Alumni in the spotlight: Silvan and Wouter's journey with Ghost VFX

Silvan Kerseboom's journey  

Silvan Kerseboom began his BUas journey in 2015, specialising in visual arts, with a focus on characters. While he couldn't pinpoint a single standout experience from his time at BUas, he emphasised the value of collaborative work with peers in nurturing his creative development.  

During his final study year, Silvan secured a work placement at elite3D, an art vendor for multiple AAA game companies, in Spain, - a vital stepping stone. Following his work placement, Silvan landed a position at elite3D. This opportunity allowed him to work on a diverse range of projects, such as Call of Duty, Horizon: Forbidden West, Star Wars: Tales of the Galaxies Edge, and more. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Silvan returned to the Netherlands, working on personal projects to enhance his portfolio. Silvan showcased his work to Wouter van Stenis and Keriem Dijksma, who were already a part of Ghost VFX, ultimately resulting in a job offer extended by the head of Ghost VFX. At Ghost VFX, Silvan primarily worked on creatures for renowned productions like Star Wars: The Mandalorian, The Hunger Games, and Troll, among other things.  

His journey didn't end there. When strikes and job security concerns arose, Silvan explored new options and eventually joined PUBG Amsterdam.  

The transition from game development to visual effects proved smooth for Silvan. He leveraged his skills in sculpting and texturing, finding many commonalities between the two disciplines.  

For aspiring students, Silvan offers valuable advice. He emphasises that the initial work placement or job is the most challenging step. Building a strong portfolio with a focus on a few exceptional art assets is more beneficial than having many mediocre ones. Quality, he underscores, is key.   

Wouter van Stenis's journey 

Wouter van Stenis embarked on his BUas journey in 2015, focusing on visual arts. His fondest memories revolve around the talented co-students and lecturers he encountered, with many of these relationships continuing to shape his career.  

One memorable experience during his time at BUas was working with a lecturer and a group of students to launch a new project idea outside of regular coursework. This endeavour taught him the power of initiative and the effectiveness of a motivated group.  

Wouter's journey from BUas led him to Ghost VFX. During his final year at BUas, he, along with Keriem, completed a work placement and later a traineeship at Ghost VFX, where they handled high-end production assets and took the lead on various projects. Following graduation, they were hired as 3D artists at Ghost VFX and worked, together with other BUas alumni, like Max Berends, on remarkable shots for shows like Star Trek Discovery, which received an Emmy for ‘Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Single Episode’.  

Wouter’s role at Ghost VFX continued to evolve as he was promoted to CG Supervisors, contributing significantly to the asset department. In 2020, Ghost VFX merged with other studios to form a global VFX company. Currently, he is the Global Head of Assets. 

Wouter's work at Ghost VFX has encompassed a diverse range of projects, including Star Trek: Picard, Troll, The Hunger Games, Star Wars: The Mandalorian, and many others.  

For current BUas students aspiring to follow a similar path, Wouter emphasises the importance of remaining open, motivated, and dedicated to keeping yourself educated. He advises them to never forget the fun in their work and to recognise the power of collaboration in creating exceptional art.  

To learn more about Silvan Kerseboom and Wouter van Stenis and follow their professional journeys, you can connect with them on LinkedIn.