Lighting and Lookdev Artist

WPP Company; Chennai; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

WPP Production is seeking a seasoned Lighting & Look Development Artist to create photoreal CGI visuals for automotive and product campaigns. You’ll lead lighting, shading, and rendering pipelines using Houdini, V-Ray, and related tools, collaborating with CG Supervisors and Producers to deliver premium work.

The role demands strong technical knowledge in lighting theory, materials, and real-time adaptation, with a proactive, client-focused mindset and ability to manage multiple projects under

Qualifications

• Strong professional experience in CGI lighting, look development, shading, and rendering.
• Proven experience in automotive and/or product visualisation.
• Proficiency in Houdini, Maya, and/or 3ds Max.
• Strong working knowledge of V-Ray rendering (required).
• Excellent understanding of lighting, colour theory, composition, materials, and photorealism.
• Experience with automotive materials and reflective surfaces.
• Working knowledge of Nuke and Photoshop.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively under pressure.
• A proactive, detail-oriented, and client-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality, photorealistic lighting and look development for automotive and product projects.
• Develop realistic shaders, materials, textures, and lighting setups.
• Handle lighting and rendering workflows from setup to final delivery.
• Demonstrate expertise in automotive lighting, including car paint, glass, chrome, reflections, and studio environments.
• Work with Houdini for procedural workflows, simulations, and product animation where required.
• Collaborate with creative and technical teams to achieve project objectives.
• Optimise scenes and render settings for quality and performance.
• Troubleshoot technical and creative challenges.
• Manage multiple projects and deliverables while meeting tight deadlines.
• Maintain visual consistency and contribute to workflow improvements.
• Support and guide fellow artists through knowledge sharing and best practices.

Skills

Lighting

Look development

Shading

Rendering

Automotive visualisation

Materials & textures

Education

Degree or diploma in Animation, VFX, Computer Graphics

Tools

Houdini

Maya

3ds Max

V-Ray

Nuke

Photoshop

Job description

About WPP Production

We are WPP Production - the unified global production company that brings together all of WPP's content producers, studios and craft experts into one connected organisation. We combine world-class human craft with next generation technology to originate, design, and deliver multi-channel content systems at scale. Built for borderless collaboration and powered by deep craft expertise, we are the production engine designed for today's always on, AI driven marketing world.

About WPP

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com .

What Does a VFX Lighting & Look Development Artist Do at WPP Production?

At WPP Production, the Lighting & Look Development Artist is responsible for creating high-end, photorealistic CGI visuals for automotive and product advertising. The role requires strong expertise in lighting, shading, materials, look development, and rendering, combined with technical knowledge of Houdini and other 3D applications.

The artist will work closely with CG Supervisors, Art Directors, and Producers to deliver visually compelling work while maintaining high standards of quality, realism, and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Create high-quality, photorealistic lighting and look development for automotive and product projects.
• Develop realistic shaders, materials, textures, and lighting setups.
• Handle lighting and rendering workflows from setup to final delivery.
• Demonstrate expertise in automotive lighting, including car paint, glass, chrome, reflections, and studio environments.
• Work with Houdini for procedural workflows, simulations, and product animation where required.
• Collaborate with creative and technical teams to achieve project objectives.
• Optimise scenes and render settings for quality and performance.
• Troubleshoot technical and creative challenges.
• Manage multiple projects and deliverables while meeting tight deadlines.
• Maintain visual consistency and contribute to workflow improvements.
• Support and guide fellow artists through knowledge sharing and best practices.

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong professional experience in CGI lighting, look development, shading, and rendering.
• Proven experience in automotive and/or product visualisation.
• Proficiency in Houdini, Maya, and/or 3ds Max.
• Strong working knowledge of V-Ray rendering (required).
• Excellent understanding of lighting, colour theory, composition, materials, and photorealism.
• Experience with automotive materials and reflective surfaces.
• Working knowledge of Nuke and Photoshop.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively under pressure.
• A proactive, detail-oriented, and client-focused approach.

Nice to Have

• Experience with Unreal Engine and real-time rendering.
• Knowledge of Python and/or VEX scripting.
• Houdini simulation experience (RBD, Vellum, FLIP, Pyro, particles).
• Product animation and mechanical animation experience.
• Familiarity with Cinema 4D and other DCC applications.
• Previous experience mentoring artists or leading a team.
• Degree or diploma in Animation, VFX, Computer Graphics, or a related field.

#LI-NH1

Why work here:
At WPP Production, you’ll help shape the future of content production at a truly global scale. We bring together world-class talent, cutting-edge studios, and advanced technology to solve some of the most complex creative and production challenges in the industry. You’ll work in a collaborative, borderless environment where craft excellence is valued, innovation is encouraged, and AI and next-generation tools are used to amplify not replace human creativity. With access to diverse projects, global career opportunities, and the backing of WPP’s unmatched network, this is a place where you can grow your skills, make real impact, and create work that performs for every audience, across every channel, at every moment.

Inclusion and Impact
WPP is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

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