Ray Tjernstrom

Ray Tjernstrom

BIOGRAPHY
With over 20 years of experience in the VFX and feature animation industry, this seasoned Visual Effects (VFX) artist specializes in creating high-quality photorealistic images, complex scene lighting, and simulating natural effects such as water, particles, and destruction. Notable projects include "Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 2," "Gen V," "Spiderman: Homecoming," and "Black Panther."

Proficient in a range of 3D software (Houdini, Solaris, Clarisse, Maya, Unreal/Niagara) and compositing tools (Nuke, After Effects), combining technical expertise with strong programming skills in VEX, Python, and Mel Script. Demonstrated leadership by supervising teams of up to 30 FX TDs and mentoring junior artists.

EDUCATION

Computer Animation Digital Visual Effects 

Sheridan College, Postgraduate | 2006-2007

3D for Games and Multimedia 

Humber College, Postgraduate | 2002-2003

Multimedia Design and Production Technician 

Humber College, Diploma Program | 2000-2002

Design Foundations 

Humber College, Certificate | 1999-2000
 
Known for a proactive approach, problem-solving skills, and effective communication, excelling both independently and within team environments. Passion for VFX, commitment to continuous learning, and a proven track record make an asset to any VFX team.

COMPUTER SKILLS

3D Software: Houdini, Solaris, Maya, 

Unreal/Niagara, Blender

Graphics Software: Photoshop, Gimp, Krita

Compositing: Nuke, After Effects

Video Editing:  Premiere, Sony Vegas, 

Davinci Resolve

Programming: VEX, Python, Mel Script

WORK EXPERIENCE
Cinesite                                                                                                 November 2025 – March 2026

Ray Gunn

Creating stunning FX for feature animation 

Creation of volumetrics, particles, instanced simulations and RBD’s 

Digital Domain                                                                               September 2025 – November 2025

Disclosure Day

Creating stunning FX for film 

Design of dust and science fiction effects

Ingenuity Studios                                                                                     January 2025 – August 2025

Good Luck Have Fun Don’t Die, The Night Agent: S3, The Conjuring: Last Rites

Creating stunning FX for film and television productions

Design of water, galactic nebula, blood and particle/volumetric elements

Instructor                                                                                                     April 2022 – October 2025

CG Master Academy 

As an instructor at CGMA I am responsible for building the Intro to FX in Houdini course content as well as being the main instructor for said course by mentoring and guiding any student interested in investing their time in my classes.

beloFX                                                                                                  August 2024 – December 2024

Ballerina, The Lost Bus

Implementation of smoke, fire ash and elements

Design of traffic systems and RBD wire and cable systems

DNEG || Redefine                                                                                               July 2019 – June 2024
Ambulance, American Born Chinese, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Brahmastra, Borderlands, Cello, Fighter, GenV, Halo S1, KALKI, Knives Out 2, Knights of the Zodiac, Nyad, Richard Jewel, Ripley, Scream 5, Scream 6, Sweet Girl

Supervising up to 30 FX TD’s for various projects along with building, maintaining setups for distribution, critiquing work and fixing issues with artists setups;

Elements include destruction, disintegration, water elements and explosions.

Pixomondo                                                                                                    August 2018 – June 2019

Goosebumps 2, Kim Possible: Disney Channel Original Movie, Pegasus (2019), Midway

Creation of high-end visual effect assets, distribution to other facilities and maintenance as well as implementation of distributed assets;

 Lighting and Render in Mantra and Arnold, slap comp FX elements with Nuke.

Tutor                                                                                                          June 2018 – February 2020

CG Spectrum College of Digital Art and Animation

Assisting students with assigned work and answering any questions related to the educational materials provided by CG Spectrum.

Method Studios                                                                                                 April 2017 – July 2018

Spiderman: Homecoming, Black Panther, Godzilla: King of the Monsters

Look dev, implementation and integration of FX elements through Houdini;
FX asset and file management, composite any FX elements with Nuke.