Lead Generalist Artist

Job Posting Title:

Lead Generalist Artist

Req ID:

10142674

Job Description:

This role is considered Hybrid, which means the employee will work 2-3 days onsite at a Company designated location and occasionally from home.

Position Summary

Our Generalist department is a very unique department. Here, Generalists independently build complete photorealistic environments that blend seamlessly with the plates, and take full ownership of the shots. They demonstrate high skills in digital and traditional arts with an outstanding eye for composition and photographic details. The work varies a lot from set extension using Digital Matte Painting techniques to full CG environments.

Lead Generalists are often working on the most complex shots including advanced environment builds. Aside from the shot-work they will also take part in the setup discussions with the Generalist Supervisor for specific environments, sequences or tools that are needed on the show.

Additionally they manage a small part of the crew for the environment or the sequence they are assigned to, and help them achieve their tasks.

They are a role model for the department, and mentor the artists for maintaining a very high standard in the quality of our work.

We are looking for a creative and technical person who reflects the innovative spirit, creative talent, production excellence, team-oriented mentality and passion for great filmmaking that define ILM.

What You’ll Do

• Create full CG environments from scratch for establishing shots or multi shot sequences

• Build assets (model, texture, look development)

• Set dress and assemble environments for shots or sequences

• Establish light rigs

• Create setups, templates and tools for a sequence they will lead

• Render and deliver passes for the compositing team

• Design artistic proof of concept for the environment development

• Develop artistic and technical solutions that meet the direction of the show

• Participate in team reviews of the work under development

• Meet regularly with the Generalist Supervisor to talk about the sequence progress

• Optimizing the environment creation to be able to render it efficiently

• Understand and address feedback in a timely manner

• Flag to the Generalist Supervisor any issue that may arise

• Encourage teamwork by sharing knowledge and mentor artists in the team

• Help the artists on the team with their task and teach them to troubleshoot

• Understand DMP techniques and know when it is best to use them

• Look for solutions that will give the fastest result with the best quality to achieve a desired look

• Show regular progress of the environment build process to the supervisor

• Produce work within the production schedule

• Drive and motivate the team towards the artistic goal of a specific sequence or environment

• Mentor more junior Artists and must be able to assist them with their shots

• Communicate respectfully and effectively with the rest of the team

• Meet defined milestones within a timeline by attending dailies and participating in creative problem solving

What We’re Looking For

• 7+ years of relevant professional experience and a BA in Computer Graphics, Fine Arts, Design or Photography, or related field; OR, at least 10 years of experience in lieu of education

• Proven ability in all CG techniques, including modeling, texturing, shading, lighting, look development, and compositing

• Shown artistic ability in a non‐CG field (portfolio of figure or landscape drawing, painting, photography, composition, perspective, lighting etc.)

• Demo reel and shot breakdown (required)

• High level of problem solving or creative thinking skills

• Extensive knowledge of Matte Painting techniques as well as 3D environment techniques

• Expert in the following software:

  • Photoshop

  • 3ds Max, Maya, Houdini or similar

  • Vray, RenderMan or similar renderer

  • Nuke or similar compositing software

• Proficient in additional environment tools like Gaea, Terragen, Speedtree, Zbrush, Substance Painter

• Demonstrated ability to learn new software quickly

• Strong communication skills

• Passion for sharing knowledge, helping others, problem solving

• Being curious of new tools and technologies to improve efficiency

• Eagerness for improvement, of attention to details and photo realism of your work

• Desire to grow with the company

JoinILM

The hiring range for this position in Vancouver is C$126,800 to C$162,300 per year based on a 40-hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other variable pay or benefits, may be offered dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

ILM Vancouver

Job Posting Primary Business:

ILM Vancouver

Primary Job Posting Category:

Matte - Studios

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Vancouver, BC, Canada

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-06-11