Generalist Artist (Feature Animation)

TL;DR

Generalist Artist (Feature Animation): Creating striking digital environments that support storytelling and visual style for feature animation projects with an accent on seamless integration of painted, photographic, and rendered CG elements. Focus on achieving visually compelling environments by understanding composition, color, light, and atmosphere, and translating concept art into production-ready scenes.

Location: Hybrid in Vancouver, Canada (2-3 days onsite)

Salary: C$87,200–C$111,600 per year

Company

Founded by George Lucas, Industrial Light & Magic is the leading effects facility in the world, serving the motion picture, commercial production, and attraction industries.

What you will do

• Create high-quality digital matte paintings and set extensions that align with film’s art direction.
• Integrate 2D and 3D elements with a strong understanding of composition, color, light, and atmosphere.
• Collaborate closely with Environment, Lighting, and Compositing teams for seamless integration into final shots.
• Translate concept art and visual development materials into production-ready environments.
• Maintain continuity and visual consistency across sequences while adapting to creative feedback.
• Troubleshoot technical and artistic challenges independently and share solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Digital Art, Computer Graphics, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 3 years of production experience in matte painting or environment creation within feature animation.
• Proficiency with Photoshop and Nuke.
• Good knowledge of 3dsMax, Maya, or Houdini (with VRay or RenderMan).
• Strong understanding of lighting, color theory, atmosphere, and composition within an animated context.
• Ability to create artwork that blends with the unique aesthetic and visual style of an animated feature.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills; open to feedback and eager to contribute to a team-oriented environment.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with Gaea, SpeedTree, ZBrush, or Substance Painter, or Linux-based pipelines.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid work model requiring 2-3 days onsite in Vancouver, Canada.
• Creative, collaborative environment valuing diversity and unique perspectives.
• Opportunity for professional growth within the studio.
• Access to a full range of medical, financial, and other variable pay or benefits.
• Contribute to world-class stories and entertainment experiences as part of The Walt Disney Company.

Hiring process

• Application requires a current resumé, demo reel, art portfolio, and shot breakdown.
• AI tools may support aspects of the recruitment process, but human review is incorporated into every stage.