About the position
We are seeking a self-motivated artist who embodies the innovative spirit and passion for filmmaking that defines Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). The Virtual Art Department (VAD) plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between Production Design and Visual Effects (VFX). As a VAD Artist, you will work closely with the Production Art Department team to create Real Time environments and assets specifically for Virtual Production scouts. This position requires a blend of artistic talent and technical skills to produce high-quality 3D assets that enhance the visual storytelling process. In this role, you will be responsible for creating 3D Real Time assets, which includes modeling, texturing, and basic lighting to bring the 3D environment to life. You will also create blocking geometry for initial environment blockouts, design props and environments, and process and clean up photogrammetry assets. A key aspect of your work will involve tuning assets and environments to ensure they are performance-optimized for scouting purposes. Communication is vital; you will need to regularly update the Production and VAD Supervisor on your progress and adhere to specific artistic directions provided. Collaboration is at the heart of this position. You will participate as a team member in providing various aesthetic solutions and will be expected to give constructive feedback to other team members during daily reviews. Additionally, mentoring Apprentice and Junior Artists will be part of your responsibilities, assisting them with their shots and helping them grow in their roles. Meeting defined milestones within a timeline is essential to ensure the smooth progression of projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in photo-realistic, traditional, or digital art skills, particularly with an emphasis on landscapes and interiors. Experience with Real Time engines such as Unreal or Unity is crucial, along with a demonstrated ability to quickly learn new software. A Bachelor's Degree or at least 2 years of relevant experience, whether professional or amateur, is required. Proven skills in CG techniques such as modeling, texturing, shading, lighting, look development, matte painting, or compositing are essential, as is a strong sense of teamwork, excellent communication skills, and interdisciplinary thinking. Familiarity with software packages like Photoshop, 3DsMax, Maya, Perforce, and 3D paint programs like Substance Painter is also necessary, although comparable software experience will be considered.
Responsibilities
- Create 3D Real Time assets including modeling, texturing, and basic lighting.
- Create blocking geometry for initial environment block out.
- Design props and environments for virtual production.
- Process and clean up photogrammetry assets.
- Tune assets and environments for performance optimization.
- Communicate status updates to Production and VAD Supervisor and follow artistic direction.
- Participate in team aesthetic solutions and provide feedback during daily reviews.
- Mentor Apprentice and Junior Artists, assisting them with their shots.
- Work to meet defined milestones within a timeline.
Requirements
- Strong foundation in photo-realistic, traditional, or digital art skills with an emphasis on landscapes and interiors.
- Experience using a Real Time engine like Unreal or Unity.
- Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new software.
- Bachelor's Degree or 2+ years of relevant experience (professional or amateur).
- Proven ability in one or more CG techniques including modeling, texturing, shading, lighting, look development, matte painting, or compositing.
- Strong teamwork, excellent communication, and interdisciplinary thinking skills.
- Demonstrated knowledge in software packages such as Photoshop, 3DsMax, Maya, Perforce, and Substance Painter.
Benefits
- Bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package.
- Full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits depending on the level and position offered.
