Associate Art Director, 3D / CGI

Equator Design • Toronto, ON

3d • CA$85,000 - CA$95,000

About The Position

Marks is a global brand design and experience agency, part of the Propelis Group. The Content Solutions team is the CGI and content engine of the agency, creating photorealistic 3D product and packaging imagery for major CPG brands. This role involves turning physical products into digital renders and building assets for various platforms. The team is a multidisciplinary group of makers and problem-solvers who combine technical skill with creative judgment.

This position requires a collaborative individual with a creative aptitude, developing design abilities, strong communication skills, passion, and self-motivation. Working under an Art Director, you will help create high-caliber, photorealistic CGI product and packaging work, informed by strategy and brand narrative. As an Associate 3D / CGI Art Director, you will contribute to big ideas and execute them across different touchpoints, supporting the team in presenting and selling work internally and to clients. You will have a developing design eye and growing hands-on CGI skills, with conceptual thinking that addresses client needs and business goals. You are eager to move from supporting ideas to crafting high-impact photoreal renders and keen to learn across channels like social, digital, retail programs, in-store communications, ecommerce, and packaging. You will help maintain the company's high creative standard within the industry. You will collaborate with global teams across various clients and categories.

Requirements

• A minimum of 3+ years’ experience in CGI as an artist.
• A portfolio showcasing photorealistic product and packaging renders and a developing understanding of campaign work across print, digital, social content and motion.
• Working fluency in content creation software with a focus on CGI – DCCs such as Houdini, Maya & C4D, rendering in V-Ray, Redshift and/or Karma.
• Working knowledge of the Adobe and Substance suites.
• Knowledge of and interest in emerging technologies, including AI-assisted workflows.
• Is a hands-on CGI creative who loves to roll up their sleeves and get things done, working toward a photoreal standard.
• Has a solid working understanding of the CGI process – modelling, texturing, look-dev, lighting, rendering, compositing and retouching – and a hunger to deepen it.
• Has experience contributing to CGI production as part of a team.
• Has a foundational knowledge of technical and traditional art process within CGI production pipelines.
• Is comfortable working under performance constraints and open to feedback and direction.
• Has a keen eye for detail and the ability to produce quality visuals to tight deadlines.
• Demonstrates developing decision-making and strong communication skills, and is eager to learn from other team members.
• Can work both as part of a team and, increasingly, with autonomy in a fast-paced environment.
• Is innately curious, with an instinct for popular culture and the ways photoreal CGI is evolving.

Nice To Haves

• Degree or diploma in CGI / Advertising & Marketing, or related field is preferred, but not required.
• 1+ years of experience in CPG-focused content production is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Craft photorealistic 3D CGI product and packaging renders for global CPG brands, under the direction of a Creative Director.
• Support the development of assigned work from inception to final delivery, helping maintain a unified artistic direction and high creative standard.
• Contribute across the CGI production process – modelling, texturing, lighting, look-dev, rendering, compositing and retouching – with growing ownership of your tasks.
• Collaborate with Art Directors, Designers, Retouchers and CGI artists to keep projects on time while helping ensure a high level of quality.
• Help track production tasks with a keen eye towards deadlines and resourcing on your projects.
• Communicate the status of your work, prioritized goals and updated timelines to the Creative Director and project teams regularly.
• Help prepare files and assets for internal quality control ahead of client delivery.
• Develop supporting campaign visuals that bring the team’s ideas to life.
• Actively participate in brainstorming sessions and internal reviews.
• Keep up to date with the latest trends and innovations – exploring ways to leverage AI and emerging tools to advance our work.

Benefits

• We offer equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, age, disability or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
• We strive to make our employment website and application process accessible to all users and applicants.
• In doing so, we provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.
• If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation or assistance completing the application process, please contact a member of our Human Resource Team.
• We remain committed to ensuring equal opportunity in all aspects of employment, including recruitment.
• We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, particularly those who may contribute to the further diversification of our organization.
• If you require any form of accommodation during the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to let us know.
• Together, we strive to foster an environment where everyone can thrive and be their authentic selves.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed