter the VFX industry through an apprenticeship as an assistant technical director or a junior 2D artist. Have a look at NextGen Skills Academy VFX apprenticeships for school leavers. These involve a lot of learning on the job working in a VFX company.
Check out What’s an apprenticeship? to learn more about apprenticeships and Find an apprenticeship to learn how to find one in your region, or approach companies directly. Go to ScreenSkills information on VFX apprenticeships for the main apprenticeship schemes in VFX.
If you can’t find an apprenticeship with a VFX company, it might be worth getting an apprenticeship in a related industry, such as games or animation, which could give you some experience to help you find your way into VFX at a later point.
Build a portfolio:
Learn the software, experiment with VFX programs and create a showreel that you can show to admissions tutors or employers. Focus on producing a portfolio which includes relevant prep work to showcase your immediate practical skills. This is essential. Go to Build your VFX portfolio to learn how. It’s really important to develop your appreciation for VFX. Make sure you’re familiar with what’s out there.
Get a degree:
VFX companies or studios generally prefer it if you have a degree in graphic design, or another VFX-specific course for this role. Have a look at ScreenSkills’ list of recommended courses and select one in VFX. We recognise courses with our ScreenSkills Select award where they offer training in the relevant software, dedicated time to building a portfolio and have strong links with the VFX industry.
Search for jobs:
Look at the ScreenSkills jobs board. Research VFX companies you’d like to work for. Go to their websites and check if they are advertising for junior roles the art or pre-production departments. Even if they aren’t, send in your CV and showreel and ask them to bear you in mind for future roles or work experience. Keep looking on job websites too.
Meet people in the industry:
Go to ScreenSkills’ events, follow your local film office and any local community arts and media organisations and attend their events. Go to how to network well for some tips.
Network online:
Create a LinkedIn profile. See if there’s a Facebook page or other social media group for people making films or videos in your area. Join it and take part. Create a ScreenSkills profile.
Explore ScreenSkills Resources:
ScreenSkills careers information:
The your career hub has a wealth of resources designed to help you start or progress your career.
ScreenSkills e-learning:
ScreenSkills has a suite of free e-learning modules for those who are over 18 which can improve your knowledge. The ScreenSkills Passport modules also prepare you as they are essential for some production roles. Some modules are available for those under 18. For anyone wanting advice about first steps, the Getting into the screen industries modules are very useful.
ScreenSkills skills checklists:
If you would like more detail about the tasks, responsibilities and skills required for many key roles in film and TV drama, children’s TV and unscripted TV you can look at our skills checklists.
You might also be interested in…
Being a lighting artist, background designer, or being a storyboard artist in the animation industry. You might also be interested in working in the games industry for a development studio in a similar capacity as a layout artist but for games cinematics. You could also look at being a technical artist, graphics programmer or another kind of programmer in the games industry.
Further resources
- Blender Guru
- Creative Bloq
- FXGuide
- CG Spectrum – College of Digital Art and Animation
- Art of VFX
- Computer Graphics World (CGW)
- VFX Voice
- Visual Effects Society (VES)
- ScreenSkills resources directory
