Generalist Artist - Digital Matte Painting for Feature Animation - Expression of Interest at The Walt Disney Company

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Mid-level (3 to 4 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Animation, Film, EntertainmentIndustries

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, environment creation, or related disciplines within feature animation
Proficiency with Photoshop and Nuke
Good knowledge of 3dsMax, Maya, or Houdini (with VRay or RenderMan)
Familiarity with Gaea, SpeedTree, ZBrush, or Substance Painter, or Linux-based pipelines is a plus
Strong understanding of lighting, color theory, atmosphere, and composition within a stylized or cinematic animated context
Ability to create artwork that blends with the unique aesthetic and visual style of an animated feature
Excellent problem-solving and time management skills; able to adapt under shifting priorities and tight deadlines
Strong collaboration and communication skills; open to feedback and eager to contribute to a team-oriented environment
Desire to grow professionally within the studio
Current resumé, demo reel, art portfolio, and shot breakdown as part of application

Responsibilities

Create high-quality digital matte paintings and set extensions that align with the film’s art direction and maintain stylistic consistency across shots and sequences
Integrate 2D and 3D elements with a strong understanding of composition, color, light, and atmosphere to achieve visually compelling and cohesive environments
Collaborate closely with Environment, Lighting, and Compositing teams to ensure that matte paintings integrate seamlessly into the final shots
Translate concept art and visual development materials into production-ready environments that reflect the story’s tone and mood
Maintain continuity and visual consistency across sequences while adapting to creative feedback and evolving direction
Troubleshoot technical and artistic challenges independently, while seeking guidance and sharing solutions across departments
Proactively communicate progress with production and supervisors, ensuring that deadlines and creative goals are met
Research and gather visual references to support environment design, composition, and lighting
Participate in reviews and contribute to a positive, collaborative team dynamic

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Digital Matte Painting2D Painting3D IntegrationCompositionColor TheoryLightingAtmosphereSet ExtensionsPhotogrammetryCG RenderingCompositing

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

Is this a remote position or does it require office work?

This role is hybrid, requiring 2-3 days onsite at a company designated location and occasional work from home.

What skills and experience are required for this Digital Matte Painter role?

Candidates need a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Digital Art, Computer Graphics, or related field (or equivalent), minimum 3 years of production experience in matte painting or environment creation in feature animation, proficiency with Photoshop and Nuke, good knowledge of 3dsMax, Maya, or Houdini (with VRay or RenderMan), and familiarity with Gaea.

What is the compensation or salary for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What is the company culture like for this role?

The role thrives in a creative, collaborative environment where artists work closely with Environment, Lighting, and Compositing teams, participate in reviews, contribute to a positive team dynamic, and bring unique perspectives, with a value placed on diversity.

How can I apply for this Generalist Artist position?

This is an expression of interest posting for a role not currently open; submit your resume to be considered for future opportunities, and you may be contacted by a recruiter if it becomes available.