Meet Alain Bui | VFX Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alain Bui and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alain, what do you attribute your success to?
Embarking on my journey as a VFX artist has been an incredible experience, and I am thrilled to say that it’s only the beginning of an ever-evolving path. Along the way, I have encountered challenges but they have only fueled my determination to overcome them and grow.

One of the biggest challenges I face is striking a balance between creating a lot of content and maintaining consistency while also dedicating time to learning new tricks and effects. Each TikTok I make is an opportunity for me to explore something new and expand my skills, but it can sometimes take longer as I strive to incorporate fresh techniques. It’s like walking a fine line, finding the right balance between making time for learning and creating content, as both aspects require a significant amount of time and dedication.

The most rewarding aspect of being a content creator, in my opinion, is twofold. Firstly, it’s the personal satisfaction and pride that comes from creating visual effects and bringing ideas to life. I genuinely enjoy the process of creating content and learning, and even if nobody were watching my content, I would still be driven to create. However, what makes it truly fulfilling is the second aspect: seeing that others are genuinely enjoying and appreciating what I produce. When people express their enjoyment and find value in my work, it validates my efforts and adds an extra layer of reward. It reassures me that what I’m creating resonates with others and that my passion and dedication are making a positive impact. The combination of personal fulfillment and the knowledge that my creations bring joy to others is the ultimate reward as a content creator. It fuels my motivation and inspires me to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new creative possibilities.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Hi, this is Alain Bui, well-known as “alainbuii” on TikTok and Instagram. I’m a 30-year-old VFX artist based in the vibrant city of Los Angeles. https://www.tiktok.com/@alainbuii?lang=en

I began my journey as an artist during high school when I discovered my passion for creating visual effects. However, when I entered college, I initially pursued a pre-med track, putting my video-related pursuits on hold. It wasn’t until the COVID pandemic hit that I found myself with extra free time while studying for the optometry exam. During this period, I stumbled upon incredible 3D videos on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, which inspired me to learn those skills.

With a newfound determination, I started to watch YouTube tutorials, eager to learn and improve every day. I constantly followed these tutorials, creating something new daily to accelerate my learning process.

At first, I shared my videos on my personal Instagram, mainly for friends and family. However, as their positive feedback grew, some suggested that I explore TikTok as a platform to showcase my work.

Initially skeptical about TikTok, associating it mostly with dancing trends, I decided to give it a try. I started posting videos featuring Pixar characters seamlessly integrated into real-life footage, a series I called “Pixar in Real Life.”:
https://www.tiktok.com/@alainbuii/video/6919760817839803653?lang=en

Surprisingly, these videos began to gain lots of views and my audience started to increase. As my TikTok presence grew, I expanded my content and posted more content.

During this early stage, something remarkable happened. Zach King, a social media star, discovered my work on TikTok. He reached out to me, expressing his admiration for my creations and inviting me to visit his studio in Los Angeles. Excited by the opportunity, I accepted his invitation and had the privilege of meeting Zach King and his talented team.
Now, I find myself working alongside Zach King, contributing to his projects, while also continuing to create my own VFX content.

In the early stages of my content creation journey, one of the most fascinating projects I had the opportunity to work on was a Pixar-inspired video that brought the magic of animation into the real world. The video featured Lightning McQueen cruising through my neighborhood streets, alongside other cars, in a concept we called “Pixar in Real Life.” You can watch the video here:

@alainbuii

Here’s the most requested PIXAR in Real Life video last time, CARS! #disney #pixar #vfx #fyp

♬ Up – Cardi B

This is one of my first viral videos (4.3M views) and holds a special place in my heart because it required me to learn and master various techniques, piecing together information from different sources. The process was time-consuming as I searched for specific tutorials and combined the knowledge I gathered. However, the sense of accomplishment was immense when everything finally came together seamlessly.

I have successfully integrated branded content on my social media channels, collaborating with renowned brands to create engaging and visually stunning videos. One notable collaboration was with Skittles, where I had the privilege to incorporate their vibrant and playful essence into a captivating visual effects video. The video garnered over 18 million views, showcasing the positive reception it received. You can watch the Skittles collaboration here: https://www.tiktok.com/@alainbuii/video/7216047921131687210?lang=en

Recently, I had the pleasure of working with Peridot, a real-world AR virtual pet game, in another exciting collaboration. This opportunity allowed me to merge my expertise in visual effects with the enchanting world of Peridot, creating immersive and captivating experiences. The video for this collaboration has over 9.5 million views, reflecting the engagement and interest it generated. You can see the Peridot collaboration video here:
https://www.tiktok.com/@alainbuii/video/7231283509447494958?lang=en

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles, I would make sure to show them a fantastic time exploring the vibrant city, while also adding a touch of my Asian roots.

Start by visiting the LACMA area, which is not only aesthetically pleasing for capturing Instagram-worthy photos with the iconic street lights but also offers a delightful blend of art and culture. As someone with Asian roots, I particularly enjoy the diverse museums and exhibitions showcasing different art forms and perspectives.

Another must-visit spot is Little Tokyo, where we can embark on a culinary adventure and indulge in mouthwatering Japanese cuisine. This neighborhood is a treasure of dishes, from sushi to ramen, offering an authentic taste of Japan. As we explore the streets, we’ll immerse ourselves in the rich Asian atmosphere and discover hidden gems that reflect my Vietnamese heritage.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my dear friend, Mark Cannataro. When I first started he was one of the first creators I followed. His captivating Star Wars animations caught my attention, and I was thrilled when he followed me back after my first viral video: https://www.tiktok.com/@alainbuii/video/6933225890813955334?lang=en

Since then, we connected and became best friends. Mark has been a constant source of inspiration for me, pushing me to pursue my passion and believing in my potential. His amazing viral animations continue to impress, yet he remains humble and supportive. I am grateful for his friendship and unwavering encouragement throughout my journey.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alainbui/?hl=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AlainBuii

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@alainbuii?lang=en

Image Credits
1. Personal Photo 2. At the Disney Animation Studio 3. On set with Zach King and Zachary Levi taken by Dustin Ong (King Studio) 4. On set for Zach King’s short film with Terry Crews taken by Dustin Ong (King Studio) 5. VFX Supervisor on Jason Derulo’s music video 6. With the Corridor Digital crew.