Freelance FX Artist

Rodeo FX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The FX Artist designs and creates complex visual simulations such as fire, smoke, fluids, destructions, and abstract effects, while adhering to Rodeo FX’s artistic and technical standards. This role is integrated into the 3D pipeline, requiring close collaboration with FX and CG supervision teams, as well as other departments, to deliver photorealistic, dynamic, and technically sound shots. The artist's creativity, precision, and mastery of procedural tools are essential for effectively translating the project's visual intentions. Rodeo FX is a high-end creative company specializing in visual effects, advertising, animation, and experiential services, recognized as a top employer and nominated for multiple Emmy® Awards.

Requirements

Previous experience in FX in a VFX studio (10 years minimum recommended).
Excellent command of Houdini (Pyro, Flip, RBD, Vellum, SOPs).
Basic knowledge of compositing (Nuke) and rendering (Arnold and Karma).
Knowledge of USD and Solaris.
Good sense of movement, physics and visual rhythm.
Rigor, autonomy, attention to detail, team spirit.

Nice To Haves

knowledge of Flow Production Tracking
experience in developing Houdini tools
Python or VEX scripts

Responsibilities

Produce complex simulations (smoke, fire, explosions, liquids, destruction, magical or abstract effects) while respecting artistic and technical guidelines.
Use Houdini effectively (Pyro, Flip, RBD, Vellum, SOPs) to generate optimized and adaptable effects.
Maintain a high level of autonomy in the management of assigned FX tasks, from initial setup to final rendering.
Ensure rigorous quality control of its files, caches and workfiles before any submission.
Propose simple, effective artistic solutions aligned with the vision of the project.
Actively participate in dailies and integrate feedback constructively.
Adapt the effects to the narrative needs, visual style and pace of the scene.
Improve shooting by adding creative value to simulations.
Ensure cache optimization, setup stability and compliance with internal technical conventions.
Quickly identify technical problems and provide functional solutions.
Collaborate with the Pipeline team to integrate or test new tools as needed by the project.
Check the compatibility of effects with other departments (layout, lighting, comp).
Provide realistic estimates, communicate quickly if there are difficulties or risks of delay, and collaborate with production to adjust priorities if necessary.
Maintain a fluid and respectful exchange with production, leads and artists from other disciplines.
Communicate clearly about issues, deadlines, needs or technical limitations.
Actively participate in turnovers, briefings or progress monitoring with the project team.
Stay up to date with the latest practices, techniques and references in visual effects.
Share your knowledge, tools or techniques with your colleagues.
Participate in documenting or improving the working methods of the FX department.
Welcome feedback with openness with a view to continuous progress.