VFX Artist (Contract)

Role overview A 12-month contract VFX Artist position supporting gameplay, environments, and cinematics for a video game studio. The role creates and implements real-time particle effects across a title, collaborating with multiple departments to ensure effects match the project's overall art direction and perform within engine budgets.

Responsibilities - Design and implement real-time particle effects using 2D and 3D elements, both static and animated. - Place and integrate visual FX across environmental, gameplay, and cinematic scenes. - Author FX texture maps including color, normal, specular, ambient occlusion, height, and incandescent. - Build FX shaders using node-based shader networks and create simple geometry and UV sets as needed. - Optimize effects for framerate and memory performance. - Collaborate with development departments to confirm effects are properly implemented in the game engine. - Orchestrate layered FX events with careful timing to create believable, cohesive scenes.

Requirements - Intermediate ability to navigate and use DCC software such as Maya or Houdini, or equivalent. - Proficient in Maya for joints, locators, keyframing, rigid body simulations, hard surface modeling, and UV mapping. - Proficient in Photoshop for painting and editing textures. - Proficient with node-based shader networks. - Intermediate foundation in computer graphics fundamentals and artistic analysis. - Proficient animation and timing skills, plus a solid traditional arts background. - Ability to work independently and collaboratively with strong team and communication skills.

Nice to have - Knowledge of additional visual effects software beyond Maya. - Good observation skills and comfort using photographic or video reference material.

Benefits and work setup - Hourly rate of $75 to $85 USD, with ranges varying by geographic location. - Flexible role that can be performed remotely. - Eligibility for medical, dental, and vision benefits during the contract engagement. - Background checks are conducted at the offer stage.