We recently connected with Felipe Amaya and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Felipe, thanks for joining us today. One of the toughest things about progressing in your creative career is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

In the world of visual effects, every task is an unexpected problem waiting to be solved. This is an inherent part of the journey in this profession. Even if you’ve tackled a specific task hundreds of times, there will always be something that requires a unique, personalized approach. Whether it’s adapting to a new technology, satisfying specific creative demands, or meeting client expectations, VFX work constantly pushes you to think on your feet and adapt.

These challenges are often a mix of both exciting technical puzzles and daunting creative obstacles. While it can be overwhelming at times, there’s a unique thrill in solving them. It’s about the problem-solving process, the trial, error, and eventual breakthrough, that makes the journey so rewarding.

As VFX professionals, we are often faced with unexpected issues that force us to stretch our creativity. This can range from a subtle shader issue in a scene to an entire sequence needing rework. Regardless of the challenge, there’s always a learning curve, and it’s those moments of struggle that lead to the most rewarding creative growth.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Felipe, a visual effects artist and FX Supervisor based in New York City. Specializing in Houdini, my work focuses on procedural FX, simulation, and tool development for film and episodic projects.

I began my career as a CG Generalist, which led me to specialize in technical FX and eventually become an FX Supervisor. I’m passionate about creating dynamic visual effects, whether it’s designing fire, smoke, or destruction, while ensuring efficiency and creativity. My work bridges the gap between artistry and technical precision.

What sets me apart is my combination of creative design and technical problem-solving. I enjoy developing custom tools, optimizing workflows, and collaborating closely with teams to deliver seamless results.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

At the core of my creative journey is a drive to constantly grow. I believe that growth comes from embracing new challenges, learning from every project, and pushing the limits of what is possible within visual effects. Whether it is mastering a new technique, solving an unexpected problem, or collaborating on a groundbreaking project, I am always striving to expand my skillset and creative perspective.

I also feel a responsibility to inspire and mentor others along the way. By sharing knowledge and fostering a collaborative spirit, I aim to contribute to the broader creative community and help elevate the craft as a whole.

Ultimately, my mission is simple: to never stop evolving, both in my craft and in how I approach storytelling through visual effects.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I find inspiration in a wide range of fields, not just VFX. From science to woodworking and music, I believe learning from different areas helps broaden my perspective.

For industry-specific resources, online communities like Discord forums, subreddits, YouTube channels, and blogs are invaluable for staying updated and learning from others in the field.

I think constant learning and being open to new ideas is key to growth, both as a creator and a leader.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.felipeamayaq.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/felipeamayaq/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felipeamayaq/