3D and VFX artists are notoriously difficult to buy for, but here are 10 gift ideas for under £50 that are sure to make any pixel pusher smile.
It’s that time of year again. As a CG and VFX artist, I can testify that my family weep when they have to buy me gifts for Xmas. So here are some gifts ideas under £50, which I would give to a fellow artist, safe in the knowledge that it would enrich their life.
I am still surprised at how many artists haven’t used a graphics tablet. This small Wacom tablet is an excellent introduction to using stylus input, which will dramatically improve painting, retouching, line and sculpting skills to name just a few. Even for those artists who already have a large tablet this is an excellent portable option.
02. Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse
This mouse is very comfortable for long modelling sessions
Having a decent mouse is an essential tool for any CG and VFX artist and while the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse may not be as ‘precise’ as others, it works well on PC or Mac, especially when using 3D apps and compositing applications. I have used these for a couple of years, and they are tough, reliable and best of all extremely comfortable and excellent value for money.
03. The Art and Science of Digital Compositing: Techniques for Visual Effects, Animation and Motion Graphics
Brinkmann’s book is essential for any VFX compositor
Even though this edition is nearly eight-years-old, Ron Brinkmann’s seminal book on how compositing works is an essential part of every VFX artist’s library. It provides a really in-depth view into the how's and why’s of VFX work, and is application agnostic. Thankfully, Brinkmann has a great way of explaining things too, so it never gets too complex. There is a kindle version as well, which is handy as the paper version is very heavy.
04. The VES Handbook of Visual Effects: Industry Standard VFX Practices and Procedures
The VES handbook includes tons of information including how to set up green-screens properly for shoots
Like Brinkmann’s book the VES Handbook can be seen as a handy 'how to' guide. The difference is that the VES guide looks at practical setups such as green screen, hdr capture on set, and is a must for any VFX or CG artist who works on shoots or wants to understand other areas of the pipeline. Again, this book is extremely useful in Kindle format, where it can be kept on a smartphone or tablet with notations.
05. Victorinox Cybertool Army Knife
This Swiss Army knife is designed to help build and maintain PC’s
I have owned one of these for years. As well as all of the standard tools that come with most Swiss Army knives, this has a great small screwdriver selection and pliers selection which are ideal for replacing hard drives, opening up laptops and general computer tinkering.
06. EasyAcc 20000mAh Rugged Powerbank
The Rugged powerbank, can power any usb device from Phone, mirrorless camera and laptop
Easily the most useful gadget I have bought this year. CG artists always need power, whether it be CPU, graphic cards or simply just electricity. The Easy Acc fulfills the last requirement easily. It comes with two usb ports with a crazy 20000mAh of battery, which is enough to power, phones, cameras, tablets and some usb-c powered laptop’s when you're on-site or travelling. I have used it on shoots, and to power overnight time lapse.
07. Amazon TV Fire Stick
The Fire TV stick is a great cheap way to watch TV or play games on any HDMI equipped screen
One of the chief ways any artist can relax is by watching TV and films. The Amazon Fire TV stick is great value way to watch the latest from Amazon and Netflix. This includes some of the best genre TV of the year, such as Mr. Robot, Preacher, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, The Expanse….I could go on. Oh, and it can play games too!
08. Royal And Langnickel Sketching/Drawing Artist Easel
This art set contains nearly every kind of drawing implement any artist would need
This amazing art set allows any CG or VFX artist to do what's most important in their creative life, which is to get away from the computer and create. This handsome set comes with pencils, pastels, charcoal, etc. The case can double up as an easel, and it even comes with a tiny drawing mannequin.
09. Amazon Echo Dot
The Amazon Echo Dot is a great entry point into a voice activated home or studio
Amazon’s Alexa system is a great way to get access a range of services from Spotify to weather, all through voice commands. And the Amazon Echo Dot is the best value way of getting into the service. It can also help when recreating Detective Dom DiPierro’s scenes from Mr. Robot Season 2.
10. Battlefield 1
Battlefield 1 is my gaming experience of the year, and is both exciting and profoundly moving
The other way a lot of VFX and CG artists relax is by playing games, and this years standout for me is Battlefield 1. For a start, the graphics are stunning, and when 60 players are against each other, it’s very fraught. But what makes it special is the emotion that's enthused through the games, from the standalone campaign to the new operations mode, which does make you think about the horrors the troops went through 100 years ago.
*Note: all prices are based on exchange rates at time of writing and are subject to change
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Mike Griggs is a veteran digital content creator and technical writer. For nearly 30 years, Mike has been creating digital artwork, animations and VR elements for multi-national companies and world-class museums. Mike has been a writer for 3D World Magazine and Creative Bloq for over 10 years, where he has shared his passion for demystifying the process of digital content creation.
