Interview: Heather Steckley, VFX Artist and Motion Graphic Designer
Heather Steckley, an award-winning VFX and motion graphics designer based in NYC, has spent over 15 years creating visually stunning work for some of the biggest names in the media industry.
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Steckley received her BFA in Graphic Design from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee before moving to New York City to attend Parsons, The New School for Design. After freelancing for a time, Steckley was offered a long-term gig by HBO in 2006, which eventually turned into a staff job.
Steckley has spent 14 years at HBO, working on a variety of projects for both broadcast and film. One of her proudest achievements is her work on the HBO Documentary Film: Pelosi In The House.
To avoid creative burnout, Steckley maintains a good work-life balance by exercising in the morning. She finds artistic inspiration from architecture, new techniques, hand-made jewelry, and beach visits.
In her home studio, Steckley's computer and coffee machine are her constant companions during lengthy sessions. Her go-to tool for any rotoscoping or replacement work is Mocha Pro. She regularly uses Boris FX Mocha Pro and Silhouette along with Cinema 4D and her Wacom Cintiq Pro 32 inside an Adobe Creative Cloud-based workflow.
Throughout her career, Steckley has collaborated with several creative and production studios, bringing her VFX skills to diverse media projects. Her work has been recognised within industry circles for outstanding visual effects work, although specific awards or nominations may not be publicly listed.
If given the opportunity, Steckley would love to collaborate with Guillermo del Toro. She enjoys recent films and TV series such as The Shape of Water, Elvis, Cabinet of Curiosities, The Bear, and Black Mirror.
For a more comprehensive look at Steckley's work, visit her personal portfolio website or professional platforms like LinkedIn or art-related sites where she may showcase her projects. If you have a specific project or portfolio piece you'd like to discuss, feel free to ask!
In her home studio, Steckley utilizes various gadgets such as her Wacom Cintiq Pro 32 and Mocha Pro for rotoscoping and replacement work, demonstrating her dependency on technology for her intricate designs. At leisure, Heather Steckley appreciates various technological advancements, evidenced by her interest in collaborating with Guillermo del Toro and enjoying recent films and TV series like The Shape of Water and Black Mirror.
