Character Modeler - Netflix Animation Studios

Socket.dev; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 68,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Netflix Animation Studios in Vancouver, BC is seeking a dedicated Character Modeling Artist to transform 2D concepts into production-ready 3D characters with strong proportions, clean topology, and appealing shapes. You will deliver stylised models ready for rigging, layout, and lighting, with UVs prepared for downstream departments.

Create production-quality meshes, optimise edge flow, and maintain attention to detail. Experience with Maya, ZBrush, and Marvelous Designer is preferred.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of character modelling in VFX or animated feature pipelines.
• Proficiency with Maya and ZBrush.
• Experience with Marvelous Designer.
• Strong understanding of character appeal, silhouette, proportion, and shape language.
• Solid understanding of edge flow and polygon density.
• Solid understanding of topology for static and deforming objects.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to translate design to production-ready assets.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Interpret 2D designs into 3D space while preserving artistic intent.
• Create complex or stylised character models with strong appeal and proper topology.
• Create accurate UVs for downstream departments.
• Deliver production-ready meshes suitable for Rigging, Layout and Lighting.
• Meet deadlines and maintain quality within schedule.
• Maintain clear communication with Leadership.

Skills

3+ years modelling

Maya

ZBrush

Marvelous Designer

Character silhouette & appeal

Edge flow & topology

Tools

Maya

ZBrush

Marvelous Designer

Job description

Netflix Animation Studios is on a mission to entertain the world with bold, immersive animated films that are timeless and impactful. We are paving the way for the future of animation by building a community of amazing artists and talent across three vibrant locations globally. Come join us!

Job Summary:

Are you interested in working on Netflix Animation Studios' next animated feature with our highly talented team of artists? We are looking for Character Modeling Artists who love building appealing stylised characters from strong proportions and clean forms to production-ready topology and UVs. Experience with Marvelous Designer is a plus. This role is focused on creating complete production-ready character models for our upcoming projects.

What You’ll Do:

• Interpret 2D designs and translate them into 3D space while maintaining the original artistic intent.
• Produce complex or stylised character models to a high standard with a strong understanding of appeal, silhouette, proportion, shape and scale.
• Produce accurate UVs for models for use in downstream departments.
• Produce highly optimised meshes with clean production-ready topology that can be rendered and displayed efficiently for downstream departments such as Rigging, Layout and Lighting.
• Assume responsibility for ensuring assigned work is produced to the appropriate standard quality within the scheduled timeframe and deadline.
• Maintain good communication with the Leadership team.

What You'll Need:

• 3+ years' experience modelling within a VFX or Animated Feature pipeline
• Proficiency with Maya and ZBrush
• Experience with Marvelous Designer
• Strong understanding of character appeal, silhouette, proportion, and shape language
• Solid understanding of proper edge flow and polygon density
• Solid understanding of the topology for static and deforming objects
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to abstract and interpret design down to its fundamentals
• Strong organizational and time management skills

This role is based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Hybrid Role (Minimum of 3 days a week in the office).

At NAS, we carefully consider a wide range of compensation factors to determine your compensation. We rely on market indicators and consider your specific job family, background, location, skills, and experience. The overall market range for this role is typically $68k - $145k CAD. This reflects total compensation; we do not have stock options.

NAS benefits can include medical/dental/vision plans, mental health support, retirement programs, and family-forming benefits, paid leave of absence programs, and paid time away programs to be used for vacation and sick paid time off. See more details about our benefits here.

Inclusion is a Netflix value and we strive to host a meaningful interview experience for all candidates. If you want an accommodation/adjustment for a disability or any other reason during the hiring process, please send a request to your recruiting partner.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity builds stronger teams. We approach diversity and inclusion seriously and thoughtfully. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.