Monse Rivera

VFT Program-2014/2015

What education did you have before you took the Visual Effects for Film and Television course?

I studied Advertising Design with a minor in Film at OCAD University. 

Tell us a bit about your experience at the college.

My experience at Seneca was unique. My knowledge in VFX was very basic before I took this program and even though my art direction experience in design helped me understand the differences between 2d and 3d art, this course made that transition a lot more interesting. 

There's a lot of software that need to be learnt in such a short amount of time, plus  all the assignments to complete. It also helped me learn to manage my time and collaborate with other people that were stronger in other areas such as 3d modelling, lighting and dynamics. 

Overall, the program taught me a lot of what I needed to know in order to get a job in the vfx industry and I'm extremely glad I took it. The rest there is to learn will be at the studio when you get your first job.  

How do you use the education you got at Seneca in your job today?

Right now I use a lot of what I learn, from projections to comping with green screen footage, matte painting to dynamic simulations. I've been able to multitask and use several pieces of software, work side by side with the compers and 3d artists who also come to me for matte painting advice or requests. It's all about team work and constant learning.   

What advice would you give potential students who are thinking of taking the course?

Be sure at the very beginning of what part of vfx you would want to focus and put all your effort and time through out those 8 months.  Ask for help whenever you need it and be patient when it comes to rendering, in the end it will all pay off. 

(Written in 2015)