Website Black Kite
Job OVerview
Job Overview Table: The Black Kite Adventure
| Feature | Details |
| Company Name | Black Kite Studios London |
| Position Title | FX Artist (Mid/Senior) |
| Location | London, United Kingdom |
| Work Model | Hybrid (On-site & Remote flexibility) |
| Department | CG |
| Core Software | Houdini, Arnold, Mantra, Nuke |
| Salary Range (Est.) | £45,000 – £85,000 (Based on seniority and portfolio) |
| Project Types | High-end Advertising, Stylized Design, Episodic VFX |
Black Kite Studios London is an independent, talent-first creative studio that stands at the intersection of world-class visual effects and cutting-edge design. We aren’t just another VFX house; we are a technology-inspired community of artists, creators, designers, and technologists who have united to redefine how artistic visual content is made. At Black Kite, our mission is to deliver exceptional work while maintaining a sustainable, people-centric culture that inspires every member of our “Kite” family to achieve the extraordinary.
We are currently looking for a talented FX Artist (Mid or Senior Level) to join our CG department. This is a hybrid role based out of our vibrant London studio, designed for an artist who wants to push the boundaries of simulation and proceduralism in a collaborative, ego-free environment.
Why Choose Black Kite Studios London?
At Black Kite, we believe that creativity is the ultimate differentiator. It sits at the very heart of everything we do and is the primary reason why Black Kite was born. We aren’t interested in maintaining the status quo; we are here to try new things and break some rules.
Our People-First Ethos
Our ethos is to build a creative community that has our people and our culture at its core. We believe in a sustainable studio model where people can develop, succeed, and—most importantly—look after one another. We don’t just pay lip service to these values; we live them every day. When you join Black Kite Studios London, you are entering a community that insists on living and working well.
Career Development & Progression
We are committed to your ongoing professional journey. At Black Kite, you are never on your own. We work closely with every artist to establish a Personal Progression Plan, ensuring that your path from Mid to Senior (or beyond) is supported by mentorship and opportunity. Once a Kite, always a Kite—we want you to grow with us and help us create a sustainable future for the entire family.
The Role: FX Artist (Mid/Senior)
As an FX Artist at Black Kite, your work will be incredibly diverse. One day you might be simulating a photo-real fluid splash for a global luxury brand, and the next, you could be designing procedurally driven, stylized motion for a cutting-edge design project.
Core Responsibilities:
Complex Simulations: You will create high-quality, realistic phenomena including smoke, fire, fluids, clouds, and explosions. You will also be responsible for rigid-body, cloth, fur, and crowd simulations.
Stylized Design: Beyond realism, you will have the opportunity to work on design-led projects, using your Houdini expertise to create stunning, unique imagery through procedural techniques.
Tool & Pipeline Support: You won’t just use tools; you will help create and support FX setups that enhance the entire studio’s workflow.
Scene Troubleshooting: You will take ownership of your shots, troubleshooting renders and pipeline issues to ensure a smooth delivery.
Collaborative Lighting: You will handle the lighting and rendering of your FX work using Arnold or Mantra to ensure they integrate perfectly into the final composite.
Creative Innovation: We want you to inspire a culture of innovation. At Black Kite, we back ourselves to be the best, and that starts with your creative input.
What Makes You a Match?
We are looking for an artist who combines technical mastery with a critical artistic eye. Whether you are Mid-level or a seasoned Senior, you should be a problem-solver who thrives in a collaborative team setting.
Technical Skills Required:
Houdini Expertise: An excellent, deep-rooted knowledge of Houdini is essential. You should be comfortable navigating the complexities of SOPs, DOPs, and VOPs.
Rendering Knowledge: Strong experience with Arnold and Mantra. You should understand how to optimize your renders for the best visual quality within production timelines.
Nuke Familiarity: Good working knowledge of Nuke for creating pre-comps. You need to understand how your FX will be handled in the final 2D process.
Advertising Background: Experience in high-end advertising is a major plus. At Black Kite Studios London, our projects move fast and require a high level of visual polish.
Generalist Mindset: We love artists who aren’t afraid to use their wider TD and generalist skills (modeling, look-dev, etc.) to help a project reach the finish line.
Personal Qualities:
Excellent Communication: You can articulate your creative process and technical solutions clearly to both artists and producers.
Ambition: You are excited about the future of VFX and want to play an active role in building a world-class studio.
Team Player: You believe in the power of teamwork and togetherness to achieve the extraordinary.
Critical Eye: You have a keen eye for quality control, visual style, and photographic realism.
Sustainability and Environmental Commitment
At Black Kite, we believe that taking care of the environment is as important as taking care of our pixels. We are people who insist on living and working well, and we are constantly looking for ways to make our studio model more sustainable. This includes being mindful of our energy consumption, reducing waste, and fostering a workspace that encourages a healthy work-life balance.
Life at Black Kite: London & Beyond
Our London studio is more than just a place to work; it is a space for the community. While we offer a hybrid working model, we are proud of our physical space and the collaborative energy it generates.
Diversity and Equal Opportunity
Black Kite Studios London is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in all aspects of recruitment and employment. We believe that a diverse collective is a stronger collective. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, gender identity, or disability. If you require any specific adjustments during the application process, our team is here to support you.
Industry Insights: FX in 2026
The world of Visual Effects is evolving rapidly. In 2026, the demand for “design-driven FX” has skyrocketed, particularly in the London advertising market. Clients are no longer just looking for realism; they want unique, procedural visual languages that help their brands stand out in a crowded digital space.
At Black Kite, we are at the forefront of this shift. By combining traditional VFX simulations with procedurally generated design, we offer our artists a chance to work on projects that are as artistically fulfilling as they are technically challenging. Our “talent-first” approach means that your specific skills and interests will help shape the projects we take on.
How to Apply for Black Kite
If the Black Kite adventure sounds like the right next step for you, we want to see your work.
Application Checklist:
Portfolio/Showreel: Please provide a link to your current reel. We are looking for a balance of realistic simulation and creative design work.
Breakdown: Include a shot-by-shot breakdown of your reel, specifically detailing your role and the software/techniques used.
Resume: A professional CV highlighting your experience in CG and FX departments.
Black Kite Studios London is a place where creativity sits at the heart of everything. We are excited about the future, and we hope you are too.
To apply for this job please visit joinus.blackkitestudios.com.