Lightning VFX

29 November 2023

Premise
Setup

This effect was a group task working with 2 other people to create one VFX. Each of us take one aspect of the effect, anticipation, action and resolution. I specifically worked on the resolution of the effect, basically the end of it.

Tackling Process

I started piece by piece by breaking the effect into parts and combining them together at the end.

Particles

  • I started with the spark particles effect that emit from the ground and bounce off once off the floor before disappearing

Scorched Ground

  • I wanted the lightning to leave an impact on the ground
  • I made a texture that resembles a stylized scorched mark on the ground that is illuminated on moment lightning touches the ground and quickly fade to black before disappearing completely.

Black Smoke

  • Added a black smoke effect to emphasize the burned ground.
  • Its not super visible, but I think it adds just a little bit more to the overall effect.

Dome

  • Added a little dome impact effect to emphasize the impact of the lightning. It flashes really quickly and disappears.

Final Result + Thoughts

  • Most effects aren't very visible in the final compilation but I do think it still adds to the impact of the effect.