Senior Digital Matte Painter

Crafty Apes LLC; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

100% remote within Australia

Professional development opportunities

Creative, inclusive environment

Relocation assistance for successful国际

Job summary

Crafty Apes LLC in Sydney is seeking a Senior Digital Matte Painter to lead the creation of high‑end matte paintings and environments. You will mentor junior artists, collaborate directly with directors and VFX supervisors to shape the look of our projects.

You should have 5+ years in a senior role, mastery of Photoshop and 3D tools (Maya, Nuke, camera projection), and a standout portfolio. 100% remote within Australia, with relocation support for international candidates.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a senior or lead digital matte painting role.
• Mastery of Photoshop and 3D software such as Maya and Nuke.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating composition, lighting, color and photo-realism.
• Strong leadership and ability to mentor artists.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creation of high‑resolution matte paintings and environment projections.
• Collaborate with VFX supervisors and directors on artistic vision and technical approach.
• Develop efficient workflows to solve creative and technical challenges.
• Oversee integration of matte paintings into final shots with lighting and compositing teams.
• Act as a key creative voice in project meetings and reviews.

Skills

Matte painting

Leadership

Mentoring

Photoshop

Maya

Nuke

Camera projection

Tools

Maya

Nuke

Camera projection

Job description

Senior Digital Matte Painter - Australia

Who we are

Crafty Apes is a full-service global visual effects company operating in Canada, UK ,US and now Australia with a roster of award-winning artists and technical supervisors known for their creative problem-solving. We've worked on everything from major studio blockbusters to independent films and prestige television. Crafty Apes Australia is a key part of our global network, focusing on delivering exceptional VFX work from our Sydney hub and also offers flexible remote working arrangements from Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane!

What we need

Crafty Apes and our talented team members have received recognition for outstanding contributions to feature films, and we are looking for a Senior Digital Matte Painter to join our team in Sydney. The perfect candidate will lead the creation of complex and breathtaking digital environments, mentor junior artists, and collaborate directly with directors and VFX supervisors to define the look and feel of our projects.

What you’ll do

• Lead the creation of complex, high-resolution digital matte paintings and environment projections for major feature films, television shows, and other projects.

• Collaborate with VFX supervisors and directors to establish the artistic vision and technical approach for complex shots and sequences.

• Develop and implement efficient workflows and techniques to solve creative and technical challenges.

• Oversee the integration of matte paintings into the final shots, working closely with lighting and compositing teams.

• Act as a key creative voice in project meetings and reviews.

What you need

• 5+ years of experience as a digital matte painter in a senior or lead role within a high-end VFX studio.

• Mastery of Photoshop and a deep understanding of 3D software (e.g., Maya, Nuke, and camera projection techniques.

• An exceptional portfolio showcasing a mastery of composition, light, color, and photo-realism.

• Extensive knowledge of the VFX pipeline and a proven ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues.

• Strong leadership and communication skills, with a track record of mentoring artists and collaborating with senior creative leadership.

Nice Things

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.

• 100% remote working arrangements within Australia, the choice to work where you want to!

• Opportunities for professional development, including training and conference attendance.

• A creative, supportive, and inclusive work environment.

• Relocation assistance for successful international candidates.

Working Rights

100% remote within Australia, we are open to global applicants (sponsorship available) but you must be in a position to relocate for the role if you are successful. Crafty Apes is an equal opportunity employer.