Differences Between an FX Artist and an FX TD
In the visual effects industry I came across both roles for the effects (FX) guys. When I first started, I wasn’t sure what the differences were because both roles seemed to work on the same stuff. Later on I learned the differences and also the path I wanted to take. And after seeing both roles on different studios and people, decided to write the distinctions.
I’ve seen many times that some VFX studios, even big and famous ones mix these terms. So I sometimes came across artists that call themselves or are hired as FX TDs, who actually are FX Artists or vice versa. Some studios hire an FX artist but they require/want an FX TD. Some have both TDs and artists, where they believe developers can develop the tools the FX artists need and pass it to them. I am not saying anyone is making a mistake or are misleading, the roles are so intertwined these days that people do not realize or care about the differences. However, I still think knowing the differences and trying to improve yourself based on the requirements of that specific role is better.
Let’s start with the definitions;
FX Artist: Responsible for creating seamless visual effects like smoke, fire, water, destruction. They implement effects on a a per shot level on a more artistic driven way.
FX TD: Creating the setups/computer language scripts that generate the effects that other artists (mostly FX Artists) can use.
So in light of these definitions an FX artist position is a more artistic role. They implement real world physical properties into simulations that the audience doesn’t realize are computer generated. Depending on the size of the company they work for, they may be required to do all the FX tasks. In bigger studios some FX artist roles are divided into more specific levels like artists being responsible for rigid body simulations or fire/smoke simulations or liquids. This doesn’t mean they do not solve problems or do not write any code, but are more on the artistic side of things than technical.
FX TDs are mostly there to problem solve, build scripts, find solutions. They are basically like a programmer but also need artistic skills. They prepare the tool and pass it to other artists, which doesn’t necessarily mean they do not work on any shots. I have seen TDs that only develop tools and saw some that work on some shots as well. They need to have advanced programming and coding skills. So this is a more technical role as the name suggests. They also can support the pipeline in the company. As a TD, you do not just program a tool, you need to think what the artists need and understand production and pipeline. If I simplify the role, they basically create buttons that does certain tasks. The buttons you click in your 3d softwares were created by some programmer and when some more specific buttons are needed the TDs come into play.
After reading the differences a question might have popped in your head which is “in this case does an FX TD get paid more?” And the answer is generally “yes”. I say generally because you might be a unique FX artist who earns more than a TD, or maybe you are a TD but you are not very good so you might get paid less. Isn’t it the same with all the jobs and professions?
You can find the average salary of FX artists HERE, and FX TDs HERE based in London.
Let’s look at two different companies FX TD and FX Artist position descriptions and requirements.
Fuse FX
FX Artist; Check out the first two responsibilities;
Create a wide range of FX simulations including open body ocean, CFD fluid systems and splashes, rigid body dynamics and destruction, pyro explosions, smoke, and fire, cloth simulations, particle systems, procedural effects, and more. Ability to create custom setups, templates, and OTLs/HDAs, as well as work off of pre-built existing workflows.
And in the traits it says;
Python and VEX programming skills strongly desired.
In FX Technical Developer (yes they call it developer which to be honest sounds better than director); check out the last sentence in the job summary;
While this candidate will typically not work on shots directly, they may be required to develop custom solutions for specialized RnD tasks.
And in key qualifications, the first and seconds bullet points say;
Proficiency in Python, Vex, C++, and any related languages, along with experience building interfaces in QT and pySide.
Houdini development experience.
The Mill
Mill’s description and requirements are easier to compare. The responsibilities for both roles are the same, the only difference is the FX TD has one more sentence which is;
Designing tools, techniques and pipelines.
Qualifications are also pretty similar but again the difference in FX TD position says;
Strong scripting skills, preferably in python, vex or hscript.
The differences are pretty straightforward. Next time when looking for a job make sure you apply to the right one or when you update your CV put in your role accordingly. However, as I said, do not really trust the name of the role when you see a job offer in Linkedin and read the details. Also do not try to become an FX TD just because they are paid more in general. Choose the one you like and think you will be better at.
