Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Visual Effects and the Guest

01:43 Jeroen Desmet's Journey into VFX

10:23 Defining the Artist's Role in VFX

17:19 The Importance of Resilience in Artists

18:59 The Generalist Approach to Problem Solving

26:21 The Rewards of Working in VFX

32:03 Creative Roots and Family Influence

34:13 The Pain of Perfectionism in Art

36:49 Balancing Pressure and Performance

41:53 Learning from Challenges in the Creative Process

46:42 Navigating Early Career Challenges

48:53 Reflections on Career Choices and Growth

51:45 Keeping Up with Industry Changes

54:34 Work-Life Balance in Visual Effects

01:00:59 Transformative Experiences and Self-Reflection

01:03:37 Leadership in the Creative Industry

01:07:03 The Importance of Credit and Recognition

01:09:53 The Misconceptions of CGI and Practical Effects

01:14:02 Building Trust with VFX Supervisors

01:18:07 Mental Health and Emotional Resilience in the Workplace

01:21:58 Advice for Aspiring Artists and Common Mistakes

01:25:59 Reflecting on Career Moments and Industry Changes

👀 WHO SHOULD LISTEN?

✅ Artists navigating early or mid-career decisions

✅ Producers and supervisors wanting to better support their teams

✅ Anyone who’s felt undervalued or overwhelmed in creative production

✅ Students or juniors wondering how to break in — and stay in

✅ Directors who want to get the best out of their VFX artists

🧠 BIG IDEAS TO REMEMBER

• Great artists aren’t born — they’re built, slowly, through mentorship and experience.
• Communication isn’t just a soft skill — it’s a survival skill.
• Generalists are problem-solvers — not “jacks of all trades.”
• The better the brief, the better the work.
• Respect is currency — and it costs nothing to give.

📌 KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Generalist’s Journey

Jeroen talks candidly about the steep learning curve in VFX, and what it means to grow into a generalist role. From learning on the job to knowing when to specialise, his story is one of trial, error, and self-discovery.

VFX Isn’t Just About Tools

Beyond Houdini, Nuke or Maya — this is about how artists think. Jeroen breaks down how problem-solving, communication and patience are just as important as any software.

Collaboration Is Everything

Between producers, supervisors and artists, trust and transparency make or break the process. Jeroen shares how healthy tension can push creativity — but lack of respect can destroy morale.

Burnout Is Real

We talk honestly about the cost of staying “always on.” From work-life balance to dealing with stress in fast-paced environments, this episode explores the emotional toll the job can take — and how to stay in the game.

What Artists Wish You Knew

Jeroen doesn’t pull punches. Whether you’re a director, producer, or fellow artist, there are things you might be overlooking that can completely change the work experience — and the outcome.

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