Career Corner

Special Effects Designer

Description of Responsibilities
Special effects designers plan the stunts and illusions in movies, TV programs, computer programs, or other digital media. To make the effects look real, the designers must have skills in painting, sculpting, and engineering. The tools that special effects designers use include plaster, plastic molds, paint, makeup, and trick photography. Modern special effects also rely on the use of computers and digital imaging. Successful special effects designers can make science fiction and fantasy settings look realistic.

Education, Training, and Professional Qualifications
Special effects designers may need a college degree in art, as well as film production and technology courses. Hands-on experience in special effects is also helpful.

Other Considerations
Special effects designers take cinema to the next level, bringing technology and entertainment together.