Hiring has been tough for us at Masonry Studios. Let’s attempt to address this gap in animation skills.
We’re a high-end CGI studio that does photorealistic visuals. But it’s not just about making things look pretty. Every frame we create has to convey the client’s key messaging. This means our creatives need to be more than just great technical workers—they also have to make smart, creative decisions.
In short, we’re looking for the perfect mix of creativity and technical expertise.
Fresh Grads: Traditional Training vs. Real-World Needs
One pattern I’ve noticed is that most fresh grads come from traditional film or animation programs. They’re trained to work on long-form projects like feature films. But here’s the thing: our world is 30-second, 15-second, and even 6-second spots. Advertising demands something very different.
It’s about reduction.
Taking an idea and distilling it into its simplest, sharpest form. That’s a real skill.
But most fresh grads haven’t had the chance to practice that muscle. Many still dream of working in big animation companies, taking on highly specialized roles. The Pixar/Disney dream, if you will. But here’s the reality: the industry has moved significantly away from that model.
Now, it’s the smaller, high-energy studios driving great work. And in chasing that dream of specialization, many grads end up lacking the broader CGI and VFX skills that are actually more applicable to the regional job market.
Motion Designers: Almost Perfect
Motion designers come close to what we need as a small CGI studio. They’ve got a good eye for design, proportions, and visual communication. But here’s the catch: they’re often trained in 2D. Their 3D skills? Sometimes not passable.
It’s not their fault—many haven’t worked on assignments demanding high-quality CGI. Without that experience, they haven’t had time to develop a critical eye for the details we need.
VFX Artists: Too Many Explosions
Then there are VFX artists. Their reels are full of destruction work, ocean sims, and—gosh—how many pyro explosions have I seen? It’s impressive, sure, but it’s not what we do.
Our work is about precision. Controlled, intricate animations, like the flow of beauty products or the fine motion of serums. And there’s no program out there training artists specifically for this.
Yes, the software is the same. Yes, the logic is technically transferable. But in practice? There’s a massive gap in animation skills education when it comes to preparing talent for the commercial CGI industry.
A Stable Industry with Untapped Potential
Now, I’ll admit—this might sound self-serving.
For a long time, I thought so too. After all, Masonry Studios serves a very niche market. I can’t expect the entire education system to cater to our needs.
But in recent years, local educators have been sharing with me the challenges they face: large Animation and VFX studios are shutting down, leaving graduates struggling to find their place in the industry. Meanwhile, demand for motion design and CGI in the commercial sector has stayed steady.
That’s when it hit me.
Instead of just waiting for the rare gem among interns, why not add my voice to the conversation? The truth is, these skills are transferable. And yes, you can make a good living from them.
Advertising CGI: A Career Worth Exploring
Most people see the entertainment industry as the ultimate destination for VFX and animation skills. And sure, that’s one way to apply your talents.
But there’s a whole other world out there. The commercial and advertising industry is creative, rewarding, and—dare I say it—fun.
Don’t just take my word for it. My interns are often surprised by the kind of work we do here. They love the creative autonomy we have with our clients. Many of them didn’t even realize advertising CGI could be this enjoyable.
It’s not for everyone, of course. But then again, neither is entertainment.
A Call to Action for Education
What if education institutions started offering introductory courses on advertising and commercial CGI?
It wouldn’t just benefit studios like mine. It would give students fair exposure to an industry they might not even know exists. And who knows? It might just inspire a new generation of talent to explore this amazing, untapped niche.
Okay, so let’s do a quick check here:
- Animator? Too long-form trained.
- Motion Designer? Lacking in CGI excellence.
- VFX Artist? Too focused on destruction and technical aspects.
What does a small CGI studio like ours need? A unicorn—a well-balanced creative who gets clear visual communication and can produce top-notch CGI.
But here’s the catch: we don’t have lessons crafted for this in school, do we?
That’s where I stand today. Let’s bridge the gap—in animation skills—and open new doors for creatives everywhere. And to all young creatives out there, be a unicorn!
