Hey there,

Let’s talk about something that is integral in VFX - shape language! It might sound simple, but understanding how to use shapes is one of the best ways to make your VFX feel expressive!

Whether you're crafting a healing buff or a chaotic explosion - the shapes you choose directly influence how your VFX reads to the player. Here’s how to use shape like a VFX pro:

🔮 Set the Tone

Ask yourself: What emotion should this VFX evoke?

Rounded, soft shapes feel calm or nurturing. Think of healing spells or support VFX.
Sharp, jagged shapes create tension and urgency. They’re perfect for attacks or damage impacts.

🎯 Guide the Eye

Great VFX controls attention. One way to do this is through directional shape flow.

Elongated shapes = speed or motion. Use these for projectiles or fast movement.
Spiral or radial shapes = power build-up. Ideal for charging or energy-gathering effects.

🔎 Sharpen the Focus

In gameplay, clarity is everything. The core of your VFX needs a strong, readable silhouette that players can instantly recognize - even in chaotic scenes. Make sure your VFX is readable at a glance.

⚖️ Play with Contrast

Good VFX doesn’t feel flat - it has layers - and contrast is a great way to build that.

Combine hard and soft shapes to create visual interest.
Use large, bold shapes for focal points. Use smaller, subtler ones for background motion or detail.

For eg: a fireball with a jagged core and soft ember-y trail behind.

🔀 Break the Symmetry

Real life is rarely perfect and your VFX shouldn’t be either. Asymmetry adds life and believability. Perfectly symmetrical shockwaves or particles often feel robotic. Add slight irregularities to your textures, mesh placement or timing. Let natural chaos do some of the work.

💡 Final Thought

Shape is a silent communicator. They aren’t just forms - they tell a story. They tell the player how to feel, react and focus. If you're only thinking about color or timing - you're missing a core part of the design puzzle.

Master shape language and it'll instantly elevate the player's experience.

Need more help to improve the shapes in your VFX? Hit reply and let's jam together!

PS: 🚨 Join TheFXFrontier Discord - Connect, share knowledge, get feedback and grow with fellow VFX artists. Copy-paste this in your browser if the link doesn’t work: https://discord.gg/CRkCKUpH8R

Thanks for reading!

#16 - Pro VFX Starts HERE!👇