Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ignatius Jonathan Sugijono. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ignatius Jonathan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today.

Even though I’m still quite new to the industry, but if I were to start as a compositor in the VFX industry today, using the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained, I would focus more on a few aspects. Starting with a self-assessment of my current skills, I would prioritize continuous learning through online courses and workshops to stay update of the latest compositing techniques and industry trends, especially nowadays there are a lot of technique which implement AI into the workflow.

The main factor of my approach would be creating a robust portfolio, creative and technical, which showcase a diverse range of projects to demonstrate your skill proficiency and versatility. Updating your Demo Reel every once in a while is great, but learning something new is also an important aspect. For example, I would try to learn technical or coding in Python that can boost my skill in compositing which is creating a custom tools that help my task in creative compositing.
Recognizing the importance of specialization, I would identify areas within compositing that align with industry demands and personal interests, for instance, if you are interested in compositing and also coding, like me, being a Compositing TD is a great idea since it’s a combine of both creative and technical.

The next thing that I would focus more is to be more engaging in freelancing or collaborative projects since it serves the dual purpose of gaining experience and expanding my professional network which in the long term helps a lot. Active networking within the VFX community, both online and at industry events, would be crucial for staying informed about opportunities and collaborating with professionals. Soft skills development, including effective communication, teamwork, and adaptability, would be another point that I will develop more. Since english is my second language, communicating with people is still something that I would love to practice. These skills are pivotal for successful collaboration within the dynamic and fast-paced VFX industry. Adopting a mindset of continuous improvement, I would regularly assess industry developments, seek feedback from peers and mentors, and actively participate in training programs to refine and expand my skill set.

Lastly, keeping a keen eye on the job market and industry demands would inform my decisions about skill development and career trajectory. By adhering to this comprehensive strategy, I would aim to establish a successful and fulfilling career as a compositor, navigating the challenges and opportunities presented in the ever-evolving VFX landscape.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Growing up in Jakarta, Indonesia, my childhood was a routine of school, TV, and games. Like many other kids, the introduction of a computer opened a new world, I started by playing game all day long. One time, Toby Maguire’s Spider-Man was playing and it caught my attention. I’m pretty sure there are a lot of kids that were thinking the same thing, imagine becoming a superhero. The movie itself has an amazing visual and story, but imagining that you have superpowers was something else. After watching the movie, it sparked my interest in 3D modeling and CGIDespite societal skepticism about the creative industry, I pursued animation at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), later shifting my focus to VFX during my freshman year in Hong Kong.

The transition to the Savannah campus and specializing in compositing marked significant decisions. COVID brought virtual learning challenges, but I remained dedicated, honing my skills in Nuke, a vital software for compositors in Hollywood industry. Graduating in September 2021, I seized an opportunity at SPINVFX in Atlanta, contributing to my long dream goal, first Marvel project, “Antman and the Wasp: Quantumania.” The fast-paced nature of the industry, combined with the challenges of being an international student, fueled my determination. Despite the hurdles, I am now a junior compositor, working towards my goal of becoming a senior compositor in the next five years and eventually a VFX supervisor, leaving a mark on high-budget movies.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Honestly, this is question is something I would not have thought to answer in my whole life. Most of you guys might know about the recent event of writer and actor strike that paralyzed the entire film industry which affected thousands of people. Because of that, I found myself at a crossroads, thinking to pivot my career trajectory. I would say that it was the lowest state of the entertainment sector in history where it left me with little choice but to explore alternative paths. Faced with this unprecedented challenge, I decided to venture into the realms of technical side of career, specifically data.

The decision to transition into data world was driven by a combination of necessity and a strategic response to the prevailing industry conditions. The strike had created an atmosphere of uncertainty, where traditional roles in filmmaking is pretty much inaccessible for juniors like me. Acknowledging the evolving landscape, I recognized the importance of diversifying my skill set and exploring sectors with potential for growth in different industry or even still in the entertainment industry.

This unexpected pivot not only demonstrated adaptability but also presented a valuable opportunity for personal and professional growth. Navigating the complex world of data required a steep learning curve, however it underscored the essential for thriving in an ever-changing professional environment. The experience served as a testament to the importance of versatility and the ability to seize new opportunities in the face of unforeseen challenges.

Right now, I’m still in the same crossroad, preparing for both career in data and the entertainment industry and whoever is in the same state as me, don’t give up! you can do it!

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I read a lot of books about self-improvement and few weeks ago, I just finished one called “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life”. It is a book written by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles. The book explores the idea of finding one’s purpose and fulfillment in life by identifying the intersection of four fundamental elements: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

Since I’m in my own crossroad about my career path, this book really help me to think clearly and make decision based on the present where I focus on things that I’m passionate about. Through real-life examples and practical advice, the book guides readers on a journey to discover their ikigai (which in simple definition is something that can lead to meaningful and purposeful life) and live a satisfying existence.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ignatiusjonathan.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ignatiusjonathansugijono/

Image Credits
Umbrella Academy S3 Antmant and the Wasp: Quantumania Big George Foreman