Mandy Karlowski: Houdini FX Artist on Perfectionism, AI Fears & Why Film FX Isn’t Dead

Yo! Just dropped a raw convo with Mandy Karlowski a Houdini FX artist who’s been melting CPUs and GPUs since 2011. We go deep on why Maya almost killed her passion, how Houdini saved her soul, and why perfectionism is the silent dream-killer. Plus: real talk on AI panic, freelance red flags, and why VFX is still a damn art-form. If you’ve ever felt stuck between passion and paychecks, hit play.SUPPORT THE PODCAST- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop- Mandy on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandy-karlowski/- Join The GeneralistsDiscord: https://discord.gg/8NZWcu2gTN- LinktreeAll links & tools I use: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalistTimestamps:00:00 - Mandy’s Origin: From Photoshop procrastinator to FX queen00:04:24 - Perfectionism Paralysis00:12:19 - VFX Industry Bloodbath: AI, strikes, and streaming wars00:17:40 - Maya vs. Houdini: The software showdown we needed00:28:00 - Freelance Survival: How to say "HELL NO" to bad clients00:41:07 - Tool Ownership: Who keeps your Houdini magic?00:53:15 - Burnout & Balance: Touch grass, pet cats, stay human01:01:11 - Women in VFX: Mandy’s truth bomb on respect & pay#VFXArtist #HoudiniFX #FreelanceLife