Digital Matte Painting Artist

Magic Media is a pioneering media, entertainment and tech group powered by creativity and innovation. We have a physical presence in 14 countries and expertise in the areas of art, animation, cybersecurity, game development, software development, VFX and video production amongst others. We work with leading developers and publishers within the games and tech industry, providing support and solutions designed around individual needs and carried out by global experts.

We produce our industry-leading results by constantly staying at the forefront of modern technology and cutting-edge processes and practices. The best of Magic Media’s teams are known for their strong initiative, not just in taking care of their day-to-day responsibilities but in helping identify ways to build, grow, and improve.

As a Digital Matte Painting Artist you will paint believable, photo-realistic environments and backdrops that seamlessly replace 3D elements. You will work as a key member of the art team, collaborating closely with the art director and other art team members in creating high quality, matte paintings, set extensions and skydome illustrations. The ideal candidate straddles the border of 2D and 3D and has a solid understanding of working in both mediums in order to make environments and spaces feel realistic and alive.

Responsibilities:

• Create digital paintings of photo-realistic environments based on concept art and/or photo reference.
• Understand all aspects of digital-matte workflow and know how to combine 2D and 3D elements.
• Experience working with environment and prop art 3D assets.
• Assist with and develop the look of a shot/sequence in liaison with the art director and/or creative director and lead environment artist.
• Work in partnership with 3D environment artists and technical artists to ensure scenes are delivered to the very highest standard.
• Seek out and build photographic reference material.
• Continue to become familiar with new tools, software, data, and other related technology.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience within the Digital Matte Painting Art discipline with at least 2+ years of experience as a Digital matte Painting Artist in game development.
• Shipped at least 2 games in Digital Matte Painting Artist role; preferably full cycle on a ‘AAA’ console or PC title.
• Strong knowledge of matte painting techniques including color space, digital paint techniques, and Photoshop file management (be it file format, bit-depth resolution, or appropriate layering of elements).
• Demonstrable experience integrating matte paintings into 3D environments using Maya and/or equivalent 3D package.
• Possess a strong understanding of light, color, and perspective.
• Has excellent artistic communication skills, as well as an excellent eye for detail.
• Flexibility to produce concept art from scratch.
• Solid knowledge and understanding of matte painting pipelines, production, and implementation for games.
• Good knowledge and ability with perspective, design, and value matching.
• Working knowledge of camera focal lengths and composition.
• Understanding of resolution and aspect ratios.
• Expert working knowledge of Photoshop.

DESIRABLE PLUSES:

• Working experience in a game engine such as Unreal or Unity.
• Additional working experience in such software packages as Zbrush, Premiere, After Affects, etc. a plus
• Lighting and rendering experience in engine.

Note: Applications for this role must include a portfolio/reel (or link to a portfolio/reel). Applications that do not have this information will not be considered.

Benefits

• An opportunity to hone and improve your skills by applying them to a diverse variety of engaging projects
• Be part of an international group with offices worldwide
• Career growth and development
• Working closely with a team of like-minded people in a fast-paced, multicultural environment
• Ongoing training and professional self-improvement opportunities
• Flexible working hours
• An inclusive culture and open communication

At Magic Media, our passion lies in gaming. Our vision is to create and deliver engaging and interesting games for our clients. We can deliver this high-quality work on any platform, whether it be on a console, PC, or mobile. We know that reputation and results go hand-in-hand. Therefore, we work hard to find experts and talented creators to deliver the best results.

If you do not meet all the requirements, but believe you’d still be a great fit for the role, don’t worry! We’d still love to hear from you, please get in touch!