From curiosity to career confidence: Holly’s journey in CGI and visual effects

Holly’s decision to study CGI and visual effects came from a simple but powerful place: a course that sparked her curiosity.

“Because the subject was new and interesting to me. The lecturers showed enthusiasm towards their specialisms, and the facilities that they had to offer were so incredible! It made my decision simple.”

The combination of passionate teaching and industry-standard facilities is central to Solent’s approach. Right from the start, Holly knew she was stepping into an environment built for hands-on learning that will prepare her for her future. Now in her final year, Holly credits her lecturers as a major influence on her development, both creatively and professionally.

“My lecturers have showed endless enthusiasm and curiosity throughout my studies, allowing me to have creative freedom whilst also teaching me new skills so that I’m successful after my studies.”

And that freedom – guided by the teaching staff’s expertise, but creatively unconstrained –  is key to helping students grow into confident creators and future leaders of the creative industries. 

A key part of the career-ready revolution is building real-world skills through practice-led learning, and Holly’s experience shows exactly how that plays out.

“My course allowed me to learn industry standard software, allowed me to discover more about environment design and how that is achieved in industry workflows. Now I’m able to create environments efficiently and they can be displayed on the virtual production stage, combining my love for environments and film.”

One of Holly’s standout experiences came early in her degree, bringing digital environments to life on our virtual production stage, on a real industry project alongside practising creatives.

“The first time I was able to work on a project was in my first year, and it just seemed amazing that they were giving me the opportunity to work with professionals at such an early stage in my studies.  That same film that I worked on is now premiering this year, the same year I’m graduating. It feels like a full circle moment.

”Holly took on a major role as visual effects supervisor, managing her team, liaising with the director, and contributing creatively.“

I kept my team organised and was the direct contact for the director of the film. I also completed my own compositing tasks and completed my first virtual production shoot on that project.”

Throughout the course, Holly has already built the kind of industry connections that can open doors in the future. Through another live brief, she worked with a feature film director in a completely new role – an opportunity that provided not only experience, but potentially something longer-lasting. 

“I have no experience in acting but the fact that I was able to try something new outside of my studies was so much fun. From that experience I have now gained the contact of the director, and he has been following my work since, and he is interested in involving me in a future project that is related to my specialism.”

In a fast-moving industry, Holly has learned that adaptability matters more than mastering any single tool.

“Software and techniques constantly evolve, so even if you are good at a specific software or skill, being a good learner is a much more valuable skill.”

Looking ahead, Holly has a clear vision for her future – and it starts with continuing her studies and deepening her skillset at postgraduate level.

“My current plan is to progress with postgraduate studies at Solent and then progress into industry, such as working for small production studios in a virtual art department.”

Her goals reflect a growing sector where digital environments and virtual production are essential to film and media.

Holly is honest about the demands of the course, but equally clear about the rewards. Her advice for future students? “My course may be work intensive, but it has taught me so much. I recommend putting the time towards it because that work will pay off and you will create some incredible things.”

For her, the journey is as much about personal growth as it is about technical skill.

“You will learn more about yourself as an artist and discover your style and that is a really rewarding process. Practice makes perfect... and have fun with it, you’re given a lot of creative freedom.”

Holly’s story shows what the career-ready revolution looks like in action: hands-on experience, industry connections, and the confidence to step into a creative career with real skills and real ambition.

For more inspiration and info on our digital arts, animation, games and VFX courses, check out https://www.solent.ac.uk/subjects/digital-arts-animation-games-and-vfx