How to Build a VFX Library in 4 Easy Steps
VFX is an essential tool for video and film production, but it can be expensive and time-consuming to create from scratch. Fortunately, by taking advantage of readily available (downloadable) VFX elements and assets, you can build a VFX library quickly. With a VFX library at your disposal, you can bring any scene or effect to life with just a few clicks. Building your VFX library doesn’t have to be difficult; here’s how you can do it in three easy steps!
What is a VFX Library?
A VFX library is a collection of visual effects assets that you can use to quickly and easily create stunning VFX sequences. VFX libraries are usually composed of stock footage, CGI elements, motion graphics, and other effects. One of the key features of using a VFX library is that you don’t need to be specifically trained on a particular software or have to spend hours creating your own VFX from scratch; instead, you can simply choose the VFX elements that you need and focus on crafting your effects right away.
Step 1: Get started with free VFX Elements
The easiest way to begin building your library of VFX footage is to take advantage of free VFX downloads. While many turn to YouTube and other popular streaming websites, the videos found on these sites are highly compressed and not of professional-grade quality. Instead, look for VFX downloads from reputable websites such as FX Elements.
Step 2: Purchase VFX Packs
Once you’ve exhausted the limits of VFX assets available as free downloads, it’s time to consider investing in VFX packs. VFX packs are small collections of assets that offer more variations from any number of FX categories or themes. An easy way to think about it is that VFX packs give you access to various alternate “takes” for any type of effect.
For example, here are a few of our snow VFX packs:
Falling Snow - Pack 1
Features 16 clips of snow falling and landing on the ground, perfect for those situations when you need snow falling from a tree or rooftop.
Snow - Pack 2
This VFX pack includes 16 clips of large snow flakes falling across the frame. This is perfect to add snow flurries to any scene.
Step 3: Subscribe to an Online VFX Library
If you need more than just a few elements or a wide variety of categories, it’s probably time to consider a subscription option. Here at FX Elements, we offer the best VFX subscription plans available anywhere. With an FX Subscription, you can make our library of VFX stock footage yours and download whatever you need as you need it!
Step 4: Film your own assets
Finally, if you’re looking for visual effects assets that are truly unique, consider filming some of your own assets. With the right equipment and a bit of practice, you can create VFX-ready clips that are perfectly tailored to your project.
This process definitely isn’t as easy as downloading premade effects, but for certain situations, it could be the best option. You can check out Joey Shanks’ YouTube channel for a variety of tutorials on how to create practical effects without spending a ton of money.
By following these four steps, you can build up a VFX library that will help you create exciting VFX shots in no time.
Bonus: Stay Organized with Library Software
Organizing VFX libraries can be a frustrating and time-consuming task. Fortunately, library software like das element makes it easy to manage large VFX libraries by organizing clips into folders and subfolders, auto-tagging and searching for footage, and so much more.
Maximize Your Time With a Comprehensive VFX Library
Making the most of your limited time with a VFX stock footage library is one of the most important aspects of modern filmmaking. By taking advantage of VFX libraries, artists can quickly and easily create stunning shots at feature film quality while spending a fraction of the time and money it would take to make VFX from scratch.
These VFX Elements are ready for drag-and-drop usage in practically all composing software, including Nuke, After Effects, and Davinci Resolve Fusion, and can easily be used directly in many NLEs, such as Adobe Premiere Pro and FCPx. So don’t worry about compatibility; if your software can work with ProRes Quicktime files, you’re all set!
Unlock Your Creative Potential with FX Elements
Building a VFX library is easier than ever before. In years past, only the largest studios and companies could afford to have a library of VFX stock footage at their disposal, but thanks to FX Elements VFX Library, this is now available to anyone. With access to our VFX stock footage, you can unlock your creative potential in just a few clicks! By subscribing to our VFX library, you’ll get access to our entire collection of VFX stock footage and motion graphics.
Sign up today to start creating stunning VFX projects with ease!