Interview with Heather Steckley, a VFX Artist and Motion Graphic Designer
Heather Steckley is an award-winning VFX and motion graphics designer based in NYC, known for her creative work and expertise in these fields. While the details of her entire career path may not be fully public, her journey likely began with a strong foundation in graphic design and animation.
Heather Steckley received her BFA in Graphic Design from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee before pursuing her MFA in Broadcast Design and Animation from Parsons, The New School for Design in 2004. After college, she worked in web design and realized she had a strong interest in animation.
Her career in the VFX and motion graphics industry likely started with freelance work before HBO offered her a long-term gig which eventually turned into a staff job. For 14 years, she worked for HBO, creating sessions for broadcast and film. During this time, she honed her skills using tools like Boris FX Mocha Pro and Silhouette for rotoscoping, replacement work, and compositing.
In 2002, Heather Steckley went to Parsons, The New School for Design, and entered the Design and Technology department. Her thesis project was a stop-motion animated short called I Can't Draw. This project showcased her creativity and technical skills, setting the stage for her successful career.
Heather's career advice to her younger self is to keep the momentum moving forward with technical and creative exploration, and not to be afraid to put herself out there and show her work, taking more risks. If given the opportunity, she would like to collaborate with Guillermo del Toro.
In addition to her work, Heather finds artistic inspiration from walking around NYC, admiring architecture, learning new techniques, working with her hands, and visiting the beach. When it comes to entertainment, she enjoys older films like The Wizard of Oz, The Shining, Jaws, and The Silence Of The Lambs, as well as recent films and TV series such as The Shape of Water, Elvis, Cabinet of Curiosities, The Bear, and Black Mirror.
To avoid creative burnout, Heather maintains a good work-life balance, getting up early, going for a run, and hitting the gym. During long sessions, she has an automatic espresso and milk frother machine to keep her energized. For anyone interested in learning more about Heather Steckley's specific career milestones, education, or notable projects, it may be helpful to check her professional profiles on platforms like LinkedIn or portfolios shared on creative networks.
Heather Steckley's passion for technology and education-and-self-development led her to pursue further studies in Broadcast Design and Animation, where she embraced gadgets like Boris FX Mocha Pro and Silhouette for her projects. Career-development opportunities, such as her long-term employment at HBO, allowed her to honed her skills and work on various exciting projects.
