5 Minutes With... Senior FX Artist Raffeck Mohamed

Can you tell us briefly how you started with VFX and how you got where you are now?

I started with 2D, studying drawing, then I discovered CGI at that time, and I decided to take a VFX course in Paris.

Did you always want to be a FX artist?

Honestly, I didn't know this job existed until I started VFX studies, but I was always fascinated by the visual effects of Japanese anime, the surrealistic, dynamic, and magical side of everything they create. When I knew I could maybe do that in the field of CGI, I went in headfirst! 

FX can be a very technical discipline; how important is the connection between artistry and technical ability in your field?

In my opinion, this link and this balance is more than important; it's essential. To only be artistic takes away the advantage of a technique which unblocks us in a difficult situation. However, to only be technical, can take away from being creative which is sometimes essential in creating the final image and its beauty. I always try to keep a 50/50 balance between the technical and the artistic.

What brought you to Outpost?

A studio with strong personalities who all have a great experience. We work on big projects, where we can have fun and especially challenge ourselves to provide the best result. The work-life balance as well, it seems really healthy and allows us to have life schedules that motivate us to work better.

Can you talk us through some of the highlights of your career?

One of the key moments of my career so far was a project I completed with my friend Leo Ribeyrolles and a few other friends. We had to work remotely for a client, which was difficult for the beginning of my career, but it taught me a lot.

What’s your favourite kind of effect to achieve?

I like all kinds of effects, but especially the magical and original ones; more like Japanese anime effects.

Do you have any advice to give artists looking to get into the industry?

I won't pretend to have the answer to that, but the only thing I know for sure is that the more you produce and finish projects and effects, the more you learn and gain experience and therefore move forward. Avoid starting one project and going on to another without finishing the previous one. In short, give yourself 100% because it's a passion job in my opinion.

How would you describe the team and environment at Outpost? 

The teams are high level and full of experience, and the environment is very welcoming and respectful. Everyone is open for discussion and allowed to have a say. If someone has an idea to share, we listen, which I find very good. 

What excites you most about FX?

The fact that you have to touch almost everything. You have to understand assets, UVs, textures, rhythm, animation, to solve problems, to know how to render, to do material shaders and how to slapcomp your FX. You feel like you touch everything, but you don't have to do everything, because it's always a team effort. At the end, when you are satisfied with the result, you are proud of having put so much effort in.

Finally, some quickfire questions:

What’s the one thing you always keep on your desk?

Paper notebook

You can eat one thing for the rest of your life – what is it?

My Mother's chicken curry

What would be your superpower?

Be able to learn in a second (a super brain, a super intelligence, much better than an AI)

You’ve got a couple of hours to kill – what do you watch?

Dumb and Dumber 

What are you currently learning?

I'm learning to code more in Python, and to code more in general.

Any pets?

Yes, a Betta fighting fish named Tango!

Favourite way to relax?

Playing video games in multiplayer with my brothers from the other side of the ocean.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Hawaii, with my sweetie

What irritates you?

Mess and dirt

Guilty pleasures?

Potato chips

Favourite song? 

I Am Falling in Love - Isak Danielson

Last present you bought yourself? 

PS5