3D Character Modelling Artist

Knack Studios; Chennai; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Knack Studios in Chennai is seeking a Senior 3D Character Modelling Artist to join our production asset team. This role focuses on building high-quality character models for VFX and animation pipelines, from blocking to final sculpt and topology, delivering clean, animation-ready assets with strong anatomical accuracy.

Collaborate with rigging, lookdev, and groom departments to ensure model compatibility and technical readiness.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in VFX, animation, or gaming.
• Proficiency in Maya and ZBrush for character modeling and sculpting.
• Strong understanding of anatomy, proportions, and form.
• Advanced topology knowledge for deformation-ready modeling.
• Skilled in UDIM-based UV layout with minimal distortion.
• Familiarity with OBJ/FBX formats and pipeline integration.
• Ability to interpret concept art and references.

Responsibilities

• Sculpt realistic and stylized 3D characters using ZBrush and Maya with proper anatomy.
• Create clean topology suitable for deformation and rigging.
• Perform UV mapping and UDIM unwrapping (texturing handled by others).
• Prepare models with correct scale, orientation, and naming per standards.
• Collaborate with rigging, lookdev, and groom teams for compatibility.
• Revise models based on feedback to meet production requirements.
• Ensure assets are delivered on time meeting technical and artistic standards.

Skills

Maya

ZBrush

Character modelling

Anatomy & form

Topology

UDIM workflows

Deformation-ready modelling

Maya/ZBrush proficiency

Education

Diploma or Degree in VFX/Animation/Game Art

Portfolio/showreel required

Tools

OBJ

FBX

Job description

About Knack Studios

Knack Studios is a full-service post-production facility focused on rendering your dreams into cinematic experiences. Spearheaded by filmmakers, Knack Studios is powered by advanced equipment and technologies, some available for the first time in South India, making us a preferred post-production studio.

In a short span of 9 years, Knack Studios has successfully delivered over 850 projects across Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada.

Headquartered in Chennai, Knack Studios operates from a state-of-the-art, secure 20,000 sq. ft. facility spread across two locations, along with a 6,000 sq. ft. facility in Hyderabad. We offer specialized services in Sound, Color Grading, and Visual Effects, enabling clients to bring their artistic vision to life.

Position

3D Character Modelling Artist

Location: Chennai (On-Site)

Experience: 5+ Years

Employment Type: Full-Time

Role Overview

We are seeking a Senior 3D Character Modelling Artist to join our production asset team. This role is focused solely on building high-quality character models for VFX and animation pipelines. From blocking to final sculpt and topology, the artist will be responsible for delivering clean, animation-ready models with strong form and anatomical accuracy.

Key Responsibilities

• Sculpt realistic and stylized 3D characters using ZBrush and Maya with correct anatomical proportions.
• Create clean, efficient topology suitable for deformation and rigging.
• Perform precise UV mapping and unwrapping using UDIM workflows (texturing will be handled by another department).
• Prepare models with correct scale, orientation, and naming conventions according to pipeline standards.
• Collaborate with rigging, lookdev, and groom departments to ensure model compatibility and technical readiness.
• Revise and refine character models based on feedback from leads, supervisors, and production requirements.
• Ensure all model assets are delivered on time and meet both technical and artistic standards.

Required Skills

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in VFX, animation, or gaming.
• Proficiency in Maya and ZBrush for character modeling and sculpting.
• Strong understanding of human and creature anatomy, proportions, and form.
• Advanced knowledge of topology flow, edge loops, and deformation-ready modeling.
• Skilled in UV layout using UDIMs, ensuring minimal distortion and logical UV distribution.
• Familiarity with production asset delivery formats (OBJ, FBX) and integration into pipeline workflows.
• Ability to interpret concept art and reference materials accurately.

Bonus Skills (Preferred)

• Experience with scan cleanup or Lidar-based model detailing.
• Basic knowledge of blendshapes or facial modeling workflows.
• Understanding of grooming, cloth simulation, or how modeling choices affect downstream departments.
• Exposure to USD-based workflows or version-controlled pipelines.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in VFX, Animation, Game Art, or a related field.
• A strong portfolio or showreel demonstrating character modeling skills is mandatory.