3D Modeling Artist | Rodeo FX, canada

Rodeo FX, an Oscar®-winning creative powerhouse and a recurring recipient of the “Montreal’s Top Employers” award, is seeking two elite Senior 3D Modeling Artists to join our 3D Assets department. This is a high-impact, temporary contract focused on the creation of photorealistic CG doubles for some of the most anticipated projects in the film and television industry.

As a Senior Artist at Rodeo FX, you will join a legacy of excellence that includes recent Emmy® nominations for Stranger Things and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, as well as a 2023 VES award for Love, Death and Robots. We are looking for masters of anatomy and topology who can translate complex concepts, photo references, and scan data into seamless, production-ready digital humans and creatures.

Job Overview: 3D Modeling Artist

Compensation and Benefits Structure

Rodeo FX provides competitive compensation packages that reflect Montreal’s status as a global VFX hub and the high level of expertise required for senior-level organic modeling and digital double work.

Salary Table (Estimated Market Rates)

The Rodeo FX Advantage

• Elite Partnerships: Collaborate with the industry’s greatest storytellers, including Marvel, Disney, HBO, and Netflix.

• High-Profile Slate: Contribute to massive productions such as Blue Beetle, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, and Rebel Moon.

• Award-Winning Culture: Work within a studio celebrated for its creative environment and recognized as the 2022 Mercuriades “Employer of the Year.”

• Advanced Pipeline: Gain exposure to a robust, world-class pipeline involving AI integration, procedural modeling, and high-end photogrammetry.

Detailed Job Responsibilities

The Senior Organic Modeling Artist is responsible for the technical and aesthetic foundation of a character’s performance. Your work directly impacts the success of the Rigging, Animation, and LookDev departments.

1. Mastery of Organic Craft

You will be tasked with modeling complex 3D assets—specifically photorealistic digital doubles—based on concept art, high-resolution photo references, or raw scan data. This requires an expert-level understanding of human and animal anatomy, including skeletal structure, muscle flow, and skin tension.

2. Technical Excellence and Topology

A “pretty” model is only useful if it functions. You will:

• Build clean, optimized topologies that allow for extreme deformation during animation.

• Ensure all models comply with strict production standards and internal nomenclature.

• Correct artifacts and maintain perfectly laid-out UVs to facilitate high-end texturing and shading.

3. Creative Interpretation

Even when references are partial or absent, you must have the artistic intuition to accurately reproduce volumes and proportions. Whether the project calls for grit-filled realism or a highly stylized aesthetic, you must pivot your technique to match the project’s visual language.

4. Collaborative Workflow & Communication

In a studio of nearly 900 artists, communication is vital. You will:

• Actively participate in dailies, translating artistic feedback into technical execution.

• Document non-standard technical decisions to ensure work traceability for the departments that follow.

• Coordinate with the Rigging and Creature FX teams to ensure the mesh meets their specific requirements for simulation and movement.

5. Mentorship and Evolution

Senior artists are expected to lead by example. You will share your unique techniques and workflows during informal internal sessions and stay at the forefront of the industry by exploring emerging tools like Marvelous Designer, Wrap, and AI-assisted modeling methodologies.

Candidate Qualifications

Rodeo FX is looking for seasoned professionals with a meticulous eye for detail and a rigorous approach to their work.

• Professional Experience: A minimum of 6 years of modeling experience specifically within a high-end VFX environment.

• Core Software Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Autodesk Maya and ZBrush.

• Anatomical Expertise: A profound understanding of volumes, proportions, and organic details.

• Pipeline Integration: A solid understanding of how a model travels through the pipeline, from initial scan to final render.

• Professional Rigor: The ability to manage tight deadlines independently while maintaining a positive, collaborative attitude.

Technical Assets:

• Familiarity with Houdini or procedural modeling workflows.

• Experience with Wrap, Mush, or Marvelous Designer for clothing and skin work.

• Knowledge of photogrammetry and scan-cleanup processes.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

At Rodeo FX, we believe that diversity is the heartbeat of creativity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where unique perspectives are valued. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background, as we believe a diverse team leads to more innovative storytelling and superior visual work.

AI Transparency & Privacy

Rodeo FX utilizes modern, AI-supported tools to assist in the recruitment process, including application analysis and interview transcription. These tools are used solely to enhance the efficiency of our human recruitment team; all final hiring decisions are made by our experienced managers. Your personal data is protected in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Quebec’s data protection regulations.

How to Apply

If you are a Montreal-based artist ready to push the boundaries of digital human creation, we want to see your work.

1. Portfolio/Reel: Please provide a portfolio showcasing high-end organic modeling, specifically focusing on topology and digital doubles.

2. Location Check: Confirm you are based in Montreal and meet the legal requirements to work in Canada.

3. Submission: Apply through the official Rodeo FX Careers portal for the Senior Organic Modeling Artist position.