Surfacing Artist - Generalist

Description

The Surfacing Artist establishes the look and surface qualities for animated characters, props and environments. Through the use and development of texture maps, shader development, UV layout and matte painting; the Surfacing Artist will guide the production process look to achieve the desired visual style. The Surfacing Artist collaborates with or aids both modeling and lighting to ensure the proper workflow is being developed to achieve the desired look on all surfaces through to the finished renders.

This role requires a keen eye for creative aesthetics and application. They are always searching for ways to achieve the desired visual style with the most economic and streamlined solutions. They strive to support and move the production forward toward its intended visual and creative goals. The final look for the surfaces for all elements within the render are the responsibility of the Surfacing Artist.

The Surfacing Artist is creative and technical. They have the fortitude to solve shader and texture pipeline issues efficiently by researching, identifying, and implementing solutions designed to streamline the texture/shader process and enhance productivity within the studio.

This position strives for creative excellence and professionalism at all times. They possess exceptional interpersonal skills and addresses issues quickly, directly and with a strong variety of approaches required to communicate to our diverse team’s personalities. They partner with the Directors, Visual Effects Supervisor and Lead to get the best results for the job and strive for zero error during production. Their work ethic is beyond repute and he/she is both productive and efficient.

The Surfacing Artist is expected to take additional training as provided or recommended to further his/her knowledge of technical, creative skills.

Essential Job Functions
• Develop the surface materials, textures and UVs for characters props and environments.
• Partner with the modeling, lighting, and effects teams on all issues to troubleshoot creative and technical issues, and to ensure shots are delivered to the very highest standard
• Work in partnership with lighters and compositors to ensure schedules and deadlines are met as established by the Producer and Directors.
• The Surfacing Artist works under the supervision of the LAIKA House Operations Manager, and may be required to surface/texture multiple projects simultaneously.