Senior 3D Animator & Visual Effects Artist

Placements24; Randfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 670,000 - 1,339,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Competitive contract rate

Professional development resources

Collaborate with international team

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior 3D Animator and Visual Effects Artist to push the boundaries of storytelling from Rustenburg. You will create high‑fidelity 3D animations and VFX for film, advertising, and interactive media, collaborating with directors and artists on a distributed team.

The role demands strong software fluency (Maya, Blender, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, Houdini, After Effects, Nuke) and scripting (Python).

Qualifications

• A minimum of 6 years of professional experience as a 3D Animator and VFX Artist.
• Proficiency in industry-standard 3D software and related rendering engines.
• Experience with scripting (e.g., Python) for automation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality 3D animations, character rigs, and environmental assets for various media projects.
• Develop and implement visual effects (VFX) such as particle systems, simulations, compositing, and motion graphics.
• Collaborate with directors, art directors, and other artists to translate briefs into visual content.
• Model, texture, and light 3D scenes and characters to achieve desired aesthetics.
• Optimize 3D assets and scenes for efficient rendering and performance.
• Work with render engines and compositing software to achieve target visuals.
• Maintain consistency in style, quality, and project specs throughout production.

Skills

3D animation

VFX artistry

Python scripting

Cinematography & lighting

Communication

Education

Animation degree or related field

Tools

Autodesk Maya

Blender

3ds Max

Cinema 4D

V-Ray

Arnold

Octane

Houdini

After Effects

Nuke

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering digital media production house, is seeking a highly skilled and creative Senior 3D Animator and Visual Effects Artist to join their innovative team. This role is based in Rustenburg, North West, and will involve pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling through state-of-the-art animation and VFX. You will be instrumental in bringing conceptual ideas to life, creating captivating visual experiences for a range of projects including film, advertising, and interactive media. The ideal candidate will possess a strong artistic sensibility, a deep technical understanding of 3D software, and a passion for visual effects. Working remotely from Rustenburg, you will collaborate with a distributed team of artists and directors, contributing to high-profile projects that set new industry standards. This position offers the chance to work on diverse and challenging projects, further establishing your reputation as a leader in the field of digital art in Rustenburg and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Create high-quality 3D animations, character rigs, and environmental assets for various media projects.
• Develop and implement visual effects (VFX) such as particle systems, simulations, compositing, and motion graphics.
• Collaborate with directors, art directors, and other artists to translate creative briefs into stunning visual content.
• Model, texture, and light 3D scenes and characters to achieve a realistic or stylized aesthetic as required.
• Optimize 3D assets and scenes for efficient rendering and performance.
• Work with different render engines and compositing software to achieve desired visual outcomes.
• Ensure consistency in style, quality, and adherence to project specifications throughout the production pipeline.
• Participate in creative reviews, providing and receiving constructive feedback to enhance artistic output.
• Stay updated with the latest industry trends, software advancements, and techniques in 3D animation and VFX.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to animation and VFX production.

Requirements

• A minimum of 6 years of professional experience as a 3D Animator and VFX Artist, with a strong portfolio showcasing advanced skills.
• Proficiency in industry-standard 3D software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, and related rendering engines (e.g., V-Ray, Arnold, Octane).
• Expertise in VFX software and techniques, including Houdini, After Effects, Nuke, and particle/simulation systems.
• Strong understanding of animation principles, cinematography, lighting, texturing, and composition.
• Excellent artistic eye for detail, color theory, and form.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative remote team.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate creative ideas and technical solutions.
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python) for automation and tool development is a plus.
• A degree or equivalent professional qualification in Animation, Digital Art, Computer Graphics, or a related field is preferred.
• Familiarity with project management tools and agile methodologies.

Benefits

• Highly competitive contract rate, commensurate with experience and skill level.
• Opportunity to work remotely, offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Involvement in cutting-edge projects for leading clients.
• Access to professional development resources and training.
• Collaborate with a talented and international team of artists.
• Gain exposure to diverse creative challenges and expand your portfolio.
• Potential for long-term engagement based on project needs and performance.
• Contribute to impactful visual narratives from your base in Rustenburg.