Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Camera Tracking • Normal Maps • OpenVDB

VEX

Term from Special Effects industry explained for recruiters

VEX is a programming language used in special effects and animation, particularly within Houdini software. It helps artists create complex visual effects like explosions, water, smoke, and other natural phenomena. Think of it as a special tool that allows artists to write simple instructions that create detailed visual effects, rather than having to draw or animate everything by hand. While similar to other programming languages, VEX is specifically designed for visual effects work and is much more approachable for artists who might not have traditional programming backgrounds.

Examples in Resumes

Created realistic ocean simulations using VEX in Houdini for major film project

Optimized particle systems with VEX scripting to improve render times

Developed custom VEX tools for the studio's effects pipeline

Typical job title: "VEX Artists"

Also try searching for:

FX Technical Director VFX Artist Effects TD Houdini FX Artist Technical Effects Artist FX Developer VFX Programmer

Where to Find VEX Artists

Online Communities

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you optimize a complex particle simulation using VEX?

Expected Answer: A senior artist should explain how they would analyze performance bottlenecks, implement efficient algorithms, and possibly discuss using point clouds or instance arrays to improve render times while maintaining visual quality.

Q: Describe a challenging FX problem you solved using VEX.

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate problem-solving abilities and deep understanding of both technical and artistic aspects, explaining how they balanced visual requirements with technical constraints.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the advantages of using VEX over other methods in Houdini?

Expected Answer: Should explain how VEX offers better control and performance compared to node-based solutions, with examples from their work experience.

Q: How do you debug VEX code when something isn't working as expected?

Expected Answer: Should describe their troubleshooting process, including using print statements, geometry spreadsheets, and visualization techniques.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is VEX and when would you use it?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that VEX is a programming language for effects, and give basic examples like modifying particle behavior or creating simple effects.

Q: Explain the difference between point and primitive attributes in VEX.

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic understanding of how data is stored and accessed in VEX, using simple examples like particle positions versus group assignments.