Digital Matte Painter

Summary

Join Zoic Studios, a Visual Effects company, as a VFX Digital Matte Paint Artist! You will create photorealistic environments and visual effects for a stop-motion animated feature film. Collaborate with a team of artists, using industry-standard software, to seamlessly integrate matte paintings into practical and CG elements. This role requires 5+ years of experience, a strong portfolio, and expertise in 2D, 3D, and hybrid matte painting techniques. The position offers the option to work remotely from British Columbia or in our Vancouver studio. The salary range is $45-$65/hour.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience as a Digital Matte Paint Artist in VFX or film, with a portfolio that demonstrates expertise in 2D, 3D, and hybrid matte paintings
• Strong knowledge of 3D modeling, sculpting, and rendering techniques with proficiency in industry-standard software (e,g., Photoshop, Nuke, Mari, Houdini, Maya, Blender, Substance Painter, etc.)
• Exceptional understanding of color theory, lighting, composition, and visual storytelling
• A keen eye for detail and realism, with the ability to recreate environments that feel authentic and integrated into both practical and digital worlds
• Experience working with shoot data including HDRIs, photographic reference, and photogrammetry
• Ability to collaborate in a high-pressure, creative environment with a focus on quality and efficient delivery
• Strong communication and time-management skills to navigate fast-paced production schedules
• All applicants must be residents of British Columbia, Canada
• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada ie. Citizen, PR, Open Work Permit

Responsibilities

• Create highly detailed, photorealistic matte paintings that integrate seamlessly with practical set builds and CG environments, maintaining consistency with the established visual style
• Collaborate with the VFX Art Director and Lead Environments Artists to develop and refine visual beats that match the storytelling and themes throughout the film
• Render 3D images and elements that are both visually compelling and optimized for integration into the production pipeline, working closely with departments such as Environments, Lighting, FX, and Compositing
• Use studio-provided suite of digital tools (Photoshop, Nuke, Mari, Substance Painter, Houdini, Blender, Maya, etc.) to produce environments, landscapes, skies, and set extensions that match the photorealistic qualities of stylized practical elements
• Work efficiently within production timelines, delivering high-quality assets that are ready for final compositing
• Demonstrate versatility by selecting the most appropriate solution for the job, i.e., knowing when a 2D or 2.5D approach is more effective than a full 3D solution
• Ensure flawless integration of matte paintings into both set-based plates and CG shots, aligning with lighting, perspective, and texture to create a seamless look
• Provide guidance and feedback to artists, ensuring the team maintains high standards of quality and consistency when necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• A strong portfolio in photography or traditional art forms (e.g., drawing, painting, sculpting)
• Familiarity with lighting and compositing techniques to ensure smooth integration of matte paintings into final shots

Benefits

Option to work from home OR work from our Vancouver studio