Learn how VFX can create stunning imagery, enhance storytelling, and attract attention in different types of advertising, from online video to AR and VR.

There’s also an immense need for typical 2D VFX work, like compositing (green screen work, phone screen comps, etc), paint/removal of crew/rigs and practical elements like logos/etc, set extensions, and of course the unspoken secret bread and butter, beauty work. The caveat about doing those tasks specifically for advertising is the turnaround time is much tighter than in Feature or Episodic work, and as an artist you need to really nail it on v001. Once you’ve honed your skills in other areas of the industry, bringing your experience and skills to the ad world is a great way to work with a diverse range of clients/brands and access a higher tier of pay rates.

What are the top opportunities for visual effects professionals in advertising?

Visual effects (VFX) are not just for movies and games. They are also widely used in advertising to create stunning imagery, enhance storytelling, and attract attention. If you are a VFX professional or aspiring to be one, you might wonder what are the top opportunities for you in the advertising industry. In this article, we will explore some of the current and emerging trends and niches that offer exciting prospects for VFX artists and animators.

1 1. Online video ads

Online video ads are one of the fastest-growing segments of digital advertising, with platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok offering millions of views and engagement. Online video ads often require VFX to create eye-catching visuals, realistic simulations, or stylized effects that match the brand identity and message. For example, you might use VFX to create a realistic explosion, a magical transformation, or a surreal environment. Online video ads also offer more creative freedom and flexibility than traditional TV ads, as you can experiment with different formats, lengths, and styles.

Add your perspective

Alexey Shamin

CEO of VZ Motion Design Agency | Executive Producer | CG & VFX | 3D & 2D Animation | Engineering & Product Visualization I Brand Image | Commercials | B2B Presentations | Multimedia
Report contribution
VFX is needed in almost any high-quality advertising because it consists of scenes with splashes, explosions, liquid flowing, substance simulations, and any other effects that you have to add to your video in order to make it look better or more realistic. At the same time, you'll need VFX in the most ordinary scenes just to save your budget. For instance, it's easier to add a crowded people simulation on a background of huge army fights than to hire extra people and manage them while shooting. So basically VFX might be used in any kind of ad content. The more important thing is to implement VFX in such a way that viewers don't notice any computer visual effects. That is what the magic of VFX is all about.

Like
Juan Carlos Saravia

Revolucionando el contenido en redes sociales con efectos visuales (VFX), I.A. (Inteligencia Artificial) y AR. (realidad aumentada). Creador de FOOH (Fake Out of Home Advertising) Conecta comigo para ver más 👇
Report contribution
VFX in online advertising, utilized by creators like Zack King, Shane 3D, and Vertex CGI, generates millions of views through brand collaborations, posting content on both primary and brand accounts. This distinguishes them in the competitive world of social media videos. The 'Purple Cow' concept by Seth Godin emphasizes the importance of unique content for audience engagement. An effective VFX strategy starts with a striking visual hook in the video's opening moments. This approach transforms videos into captivating spectacles, drawing viewers' attention and organically boosting brand visibility.

Like

2 2. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) ads

AR and VR are emerging technologies that offer immersive and interactive experiences for consumers. AR and VR ads can enhance the realism and engagement of products and services, as well as create memorable and emotional connections with the audience. For example, you might use AR and VR to create a virtual showroom, a product demonstration, or a brand story. AR and VR ads require VFX to create realistic and seamless integration of digital elements with the real or virtual world, as well as to optimize the performance and quality of the experience.

Add your perspective

3 3. Social media and influencer marketing

Social media and influencer marketing are powerful ways to reach and influence consumers, especially younger generations. Social media and influencer marketing often use VFX to create appealing and shareable content, as well as to enhance the personality and credibility of the influencers. For example, you might use VFX to create filters, stickers, animations, or transitions that add fun and flair to the content. You might also use VFX to create branded or sponsored content that integrates the product or service with the influencer's style and message.

Add your perspective

Yann DESPRES

Communications I Strategy I Brand Content
Report contribution
Aujourd’hui, l’expérience client en BtoB et en BtoC constitue un élément primordial dans les stratégies de communication des entreprises. Le parcours clients à travers d’expériences virtuelles immersives sont un plus. Ce rôle est donc particulièrement intéressant dans ce contexte.

Translated

Like

4 4. Interactive and gamified ads

Interactive and gamified ads are another way to increase the engagement and retention of consumers, as well as to collect data and feedback. Interactive and gamified ads use VFX to create interactive elements, such as buttons, sliders, quizzes, or mini-games, that invite the audience to participate and interact with the ad. For example, you might use VFX to create a quiz that tests the audience's knowledge of the product or service, or a mini-game that rewards the audience with coupons or prizes. Interactive and gamified ads require VFX to create smooth and responsive interactions, as well as to design appealing and intuitive interfaces.

Add your perspective

5 5. Personalized and dynamic ads

Personalized and dynamic ads are ads that adapt to the preferences, behaviors, and contexts of the consumers, using data and algorithms. Personalized and dynamic ads use VFX to create variations and combinations of visuals, texts, sounds, and effects that suit the audience's profile and situation. For example, you might use VFX to create different versions of the same ad that target different demographics, locations, or interests. You might also use VFX to create dynamic ads that change according to the time, weather, or events. Personalized and dynamic ads require VFX to create flexible and scalable assets, as well as to test and optimize the performance and effectiveness of the ads.

Add your perspective

6 6. 3D and 360-degree ads

3D and 360-degree ads are ads that use 3D models and 360-degree videos to create a more immersive and realistic representation of the products and services. 3D and 360-degree ads use VFX to create high-quality and detailed 3D models and 360-degree videos that showcase the features and benefits of the products and services. For example, you might use VFX to create a 3D model of a car that allows the audience to explore the interior and exterior, or a 360-degree video of a travel destination that allows the audience to experience the scenery and culture. 3D and 360-degree ads require VFX to create realistic and accurate lighting, shading, texturing, and rendering, as well as to optimize the loading and streaming of the content.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Taylor Armstrong

VFX Supervisor, Compositor & Creative Consultant
Report contribution
There’s also an immense need for typical 2D VFX work, like compositing (green screen work, phone screen comps, etc), paint/removal of crew/rigs and practical elements like logos/etc, set extensions, and of course the unspoken secret bread and butter, beauty work. The caveat about doing those tasks specifically for advertising is the turnaround time is much tighter than in Feature or Episodic work, and as an artist you need to really nail it on v001. Once you’ve honed your skills in other areas of the industry, bringing your experience and skills to the ad world is a great way to work with a diverse range of clients/brands and access a higher tier of pay rates.

Like
Sean Varney

VFX Supervisor-VFX Designer-TD-PM [Current: VFX super, In film post for Sky/Shooting other Projects]
Report contribution
In the commercial Ads world, VFX is faster and needs a tighter turnaround. So any VFX artist who has worked in that space tends to be used to working with feedback cycles. That experience can be a real advantage, with larger projects in my view.

Like

What are the top opportunities for visual effects professionals in advertising?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 1. Online video ads

2 2. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) ads

3 3. Social media and influencer marketing

4 4. Interactive and gamified ads

5 5. Personalized and dynamic ads

6 6. 3D and 360-degree ads

7 Here’s what else to consider

Animation

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Animation

More relevant reading

What are the top opportunities for visual effects professionals in advertising?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 1. Online video ads

2 2. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) ads

3 3. Social media and influencer marketing

4 4. Interactive and gamified ads

5 5. Personalized and dynamic ads

6 6. 3D and 360-degree ads

7 Here’s what else to consider

Animation

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills