VFX

VFX (visual effects) are digital techniques used to enhance or transform footage. They help you clean up shots, add elements that weren’t captured on set, and shape scenes that feel intentional, polished and aligned with your story.

CGI (computer-generated imagery) creates digital elements from scratch, while VFX blends those elements with live-action footage so everything feels like it belongs in the same world. CGI builds the pieces; VFX integrates them with light, color, and timing.

AI can speed up tasks like cleanup, rotoscoping, and look previews, but it doesn’t replace the creative judgment that makes a shot feel real. Most artists use AI in VFX as part of their toolkit, not a substitute, especially when storytelling and detail need a human eye.

Start with the essentials like compositing, keying, tracking, and simple cleanup. Then build on those skills through clear, bite-sized tutorials. This category brings together resources from Envato that help you learn the craft in a way that feels practical and paced, not overwhelming.

It depends on your style and workflow. After Effects is great for 2D compositing and motion-heavy shots, DaVinci Resolve Fusion handles node-based effects, and Blender offers a full 3D-to-compositing pipeline. Most artists mix tools and pair them with high-quality VFX assets like overlays, particles, and stock elements to build shots that feel cohesive and convincing.