Senior FX Artist

Iconcreative; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct deposit

Benefits package

Union position

Job summary

ICON Creative Studio in Vancouver, BC, is seeking a Senior FX Artist to lead complex visual effects, collaborating with show and art directors to deliver shots of the highest quality.

You will mentor junior artists, develop reusable FX rigs and templates, and contribute to R&D work, pushing the boundaries of visual excellence while aligning with the project’s creative vision. This is a union position with a strong benefits package.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in visual effects for animation, film, or television.
• Expert-level skills in Houdini and/or Maya, and solid experience with Nuke or similar comp tools.
• Strong artistic eye and deep understanding of timing, motion, and physics.
• Proven experience mentoring other artists and leading complex effects work.
• Ability to innovate, problem-solve, and optimize FX for performance and render efficiency.
• Experience developing templates, tools, or procedural FX rigs.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate the ability to complete complex Visual Effects accurately and efficiently.
• Tackle challenging and technically complex shots that demand the highest level of quality.
• Excel in solving both technical and artistic problems, showcasing expertise in the field.
• Work directly with the lead and supervisor to deliver key effects that align with the creative vision of the project.
• Exhibit a wide range of competency in various FX software packages.
• Share expertise by assisting and mentoring other artists, guiding both technical and artistic challenges.
• Create a collaborative environment by fostering knowledge-sharing within the team.
• Develop and implement reusable FX rigs or templates, enabling other artists to efficiently complete the entire series of shots with a consistent look.
• Engage in R&D work for complex effects ahead of schedule, conducting proof-of-concept tests or providing extra iteration time.
• Comfortably mentor and troubleshoot for more junior artists, contributing to their professional growth and development.

Skills

Mentoring

Procedural FX rigs

FX optimization

Artistic timing & physics

Houdini

Maya

Nuke

Tools

Houdini

Maya

Nuke

Job description

Company Overview

ICON Creative Studio is Canada’s largest independently owned animation entertainment company, located in the historic Gastown district of Vancouver, BC. Our talented team includes specialists across the entire animation pipeline, working alongside creative and management professionals to deliver outstanding animated content.

Known for our commitment to quality, efficiency, and timely deliveries, ICON has partnered with distributors, broadcasters, and leading streaming platforms worldwide to create and produce noteworthy, impactful projects.

We operate from a holistic philosophy, leveraging the unique skill sets of our team members to maximize production efficiency while maintaining an optimal balance of creativity and quality on-screen.

Why work at ICON?

• Collaborate on top-tier feature and episodic CG franchises for major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Amazon, Peacock, and Paramount+.
• Be part of a diverse team of artists from around the globe who have joined us here in British Columbia.
• Work with the latest tools and software, ensuring you're always equipped to do your best work.
• Be part of a studio that upholds a premium standard of quality across all productions, putting every resource into what’s on-screen.
• Enjoy flexibility, autonomy, and a supportive workplace culture.
• Access direct deposit and a generous benefits package.
• Grow with us through continuous learning opportunities, mentorship, and empowering you to achieve your professional goals.

Senior FX Artist

Job Overview

As a Senior FX Artist, you'll lead the charge in executing intricate effects with precision. Collaborating directly with show and art directors, you'll tackle the most challenging shots, ensuring the highest quality standards. Your extensive competency in various FX software packages will be key, and you'll contribute to a collaborative environment by mentoring and troubleshooting for junior artists. Your innovative mindset will shine through R&D work, creating reusable FX rigs and templates, and pushing the boundaries of visual excellence..

Key Responsibilities

• Demonstrate the ability to complete complex Visual Effects accurately and efficiently.
• Tackle challenging and technically complex shots that demand the highest level of quality.
• Excel in solving both technical and artistic problems, showcasing expertise in the field.
• Work directly with the lead and supervisor to deliver key effects that align with the creative vision of the project.
• Exhibit a wide range of competency in various FX software packages.
• Share expertise by assisting and mentoring other artists, guiding both technical and artistic challenges.
• Create a collaborative environment by fostering knowledge-sharing within the team.
• Develop and implement reusable FX rigs or templates, enabling other artists to efficiently complete the entire series of shots with a consistent look.
• Engage in R&D work for complex effects ahead of schedule, conducting proof-of-concept tests or providing extra iteration time.
• Comfortably mentor and troubleshoot for more junior artists, contributing to their professional growth and development.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in visual effects for animation, film, or television.
• Expert-level skills in Houdini and/or Maya, and solid experience with Nuke or similar comp tools.
• Strong artistic eye and deep understanding of timing, motion, and physics.
• Proven experience mentoring other artists and leading complex effects work.
• Ability to innovate, problem-solve, and optimize FX for performance and render efficiency.
• Experience developing templates, tools, or procedural FX rigs.

This is a Union position and the terms and conditions of employment are covered by a collective agreement.

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In accordance with British Columbia's pay transparency legislation, the wage displayed reflects the minimum rate established under ICON's collective agreement. Additional compensation may be considered based on experience, qualifications, and project needs, where permitted by the collective agreement.

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ICON Creative Studio is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.