FAQ
The training follows the needs and trends that exist in the industry so that you will arrive very well prepared for internships and jobs.
We use the most commonly used (and required) software – including node based and realtime ones. Among other things, we will provide training in Houdini, Nuke, Maya, Zbrush and Marvelous Designer as well as Unreal Engine.
We are very proud to be one of the few schools that are certified by SideFX (Houdini) and Epic (Unreal).
Please note that this education believes in using the most relevant software – not to be confused with similar educations that claim to work closely with the industry but mainly use cheap/free software. We focus on quality, even though it forces us to pay really expensive software fees.
All students are assigned their own (borrowed) powerful desktop computer free of charge during their studies – and also get their own workplace in our newly renovated premises (updated with more space and a brand new ventilation system before the start of the semester).
We do not require the purchase of any student literature – so study allowance (CSN) can instead be used to create a better study environment (buying your own extra monitor, drawing board, comfortable office chair or the like) and to subscribe to the licences that are not part of the school’s offer, see below.
The school provides Maya, Houdini, Nuke, Ftrack, Substance Painter/Designer, Unreal, Motion Builder, Marvelous Designer, etc. free of charge – but the students themselves are expected to pay for student licences (for a total of about SEK 250/month) in the form of Maxxon One ( Zbrush/Cinema4D/Redshift) and Photoshop.
The education is held on site (i.e. no distance learning is available at the moment).
It is located at Campus Skellefteå – in the middle of northern Europe’s fastest growing gaming cluster (Arctic Game).
Visual Magic: VFX artist for film and games has, together with several other game-related educations, its own floor in one of the buildings on Skellefteå Campus. There we offer a creative environment. In total, there are approx. 400 students in games/graphics at Campus Skellefteå!
You can find more information about the place of study and other things at:
https://skelleftea.se/platsen/eng/campus/campus-home
Skellefteå is a city (in almost exponential growth and almost zero unenployment rate) in the northern parts of Sweden.
https://www.visitskelleftea.se/en/
Det är givetvis en fördel om du har testat skapa saker i 3D – men inget krav. Att du är estetiskt lagd (har en känsla för färg och form) är viktigare. Vi kommer att se till helheten, det vill säga att om du är bra på att rita/måla för hand kan det kompensera för brist på erfarenhet i 3D-program – och tvärtom.
Vi kommer att skicka ut ett antagningsprov till alla sökande där de får visa vad de kan.
Bra fråga 🙂
Kärt barn har många namn. Officiellt (inkl. på ansökningen) heter utbildningen: VFX-artist: 3D-visualisering och digital compositing
Vi använder dock oftast istället namnet: Visual Magic – VFX-artist för spel och film (alternativt, på engelska: Visual Magic – VFX-artist for Games and Film).
Antagning.se har enbart program och kurser för Universitet och Högskolor. Vi är en Yrkeshögskoleutbildning. Läs mer om Yrkeshögskolan <<här!>>
APPLICATION
Is there an opportunity to study abroad (in Sweden) in this field, for people aged 30-40?
- Yes, all students aged 18+ are welcome to apply.
Also, we judge all applicants anonymously so not to discriminate on age, gender, etc.
I would like to know what the criteria are for awarding the scholarships to students?
- We mainly look at ambition level and art fundamentals with Art fundamentals being the most important one.
Is a portfolio required for admission to the program? If so, what are the criteria for selecting a portfolio?
- Yes, but mainly just because of the work samples to get in. It’s ok not to have a portfolio prior to the education.
Is this scholarship only available to students? What is the minimum age to participate?
- Minimum age is 18 years old. The scholarship is available for everyone above the age of 18.
If you already have a good knowledge of the industries related to 3D Game Artist and are very basic about VFX in games, what more can you learn to become a VFX Artist for game companies?
- Depends which areas you know prior to the education. We teach both how to use shaders and a lot in houdini that can be utilised for game production.
If you already have a good knowledge of the industries related to 3D Game Artist and are very basic about VFX in games, what more can you learn to become a VFX Artist for game companies?
- It all comes down to what you already know, but implementation is key for any VFX artist.
I would like to ask what the criteria are for awarding the scholarships to students?
- We mainly look at ambition level and art fundamentals with Art fundamentals being the most important one.
We select scholars based on Application Form and Assignment, see https://www.visualmagic.se/apply-international-students/
Is a portfolio required for admission to the program? If so, what are the criteria for selecting a portfolio? Are there specific skills that should be focused on when applying for the scholarship?
- A portfolio or worksamples is required. We mainly look at ambition level and art fundamentals with Art fundamentals being the most important one.
See https://www.visualmagic.se/apply-international-students/
More info about the application process for International Students: https://www.visualmagic.se/2024/05/08/scholarship/
Application for International Students: https://www.visualmagic.se/apply-international-students/
MONETARY
Is there any loan policy to support students with living expenses, tuition deficits?
- Unfortunately no.
Is the cost of food, accommodation, living expenses fully at the student’s expense or is there a financial support scheme?
- It’s at the student’s expense.
What is the cost of living on average, per month?
- Rent in the on-campus housing is around 2000 swedish kronor. Swedish students spent 11 000 per month which is plenty to live comfortably on. You can absolutely get by with less. It all comes down to your standard of living but 11k is good.
Swedish rules for student finances: https://www.csn.se/languages/english/the-right-to-swedish-student-finance/study-in-sweden-as-a-foreign-citizen.html
IMMIGRATION
What’s the process to apply for the scholarship + what is the immigration process?
- Apply to our education: https://www.visualmagic.se/apply-international-students/
- Submit your application to a Swedish embassy or consulate-general in your country of residence. The application form specifies which documents to enclose. Contact the embassy or consulate-general before you submit your application.
- https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Private-individuals/Studying-in-Sweden/Higher-education/Residence-permit-for-studies-in-higher-education.html
- You need to have the following documents before you apply. Carefully read the requirements for your application or it might get rejected outright. For a short application process, make sure you give them all the information they ask for.
- Valid passport
- Been admitted to fulltime studies (we will send these out 20th of June, during Swedish time)
- Proof of paid tuition fee. You will get a document to prove this.
- Bank statements to prove you can sustain yourself during your stay in Sweden. The requirement 2024 is 10 314 SEK (applox $1000) per month.
- Have, or have applied for, a comprehensive health insurance policy.
- If you intend to support yourself with bank assets, the bank statement you provide as proof of your assets must be issued no more than four months before the start of the period for which you are applying.
- https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Private-individuals/Studying-in-Sweden/Higher-education/Residence-permit-for-studies-in-higher-education/5-tips-to-increase-your-chance-of-a-decision-before-the-semester.html
JOBS AVAILABILITY
What are the job opportunities after graduation and after graduation can stay in Sweden to continue studying and working?
- Depends on how hard you study, but the Swedish creative industry is growing at a rapid pace. 2022 the games industry increased by another 6% employees and a revenue increase of 18%. Of all the newly hired 44% were women. Abroad Swedish companies hired around 5350 new employees which shows the need of Swedish companies for talent. 87% of the new hires got full time employment. The companies are mainly in Stockholm, but spread out across sweden in clusters of companies so stockholm isn’t the only option. One of these game clusters is near Skellefteå. Sweden has the 3rd largest number of companies nationwide in Europe, and ranked 5th in the amount of employees in the games industry. About 22% of all employees are women.
Can students get part-time jobs on Campus and if not, are there any restrictions on getting part-time jobs outside?
- If you have a study visa you are allowed to get part-time jobs. Campus itself doesn’t have part time jobs, but there are plenty of jobs available in town. Skellefteå is Sweden’s fastest growing city and there are more jobs available than there are people. During the summer there is a special foundation you can get work through, but you’d have to apply for it.
What are the skills needed to work in the game design industry?
- Art fundamentals are the main thing. Understanding how a vfx effect helps the user understand what is going on while also telling a story within the game or movie is key to becoming a successful vfx artist.
I’m most concerned about job opportunities for foreign students after graduating, as well as the work culture in Sweden in general (I seek work-life balance). What are your thoughts about this?
- Sweden (and the Nordics) generally have good work life balance. Sweden has a long history of work migration. It’s very common for a workplace to have english as it’s main language due to the amount of foreigners within the companies. This is also why we teach in English. Crunch is seen as a thing of the past, but of course depending on project and how things have went, it still happens. A rather big portion of swedish industry is from abroad (small country), so there isn’t any inherent resistance to foreign workers.
How should a game artist at the fresher level start his career upon graduation?
- As a Game artist a student should get a wide base and understand as much of everything as possible to find what field you appreciate the most. Once you have a good understanding of what everyone around you does, you will be a better artist in your own field as well. Be open to working with varied tasks. Be humble and work hard.
What are your thoughts about the Chinese VFX scene and the skills of the artists in China?
- We don’t have much insight into the Chinese VFX scene as it doesn’t affect our region of the world as much as it does the local region.
Does the school’s curriculum provide enough knowledge and skills for students to become professional VFX artists capable of working in studios both domestically and internationally?
- So far our students have both gotten work domestically with some seeking jobs abroad. One of which is running one of the largest mocap labs in canada by qualisys and another working at WETA.
Is the program structured to include thorough learning of 3D VFX, considering its significant application in the field of VFX?
- Yes, the program teaches a variety of fields. We teach everything between mocap, 3D, simulations and compositing.
DEGREE
The school’s program is a university or college program and what degree is awarded?
- The school is running on a type of school that’s unique to Sweden. Abroad it can be equal to a higher vocational polytechnic school. The degree is a diploma. We have collaborations with universities where you can study to get your bachelors degree however post-graduate with 2-3 semester extra. To get a job in Europe you don’t need a bachelor degree however. Only the portfolio matters and how well you work in a team.
Does the school have an actual Bachelor program?
- No, we have a higher vocational polytechnic diploma, but we do have collaborations with universities so with an extra year of study you could reach a Bachelor depending on what direction of Bachelor you would like to achieve. To get a job in Europe, you don’t need a Bachelor’s degree however. You just need a portfolio and formal training.
Vi kräver Engelska 6 eller motsvarande kunskaper. Detta främst för att de studerande ska kunna hänga med vid föreläsningar från internationella artister.
Det går jättebra att söka även om du inte har läst Engelska 6 (eller bara saknar slutbetyg)!
För att vi ska få koll på din engelska (utan ett betyg) ska du då istället bifoga en kortare text (ca en halv A4) där du, med egna ord på engelska, berättar om varför du vill gå utbildningen. Texten behöver inte vara perfekt, det räcker om vi ser att du har hyfsad koll 🙂
Utbildningen berättigar till studiemedel – men du måste själv ansöka om detta hos Centrala studiestödsnämnden: https://www.csn.se/
Nedan finner du lite uppgifter som kan vara bra att veta i din kontakt med CSN:
Utbildningens officiella namn
VFX-artist: 3D-visualisering och digital compositing
Anordnare
Vuxenutbildningen, Skellefteå kommun
Studietiden och omfattningen motsvarar: studier på heltid, 100% i 101 veckor
220829-230113
230116-230602
230828-240112
240115-240531
240826-250110 (examen)
230828-240112
240115-240531
240826-250110
250113-250530
250825-260109 (examen)
240826-250110
250113-250530
250825-260109
260112-260529
260824-270114 (examen)
Most of the lectures/classes are held in English – both to help our non Swedish students and because of English being the chosen corporate language of the industry (thus our guest lecturers tend to prefer to teach in that language). Also, most VFX-software are in English anyway.
Individual help is provided in both English and Swedish.
De flesta föreläsningarna/lektionerna hålls på engelska – både för att hjälpa våra icke-svenska studenter och för att engelska är det valda koncernspråket i branschen (därför brukar även våra gästföreläsare föredra att undervisa på det språket). Dessutom är de flesta VFX-programvara på engelska.
Individuell hjälp ges på både engelska och svenska.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT? – Read more about the application process (and potential scholarship) here: https://www.visualmagic.se/2024/05/08/scholarship/
We want to give everyone the opportunity to apply and have therefore chosen not to base our admission on grades. We also make sure to process all applications anonymously to ensure that age, gender, ethnicity, etc. will not affect the selection. What is assessed is knowledge and skills – in combination with your commitment to attend this education. We try to look at the whole picture, that is, if you are good at drawing/painting by hand, it can compensate for the lack of experience in 3D programs – and vice versa.
Thus, all Nordic citizens who applies for the education needs to send in assignments that show practical skills. This year there are three assignments worth up to 40 points each, for a maximum total of 120 points. Instructions for these are listed below, click on the plus signs…).
Assignment 1. A hand-drawn pencil drawing, see specification below.
Assignment 2. A colourful illustration or animated sequence created with a computer, see specification below.
Assignment 3. Sample of previous work, see specification below.
Note: The application pressure is high (in previous years there were way over 100 applicants) so the assignments are very important. Make sure to send in all three – and follow the instructions (including naming conventions) to the letter.
ASSIGNMENT 1
Technique: Hand-drawn drawing – including initial concept / sketch, use pencils. Format: A4, scanned or photographed.
Assessment basis: Creativity and drawing knowledge as well as a sense of form and / or anatomy as well as visual narration.
You are expected to show the process in steps, either by providing the initial sketch or by taking pictures while you draw – i.e. you need to show how you worked to get the final picture.
Please note: Several images should be combined into a single picture (only one assignment 1 is to be sent in). Name the file with your name and which assignment it is (e.g. ”roy_batty_1B.jpg”).
Select one of the following tasks:
- Alternative 1A: “Wizard sampling potent brew”. Motive: A magician sipping on potions (or similar).
- Alternative 1B: “Self portrait – skating”. Motive: A self-portrait where you do a trick on a skateboard.
ASSIGNMENT 2
Technique: An image or movie clip with strong colours that you have created/modified with a computer, drawing tablet or similar. You do not have to do everything from scratch but can use assets and other materials. No requirement for specific software.
Format: An image of max. 50 Mb or a movie clip of max. 60 seconds (max. 1 GB). The image/clip needs to show some sort of breakdown (showing how you created your work).
Basis of assessment: Your sense of form and colour, your creativity and how you can handle selected software.
Multiple images or movie clips (including breakdowns) must be merged into a single file (only one assignment 2 is to be submitted).
Name the file with your name and which assignment it is (e.g. ”dorothy_gale_2A.mov”).
Select one of the following tasks:
- Alternative 2A: ”Misplaced monster trying to blend in”. Motive: A colorful depiction of a monster doing its best (?) to fit in with the environment.
- Alternative 2B: ”Visual Magic”. Motive: Someone who uses magic to create something really colorful.
ASSIGNMENT 3
Here you submit something you have done before (or especially for this application).
Motive: Optional but preferably linked to/relevant for the education in some way. Including breakdown(s) and/or comments are highly recommended.
Format: An image (can be a collage with several motifs), max 50 Mb in size or a film clip no more than 2 minutes long and max 500 Mb. Only one work sample 3 file should be submitted (but it can be a picture collage or a show reel).
Assessment basis: How your submitted work shows skills that can be further developed in our education, i.e. your potential.
Name the file with your name and which assignment it is (e.g. ”kuro_hebi_3.xxx”).
NOTE: You must send in an actual file. Just providing a link to a portfolio/showreel or similar is NOT approved, as we must be able to download/store the assignment in order to assess it anonymously.
Submission
Submit the three work samples well in advance of the deadline (June 16) – so we have time to react if any file has become corrupt or has other problems.
If the file is >10 MB, we recommend that you use a web service that can send large files, for example https://sprend.com/ eller https://www.transfernow.net/
Send all three assignments to magnus@visualmagic.se
Mark the email (subject) with ”VFX24 ASSIGNMENT ”, the number of the assignment in question, and your name.
NOTE! Your ability to follow the above instructions (incl. follow our file naming conventions, stay within file size limits, etc.) will also be assessed – so please double check before submitting…
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at: magnus@visualmagic.se or 076-7613116
Good luck!
—
Oh, and don’t forget to send in the actual application (deadline 2024-06-06)…
More info about the application process for International Students: https://www.visualmagic.se/2024/05/08/scholarship/
Application for International Students: https://www.visualmagic.se/apply-international-students/
More info about how to apply if you are a Nordic citizen: https://www.visualmagic.se/om-utbildningen/
Register and apply (Nordic students): https://apply.yh-antagning.se/to/skelleftea/ht2024/8