Mark Sawicki began as an actor and clay animator in Michigan. He came to Los Angeles in 1976 and became involved in visual effects during the "Star Wars" era.

One of his first positions was working for 'Roger Corman"s New World Studios working on low budget sci-fi pictures as a cameraman. From there, he went on to shooting effects and creating animation for commercials and many rock videos. In 1986, he became the matte photographer for Illusion Arts working under visual effects masters Albert Whitlock, Syd Dutton, and Bill Taylor.