Visual effects (VFX)
Roto artist
Also known as: Junior visual effects (VFX) artist
What does a roto artist do?
Roto artists manually draw around and cut out objects from movie frames so that the required parts of the image can be used, a process known as rotoscoping.
The parts of an image that are wanted after cutting out are known as mattes. Roto artists work on the areas of live action frames where computer-generated (CG) images or other live-action images will overlap or interact with the live image.
If the live-action camera is not moving within a shot, rotoscoping might involve only one frame. If the camera’s moving, roto artists trace the relevant areas of every frame within the shot so that CG can be combined accurately with the live-action. Roto artists need to have a keen eye and patience in order to complete this meticulous and repetitive work.
In addition to rotoscoping, roto artists assist in the preparation of material for compositing.
Roto artists are typically employed by VFX studios but can also be freelancers.
The roto artist role is featured in ScreenSkills' immersive film First Day: In post.
Watch
- Roto and Prep in the age of AI | a Visual Effects Society London Event
- How to get into VFX as a Rotoscoping and Paint Artist
What's a roto artist good at?
- Drawing skill: trace accurately with a good line
- Patience: be methodical and thorough, taking care to rotoscope well so as to help to produce a high-quality final image
- Knowledge of programs: be adept at using relevant programs such as Photoshop
- Delivery: work well with strict deadlines, be able to complete work under pressure
- Taking initiative: observe what’s happening, be pro-active, ask questions at the appropriate time
Tools of the trade
These are some of the tools used by professionals.
- Graphics and painting software (Adobe After Effects, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, Photoshop, Silhouette)
You can learn how to model using free software. Go to Build your VFX portfolio for a list of what’s available.
Who does a roto artist work with?
Roto artists work most closely with compositors, as the mattes which roto artists produce serve as important layers for compositors to work with. They pass on their work to prep artists, as part of a VFX production pipeline, to help prepare plates for compositors.
How do I become a roto artist?
It is important that you create a showreel to show potential employers and tutors what you can do. In terms of formal education, there are degrees available specific to the VFX industry, and they can help you to become a roto artist.
At school or college:
If you want to go to university, A-levels or Highers in art, art and design, graphic design or graphic communication would all equip you well for this role. Or you might want to take a level 3 vocational qualification. 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
Get an apprenticeship:
Apprenticeships are jobs with training. They’re a great opportunity to earn while you learn. You might be able to get an apprenticeship as a roto artist or 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.
Get a degree:
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.
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 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 VFX industry skills:
There are various VFX image and video-editing programs in which it’s useful to receive training. Have a look at ScreenSkills’ list of training and opportunities and see if there’s anything in VFX.
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 roto artists. 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 VFX artist or learning to code and being a level designer, 3D modelling artist, environment artist, or texturing artist, all 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
