Lead Surfacing Artist

Bardel Entertainment Inc.; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An internationally recognized animation studio is seeking a Surfacing Artist Lead to guide a talented team in creating stunning textures and shading for CG characters and props. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence high-quality output while fostering creativity and innovation in a collaborative environment. With a commitment to mentorship and professional growth, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the artistic direction of projects. Enjoy a flexible hybrid work environment that prioritizes both productivity and collaboration, making this an exciting opportunity for those passionate about animation.

Benefits

Flexible work

Extended health and wellness coverage

RRSP matching

In-studio attendance during onboarding

Quarterly Rush Weeks

Qualifications

• Experience as a Surfacing Artist in animation, preferably in a lead role.
• Strong skills in Substance, Mari, and Photoshop.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of Surfacing Artists to ensure high-quality output.
• Create textures and shading networks for CG characters and props.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to Surfacing.

Skills

Substance

Mari

Photoshop

Katana

Renderman

Blender

Job description

For more than 35 years, Bardel Entertainment has led the animation industry through unwavering commitment to quality, creativity, and innovation. We are an internationally recognized, Emmy Award-winning studio – with locations in Vancouver and Montreal – and the creative force behind top hits like The Dragon Prince, Rick and Morty, Teen Titans Go!, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

What You’ll Be Doing

1. Provide leadership and mentorship to a team of Surfacing Artists, ensuring high-quality output aligned with project goals.
2. Create textures and build shading networks for CG characters and props, including working with grooms.
3. Oversee the creation and integration of surfacing, ensuring alignment with artistic and technical standards.
4. Review team submissions and provide clear, actionable feedback for effective iteration.
5. Create templates to optimize workflows and share best practices with other artists.
6. Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to Surfacing to maintain production flow.
7. Maintain and support existing Surfacing setups, ensuring consistency across projects.
8. Communicate proactively with departments and align with project leads on technical and aesthetic goals.
9. Participate in dailies, rounds, and team discussions to provide feedback and foster improvements.
10. Adhere to pipeline workflows and ensure deliverables meet standards.
11. Mentor Surfacing artists, offering guidance and career development support.
12. Manage team resources to meet project deadlines effectively.
13. Communicate progress, challenges, and solutions clearly with the team and supervisors.
14. Balance quality and efficiency under tight deadlines and changing project needs.

Qualifications include previous experience as a Surfacing Artist in animation, preferably in a lead role on fully animated productions, with strong skills in Substance, Mari, and Photoshop. Experience with Katana, Renderman, Blender, fur and hair shading, and a portfolio demonstrating detailed, stylized surfacing work are highly valued.

Pay Range: CAD $1700 - $1900 per week. This reflects current expectations; final offers depend on various factors including education, experience, and location.

Benefits include flexible work, extended health and wellness coverage from day one, and RRSP matching. Our hybrid work environment supports productivity and collaboration, with in-studio attendance required during onboarding and quarterly Rush Weeks at our Vancouver studio.

If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply!