Inquiry with Katie Morris, the VFX Digital Artist
Katie Morris, a renowned VFX artist, has made her mark in the film and gaming world with her work on blockbuster productions such as Thor: Ragnarok, Avengers: Endgame, and the Transformers series. Her latest project includes the promo for the Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order video game.
Morris, who specialises in 2D and 3D digital paint and roto art, ensures she stays up-to-date with the latest techniques required for each project. This adaptability and resilience are key qualities she believes are essential for success in the field of visual effects.
When it comes to her tools of choice, Morris relies heavily on Boris FX Silhouette and Foundry Nuke. She finds the flexibility, productivity, and integrated Mocha in Silhouette particularly useful for her roto work. The Show Shapes feature in Silhouette 2020 is her favourite new addition.
Morris's work ethic extends beyond the digital realm. To combat burnout, she enjoys a two-hour trail run in the mountains. For a caffeine boost during long work sessions, she turns to Cafe Americano.
Outside of work, Morris is an avid fan of The Mandalorian and is looking forward to the upcoming Star Trek: Picard. Her favourite films include Contact, Jurassic Park, Pride and Prejudice, and the new Apollo 11 documentary.
To inspire creativity and broaden her skillset, Morris seeks experiences that push her out of her comfort zone, such as ziplining, nighttime ocean swimming, and visiting the Eiffel Tower. She captures these moments with her DJI Osmo Action camera.
Morris's career highlights include her work on A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Transformers: Age of Extinction, and The Revenant. She even has a role in the Star Trek: The Next Generation Sketch Book: The Movies, Generations & First Contact.
For those aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Morris advises not to limit oneself and to explore different experiences to enhance workflow and inspire new ideas. She also emphasises the importance of persistence, continuous learning, mastering both the artistic and technical aspects, and seizing networking opportunities early on.
Despite her impressive resume, Morris remains humble and passionate about her work. Her love for the industry shines through in every project she undertakes, making her a valuable asset in the world of visual effects.
Morris's work in the visual effects industry goes beyond films and games, as she also expresses interest in artificial-intelligence and its potential in movies-and-tv Entertainment, given her avid enjoyment of shows like The Mandalorian and Star Trek: Picard. She continues to stay updated with technology, incorporating new tools like the Show Shapes feature in Silhouette 2020 to enhance her 2D and 3D digital paint and roto art work.
