Beign a VFX artist can be daunting. Large amounts of pressure, stress and technical problems. But besides that, I truly believe that the most difficult situations to manage appear when dealing with uncertainty.
As human beings we are tend to seek for a routine or process that we are use to and feel comfortable and secure to perform everyday and when a change or event prevents us from continuing this routine the level of stress and anxiety could potentially increase. In the film industry those events are pretty common and the idea of having a stable routine and job for years and years doesn’t seem too realistic for most of us. From having to deal with common problems like a switch in the director’s vision to more personal ones like a contract ending soon and facing the possibility of have nothing to do for long periods of time. Even obtaining a new contract can be quite overwhelming specially if moving to a new city or country is require. The uncertainty of were to live, how to make friends and how to cope with loneliness is really strong until we find a new life routine that suits us or makes us feel stable again.
To fight all this challenges is good to be aware that life is dynamic and is always changing, the thing that make us happy today may not be tomorrow or won’t make us happy anymore in the future. But be aware that the things that causes anxiety or sadness also won’t last forever too, or at least they won’t if we stop them consciously and make the effort to maintain calm and positivism. But is vital to realize that even if hard times will inevitably come, every obstacle that we beat will make us more resilient and prepare to handle even bigger battles. Thus, do not be afraid of uncertainty and facing new challenges, if you got a new gig in a country far away from your family and friends and you feel lonely or sad try to make the best of it and meet new friends and live different experiences. If you you don’t have a job or got fired use you downtime to learn new skills or be close to your family but please do not feel like life is not worth it because you are unemployed, remember that you have all the tools needed in order to provided for you and your family.
The vfx artist life may involve huge and constant changes and struggles. Be prepare by maintaining you mind and body as healthy as possible, socialize with positive people when possible and find an activity that you enjoy besides doing your work. Don’t isolate yourself, remember that fighting anxiety takes time and a decent amount of effort. So, when you think nothing is worthy is the best time to train yourself and make the most of it. Run the extra mile, take the narrow path, do something! even if it doesn’t seem to be working, don’t quit and don’t be afraid of failure embrace it.