The VFX Mentor

One-on-One Mentorship With World-Class VFX Artists

At The VFX Mentor, we believe great artistry flourishes when you have the right guidance. That’s why we’ve gathered seasoned professionals—award-winning FX Supervisors, Art Directors, and industry veterans—ready to share their coveted strategies and empower your growth.

In our personalized 1:1 sessions, you’ll connect via webcam, screen sharing, or email. From fine-tuning dynamic Houdini simulations to nailing the nuance of environment matte painting, you’ll learn the why behind every workflow. No more aimlessly following tutorials—our mentors help you think like a pro and stay ahead of evolving industry trends.

Plus, we’re committed to making VFX inclusive and accessible. Whether you’re an emerging artist from an underrepresented background or a busy professional juggling a hectic schedule, our mentorship model adapts to you. We offer free or low-cost sessions to underserved communities, aiming to break down barriers and let every voice flourish.

Why Choose The VFX Mentor

Real Industry Credibility: Our mentors have contributed to major projects at Weta Digital, ILM, Sony Pictures Imageworks, and more. They bring firsthand experience from award-winning blockbusters and hit streaming series.
Tailored Curriculum: Whether you need an advanced crash course in particle FX or a deep dive into matte painting fundamentals, we customize your sessions to meet your personal goals.
Cross-Disciplinary Excellence: Learn from both FX and environment specialists—giving you a blend of technical wizardry and artistic finesse.
Support Beyond Tutorials: From pipeline integration to building a job-winning portfolio, we coach you through the entire journey so you can speak the industry’s language and stand out.
Inclusive & Supportive Environment: We believe VFX thrives on diverse voices. By investing in underrepresented communities, we cultivate a space where everyone can succeed.

Mentor - Albert Szostkiewicz

FX, Scripting, Coding, General VFX

VFX Supervisor, Pipeline Innovator, and SideFX-Certified Mentor Albert combines two decades of on-set and post-production VFX experience with a passion for art-meets-math problem-solving. He’s led teams at Weta Digital, ILM, Sony Pictures Imageworks, and DNEG, contributing to Academy Award–winning films like “Dune” and Oscar-nominated hits like “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” As a SideFX-Certified Mentor, Albert loves demystifying complex Houdini workflows, from advanced simulations to ACES color science and custom Python/C++ tools. He believes in empowering artists with a deep technical foundation, so they can create fearlessly and adapt to the ever-evolving VFX landscape. Whether you’re a newcomer or a mid-career professional, Albert’s mission is simple: help you unlock industry-level artistry and become a self-sufficient problem solver.

Mentor - Alyssa Zarate

Matte Painting, Environments

Alyssa Zarate is currently a VFX Art Director based in Vancouver. For nearly two decades, she has worked on films such as Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse, Spider-man: Far From Home, Game of Thrones, The Wolverine, Jurassic World, Prometheus, The Chronicles of Narnia to name a few; and various shows produced by HBO, Starz Entertainment, National Geographic, Amazon Prime, Disney and Netflix. She started out working in the Art Department as an on-set Production Designer/Illustrator for film , television productions around New Zealand & Australia. She is passionate about leadership, mentoring and inspiring current and future generations of artists in Visual Effects.

Mentor - Louis Manjarres

FX, Scripting, Coding

Louis Manjarres is a lead FX artist and FX supervisor, recognized with a VES Award in 2021 for Outstanding Effects Simulation in an Episode, Commercial, or Real-Time Project for his groundbreaking work on Foundation: Collapse of the Galactic Empire. His passion for visual effects has been a driving force throughout his career, from his early days as an FX artist at Ubisoft Montreuil. Following his time at Ubisoft, he worked on commercials before quickly advancing to major VFX studios like MPC, Dneg, and Sony Imageworks. In recent years, Louis has taken on leadership roles in the industry, contributing to a remarkable portfolio that includes 8 Marvel films and Oscar-winning features like Dune and Blade Runner 2049. Known for his ability to break down complex techniques, he has a natural talent for teaching and has been strongly encouraged to share his knowledge. Today, alongside his work on major films, he teaches a comprehensive destruction class at CG Master Academy, helping the next generation of artists hone their FX skills.

Book Your session today!

Need help with making decision? I am happy to chat anytime !

1x 2 hour session

$220USD/ 2 hours

5x 2 hour session

$200USD/ 2 hours

10x 2 hour session

$170USD/ 2 hours

Sessions are on first come first served basis and subject to availability

Want to understand technical aspects of your favourite tutorial ?
Need a guadiance with your career or personal project ?
Want to boost your skills at work or get into VFX industry ?
Have some bothering questions regarding VFX ?