Money or Growth? Finding Balance in a CG Artist’s Career

One of the toughest questions every CG and VFX artist faces in their career is this: Should I prioritize money or focus on growth? It’s not an easy decision, and the confusion can leave you feeling stuck. You see opportunities with higher pay, but then there’s that other role where you’ll learn more. So, what do you do?

I’ve seen so many artists wrestle with this dilemma. Some jump from one company to another chasing a paycheck, while others stick to roles where they stagnate, all in the name of “experience.” Neither approach works. A career built on constant job-hopping can make your profile look unstable, while staying too long in one place without growth can limit your potential. So, where’s the balance?

Here’s an idea that’s worked for me and for many others I’ve guided over the years: think of your career as a graph. Picture money on the X-axis and learning or growth on the Y-axis. The goal is to push your career diagonally, balancing both axes. When you focus too much on money, your growth stagnates, and when you only chase growth, you might find yourself undervaluing your skills. A diagonal path ensures you’re building both financial stability and professional value.

Let’s break this down.

Focusing only on money might feel rewarding in the short term. A better paycheck can ease financial stress, but if you’re not learning or growing, that extra income will lose its value over time. In this industry, where tools and trends evolve rapidly, staying in a role without growth can be dangerous. The skills you learned a few years ago might not be relevant today, and that higher paycheck won’t mean much if your skill set becomes outdated.

On the flip side, focusing only on growth and ignoring money can leave you frustrated. If you’re not financially stable, the stress of meeting basic needs can drain your energy and motivation. Learning and growth are essential, but they’re not sustainable if you’re constantly worrying about your bills or feeling undervalued for your efforts.

The solution lies in finding balance. When you’re considering a job offer or thinking about your next move, don’t just look at the salary or the role’s prestige. Ask yourself:

• Will this role push me to learn something new?

• Am I being paid fairly for the value I bring to the table?

• How does this fit into my long-term career goals?

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If the answer tilts too far toward money or growth without balancing the other, think twice. Remember, your career is a marathon, not a sprint. You want to build a path where you’re growing steadily, both financially and professionally.

Think about the impact on your profile, too. A career graph that’s too erratic—switching companies every few months or years for slight salary bumps—can send the wrong message to potential employers. It can make you seem unreliable or overly focused on short-term gains. A balanced path, however, shows you’re strategic, dedicated, and capable of making decisions that serve your long-term growth.

So, how do you start building this diagonal career graph? First, reflect on where you are right now. Are you in a role where you’re learning new skills, challenging yourself, and staying relevant? If yes, ensure you’re also being compensated fairly. If no, it might be time to consider a shift—one that prioritizes both money and growth, not just one or the other.

Second, be patient. Growth takes time. It’s tempting to jump at the first higher-paying offer, but think about how it fits into your bigger picture. Will it push your career forward diagonally, or just horizontally? Patience and strategy will take you much further than impulsive decisions.

Lastly, stay committed to learning. Even if you’re in a high-paying role, carve out time to upskill and stay updated on industry trends. Growth doesn’t always have to come from your job; it can come from personal projects, online courses, or mentorship opportunities.

At the end of the day, your career is yours to shape. The CG and VFX industries are demanding, but they’re also full of opportunities for those who approach them thoughtfully. So, the next time you’re faced with the question of money or growth, remember your diagonal graph. Balance the axes, push both forward, and build a career that not only pays the bills but also fulfills your passion and potential.