Heather Steckley: From Web Design to Acclaimed VFX and Motion Graphics Artist
Interview with Visual Effects Artist and Motion Graphics Designer, Heather Steckley
Heather Steckley, a renowned VFX and motion graphics designer based in New York City, embarked on an interesting career journey that took her from web design to the dynamic world of visual effects.
After completing her studies at Parsons, The New School for Design, Steckley freelanced for a while. In 2006, her talents caught the eye of HBO, who offered her a long-term gig that eventually transformed into a staff job.
Steckley's career transition from web design to VFX and motion graphics design mirrors a common path in the industry. This shift often involves acquiring new skills in animation, compositing, and 3D software, usually through additional training or self-directed learning.
In the early stages of her transition, Steckley expanded her expertise beyond web technologies to mastering tools used in motion graphics and visual effects. Her portfolio evolved from designing user interfaces and web layouts to experimenting with animated graphics, storytelling through motion, and integrating VFX techniques.
Networking within the film, advertising, or gaming industries was crucial for Steckley, as it facilitated opportunities to work on visual effects projects. Securing freelance or in-house roles on smaller VFX or animation projects allowed her to gain practical experience and demonstrate her capabilities.
Despite the lack of widely publicized or detailed public records about Steckley's projects, her professional profiles, showreels, and industry credits databases may provide insights into her contributions to notable films, commercials, or digital campaigns.
Steckley's impressive career spans over 15 years, during which she has created original designs, animations, and compositing work for HBO, Cinemax, CNN, and more. She has also managed graphics operations at HBO, overseeing staff, freelancers, and select projects.
Steckley's favourite films include classics like The Wizard of Oz, The Shining, Jaws, and The Silence of the Lambs, as well as more recent releases such as The Shape of Water, Elvis, Cabinet of Curiosities, The Bear, and Black Mirror.
To maintain a healthy work-life balance and avoid creative burnout, Steckley emphasizes the importance of early mornings, exercise, and a consistent routine. She grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and received her BFA in Graphic Design from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.
If given the opportunity, Steckley would love to collaborate with Guillermo del Toro, admiring his captivating body of work. She advises her younger self to keep the momentum moving forward with technical and creative exploration, not to be afraid to put herself out there and show her work, and to take more risks.
During her long sessions, Steckley relies on an automatic espresso and milk frother machine for her coffee. She finds artistic inspiration from various sources, such as architecture, sculptures, learning new techniques, working with hands, and a day at the beach.
Steckley's thesis project at Parsons was a stop-motion animated short called I Can't Draw. Her current tools include Boris FX Mocha Pro and Silhouette, Cinema 4D, and her Wacom Cintiq Pro 32, all integrated within an Adobe Creative Cloud-based workflow.
With her award-winning designs and contributions to various prestigious media outlets, Heather Steckley continues to make a significant impact in the world of VFX and motion graphics.
Heather Steckley diversified her interests beyond web design, delving into home-and-garden activities and acquiring gadgets to enhance her productivity, such as an automatic espresso and milk frother machine for her coffee. To further personal development and knowledge, she engages in education-and-self-development resources, showcasing a lifestyle that integrates both creativity and continued learning.
