How to get your first job in CG –
with Saddington Baynes
When applying for a job, peo-
ple often say it’s not what you
know, it’s who you know. Well,
we call BS on that. Creative Director Andrew White
and HR Manager Poppy Boden.
In our industry, talent and cre-
ativity are obviously paramount.
But that’s a little vague, isn’t
it? What are employers in the
VFX business really looking for?
Production studio Saddington
Baynes give us the breakdown
on just what it takes to make it
in CG – from preferred career
paths, to building a standout
portfolio, and fit with office cul-
ture. The majority of our artists are,
generally speaking, ‘classically
trained’. They’ve often got a
degree or equivalent in fields
ranging from:
So! Here’s the inside track –
how to work your way into
a top digital artist post –
brought to you by the
people in the know
at
Saddington
Baynes:
ECD
James Digby-
J o n e s ,
WHERE DO I START?
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Animation and VFX
Graphic Design
Illustration
Photography
Computer Science
Automotive Design
Computer Games Modelling
and Animation
Industrial Design
Software Development
Engineering
We’re diverse from top to bot-
tom. The key things we look for
when choosing a candidate are
passion in their work, strong
technical knowledge, a keen
eye for detail and above all a
creative mind.
As James says: “Diverse experi-
ence brings richness. I switched
from an initial study in archi-
tecture to fine art, then pho-
tography, until ultimately
I embraced multime-
dia design and then became
a Retoucher. We’re as creative
and effective as we are multi-
faceted.”
WHAT EXPERIENCE DO
I NEED?
An impressive CV and portfolio
is great – essential, even – but
in addition to relevant experi-
ence, we’re looking for passion
and commitment. You need to
be aware of new and emerging
technologies driving creative
trends and innovations.
Ultimately, we work with a mas-
sive range of brands and agen-
cies; from healthcare to FMCG,
apparel to automotive. If a spe-
cific role within our portfolio
needs filling, then we’ll hunt for
the candidates with the most
compatible and relevant skills.
Top compositors and brilliant
lighting specialists don’t just
appear when you wish for them
(unfortunately!).
It also goes a long way if you
have an interest in design cul-
ture, comics, films, animation,
video games, new and emerg-
ing technology. It might sound
like a cliche, but there’s a con-
stant buzz in the studio about
Broadcast Beat Magazine • www.broadcastbeat.com • 89