Freelance Senior FX Artist

Rodeo FX•Dennis, MA

About The Position

We’re currently looking for artists who can join us within the next few weeks and bring strong expertise in high-end photorealistic effects. The contract is expected to run through the end of March 2027. For this specific project, we’re primarily considering candidates based in North America or Europe. The FX Artist designs and creates complex visual simulations such as fire, smoke, fluids, destructions, and abstract effects, while respecting Rodeo FX’s artistic and technical standards. Integrated at the heart of the 3D pipeline, they collaborate closely with the FX and CG supervision teams, as well as with other departments, to deliver photorealistic, dynamic, and technically solid shots. Their creativity, precision, and mastery of procedural tools allow them to effectively translate the project's visual intentions.

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.