Name: Iki Ikram
Job title:  Senior VFX Artist, Killzone 2
Location: London Studio

How and when did you join the company? 

I joined Psygnosis in 1996 which later became Sony Computer Entertainment Europe

What does your role involve?

My role is an unusual one as I work across most projects in the studio and some externally.  My main role is to create the visual effects in the game. Things such as dust, smoke, fire, explosions, weather effects, sparkles etc.  The polish in the game if you like.

What skills did you need to get started in this industry?

Well I started a long time ago when you needed to be an all round artist that was able to model, Texture, Animate and even work on the design of the game.  However, today you need to specialise in a particular field.  A VFX artist should have a knowledge of scripting, be able to use an industry standard package such as Maya, Softimage or 3DS Max.  Be able to work in a team with tight deadlines, problem solve and they must be able to understand and produce work for many different styles, be adaptable.

What tips do you have for anyone wanting to enter your area of the business?

With any form of CG work I would strongly advise that they set themselves small projects and show that they fully understand that particular skill and how to execute it.  You've got to bring a bit of yourself into your work.  If you're going to show some Fire and Smoke then go beyond the average fire and smoke demo and do something extraordinary to show off your style.  I guess what I'm trying to say is that always go that bit further.

Describe your gaming prowess in three words

Cheat Cheat Cheat

What would be your 'desert island' game?

Killzone2, cause I worked on it :o)