CGI Artist

TOPPAN Packaging Americas • Cincinnati, OH

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Artist CGI is responsible for producing CGI assets (static and animated) to customer specification. This role involves performing pre-flight checks on received artwork and CGI deliverables, converting artwork files into CGI textures with a focus on accurate digital colour matching, and building complex static and animated CGI product packaging masters. The artist will create accurate hard and organic surface models, material textures for photorealistic representations, and photorealistic lighting within the CGI software. Retouching of images may also be required. The role also includes using a 3D scanner for detailed scans and providing guidance to less experienced team members. Additionally, the CGI Artist will represent the CGI production team in project planning, interact with the CGI Production Lead, and seek ways to optimize processes for improved quality and delivery. Client interaction includes delivering demonstrations and participating in meetings.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of CGI modelling workflow and geometry.
• Strong understanding of creating photo realistic materials (bump maps, displacement maps & normal maps).
• Strong understanding of UV Mapping.
• Strong working knowledge of industry-standard CGI software including 3DS Max, Modo, VRay.
• Strong working knowledge of industry-standard artwork production software including Illustrator & Photoshop.
• Experience with post-production software such as After Effects, Nuke & Real Flow.
• Experience in delivering rendered assets utilizing CGI software only (no post production).
• Excellent creativity skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent understanding of composition, photo realism, colour, texture and lighting.
• A good understanding of photography.
• Communication skills particularly listening, verbal and written.
• Ability to build relationships at all levels.
• Team working skills.
• Ability to plan, prioritise and organise.
• Time Management skills to respond to a dynamic work environment.
• Coaching skills.
• Proactive problem solving.
• Decision making skills.
• Higher Education Qualification in CGI Discipline (e.g BA Games Design)

Responsibilities

• Performs pre-flight checks on received artwork and CGI deliverables.
• Converts artwork files into CGI textures with a focus on accurate digital colour matching within accepted tolerance.
• Builds complex static CGI product packaging masters across all structural types at an advanced level.
• Creates accurate hard and organic surface models utilizing a range of references (Physical Samples/CAD Data/3D Scan Data).
• Creates material textures to achieve photorealistic representations of substrates in CGI.
• Creates photorealistic lighting within the CGI software to enhance the look and feel of a CGI asset (highlights & shadows).
• Retouches images when client approval/costs are agreed.
• Builds complex moving/animated CGI assets at an advanced level.
• Uses the 3D Scanner to produce highly detailed scans for modelling/retopology.
• Guides, advises and mentors less experienced members of the team.
• Advocates CGI standard working practices across the team.
• Identifies and discusses issues with relevant team members.
• Represents the CGI production team in the planning of projects.
• Interacts with the CGI Production Lead to escalate issues.
• Seeks ways to optimize process to improve quality and delivery.
• Promotes best practice and continuous improvement within the team.
• Leads and supports with production initiatives.
• Participates in root cause and corrective action investigations.
• Delivers customer demonstrations.
• Participates in client meetings.
• Interacts across teams with multiple disciplines at all levels, collaborating on projects, making recommendations to influence change, giving guidance using their knowledge and expertise.
• External client interaction in support of our Client Service team.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services
• Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family
• Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior