Lead VFX Artist — Real-Time Visual Effects Leader

Velan Studios; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Velan Studios is seeking a skilled VFX Artist (Lead) to join our team in Canada. Lead and shape the VFX for our projects, mentor artists, and collaborate with Art Directors, engineers, designers, and QA to deliver high-quality assets that enhance gameplay.

You will drive in-engine visuals, set standards, and help recruit and onboard new talent while staying at the cutting edge of VFX workflows and techniques.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of real-time VFX experience in game industry (console/PC).
• Strong portfolio of shipped games.
• Degree or equivalent in Digital Media Design, Game Design or related field desired.
• Ability to create from your own ideas, not only from concept art.
• Demonstrated strength in custom texture and shader creation.
• High proficiency with VFX DCC tools (Photoshop, Substance Designer, EmberGen, Maya, Blender, Houdini).
• Excellent technical understanding enabling deep collaboration with engineering and hardware optimization.
• Strong organizational skills with emphasis on asset management and optimization.
• Passion for making and playing great games with awareness of industry trends.
• Self-directed, creative, and receptive to feedback.

Responsibilities

• Raise the bar for visual effects and help Velan Studios lead the industry in VFX.
• Define and build out the VFX look and style with Art Director and leads.
• Plan tasks with Project Leads/Producers and provide realistic time estimates.
• Lead reviews and maintain a cohesive, polished visual direction.
• Create in-engine visuals and set goals for the VFX team.
• Promote best practices for VFX systems and asset creation.
• Mentor the VFX team and contribute to peer reviews.
• Participate in recruitment: portfolio reviews and interviews.
• Craft VFX for original and existing IPs and iterate with teams.

Skills

Real-time VFX experience

Strong portfolio

Own-ideas creation

Shader creation

Collaboration with engineering

Education

Digital Media Design / Game Design degree or equivalent

Tools

Photoshop

Substance Designer

EmberGen

Maya

Blender

Houdini

Job description

Velan Studios is seeking a skilled VFX Artist (Lead) to join our team in Canada. Lead and shape the VFX for our projects, mentor artists, and collaborate with Art Directors, engineers, designers, and QA to deliver high-quality assets that enhance gameplay.

You will drive in-engine visuals, set standards, and help recruit and onboard new talent while staying at the cutting edge of VFX workflows and techniques.