Model Painter/Scenic Artist

Scruffy Dog Creative Group; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Scruffy Dog Creative Group is seeking a skilled Model Painter / Scenic Artist to join our Birmingham-based team. You will deliver high-quality scenic finishes for themed environments, props and bespoke installations, translating designs into realistic, visually compelling pieces.

The role requires strong technical painting skills, an excellent understanding of materials and finishes, and the ability to work with a range of substrates in a workshop environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in model painting or scenic artistry.
• Strong knowledge of paint systems and surface preparation.
• Ability to interpret briefs and work independently.
• Excellent attention to detail and colour perception.

Responsibilities

• Execute detailed painting on scale models and props.
• Apply specialist scenic finishes, including faux finishes and wood grain.
• Prepare surfaces through sanding, priming, masking and sealing.
• Work with MDF, timber, resin, fibreglass, foam, metal and 3D-printed components.
• Select and apply paints, coatings, pigments, stains and lacquers.
• Interpret technical drawings, mood boards and design specs.
• Use spray guns, airbrushes, brushes and other finishing equipment.
• Collaborate with designers, sculptors and production teams.
• Maintain quality control and workshop safety compliance.

Skills

Model painting

Scenic artistry

Prop finishing

Finishing techniques

Airbrushing

Texture finishing

Colour matching

Detail craftsmanship

Tools

Spray guns

Airbrush

Brushes

Job description

Role Overview

We are seeking a skilled Model Painter / Scenic Artist to join our creative production team in Birmingham. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering high-quality scenic finishes, model painting and specialist surface treatments for themed entertainment, immersive environments, bespoke installations and creative fabrication projects.

The role requires strong technical painting skills, an excellent understanding of materials and finishes, and the ability to translate design concepts into detailed, realistic and visually compelling finished pieces.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute detailed painting, finishing and scenic artwork on scale models, props, set pieces and bespoke fabricated elements.
• Apply specialist scenic finishes, including faux finishes, wood graining, marbling, ageing, weathering, distressing and texture effects.
• Prepare surfaces through sanding, filling, priming, masking and sealing to achieve professional finishing standards.
• Work with a range of materials, including MDF, timber, resin, fibreglass, foam, metal and 3D-printed components.
• Select and apply appropriate paints, coatings, pigments, stains, lacquers and protective finishes.
• Interpret technical drawings, colour references, mood boards, material samples and design specifications.
• Use spray guns, airbrushes, brushes and other specialist finishing equipment to achieve precise and consistent results.
• Collaborate with designers, sculptors, fabricators and production teams to ensure visual accuracy and project consistency.
• Maintain quality control, meet production deadlines and ensure compliance with workshop health and safety procedures.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in model painting, scenic artistry, prop finishing or specialist decorative painting.
• Strong knowledge of paint systems, surface preparation, coating applications and colour matching.
• Experience creating realistic textures, intricate detailing and high-quality scenic finishes.
• Proficiency in brushwork, airbrushing, spray painting and specialist finishing techniques.
• Good understanding of different substrates, material compatibility and finishing processes.
• Ability to interpret creative briefs and technical specifications and work independently within a production environment.
• Excellent attention to detail, colour perception and craftsmanship.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within themed entertainment, theme parks, film, television, theatre, exhibitions or experiential environments.
• Familiarity with large-scale scenic fabrication and bespoke model-making projects.
• Knowledge of specialist scenic materials, industrial coatings and advanced finishing techniques.

Working Environment

This is a workshop-based position in Birmingham, working closely with multidisciplinary creative and technical teams to deliver high-quality scenic elements and bespoke fabrication projects