Intermediate Lighting / Compositing Artist at ICON Creative Studio

Job Overview

• Company: ICON Creative Studio
• Job Title: Intermediate Lighting / Compositing Artist
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Gastown)
• Work Model: 100% On-Site
• Seniority Level: Intermediate / Mid-Level
• Required Experience: Previous experience in Animated TV Series or Feature Films
• Salary Range: $60,000 – $85,000 annually
• Reporting Structure: Lighting Supervisor / Art Director
• Department: Lighting & Compositing
• Industry: CG Animation & Entertainment

Executive Summary

ICON Creative Studio, Canada’s largest independently owned animation powerhouse, is currently seeking a technically proficient and artistically driven Intermediate Lighting / Compositing Artist. Based in our state-of-the-art facility in Vancouver’s historic Gastown district, this role is a pivotal junction between raw CG assets and the final, cinematic frames seen by millions worldwide.

We are looking for an artist who has moved beyond the fundamentals and possesses a sophisticated understanding of light behavior, color theory, and digital compositing. At ICON, you will not just be “filling shots”; you will be crafting the atmosphere and emotional resonance for high-profile episodic franchises and feature content. This is an on-site opportunity designed for a professional who thrives in a collaborative, high-energy studio environment and is looking to solidify their career with an industry leader.

Company Overview: The ICON Philosophy

Located in the creative heart of Vancouver, ICON Creative Studio has established itself as a premier destination for top-tier animation talent. As an independently owned entity, we maintain the agility to innovate while possessing the infrastructure to handle the world’s most demanding CG franchises.

Our studio is a full-service ecosystem, encompassing design, storyboarding, modeling, rigging, animation, and technical finaling. We have built our reputation on three pillars: Quality, Efficiency, and Timely Delivery. By partnering with global giants—including Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Amazon, Peacock, and Paramount+—we have become a primary engine for the modern “Golden Age” of animation.

Why ICON Stands Out:

• Holistic Innovation: We leverage individual artistic skill sets to maximize floor efficiency without ever compromising the quality of the on-screen image.

• Global Diversity: Our halls are filled with artists from every corner of the globe, creating a rich, multicultural environment that fuels creative problem-solving.

• Long-Term Investment: We don’t just hire for projects; we hire for careers. We actively support our artists in their growth, providing clear pathways for promotion and increased responsibility.

Role Overview

The Intermediate Lighting / Compositing Artist at ICON is an integral architect of the final image. You are responsible for taking 3D elements and, through the sophisticated application of light and post-processing, transforming them into a cohesive, visually stunning narrative experience.

In this intermediate capacity, you are expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy while remaining deeply integrated with the Art, Animation, and FX departments. You will handle the complexity of developing “set light rigs”—the master setups that define the look of an entire environment—while ensuring that character performances are highlighted and integrated seamlessly. This role requires a “dual-threat” skill set: the technical logic to optimize renders in Arnold and the artistic sensitivity to fine-tune final images in Nuke.

Key Responsibilities

Lighting Development & Implementation

• Design and implement captivating lighting setups that translate the Art Director’s vision into the 3D space.

• Develop “master rigs” for sequences or environments to ensure visual continuity across multiple shots and episodes.

• Ensure that lighting enhances the narrative arc, directing the viewer’s eye to the key emotional and action-oriented focal points.

Compositing & Finaling

• Use Nuke to composite 3D render passes (beauty, shadow, occlusion, etc.) into a seamless final frame.

• Apply post-processing effects, including depth of field, motion blur, color grading, and atmospheric effects (fog, glow, bloom) to achieve the project’s specific aesthetic.

• Troubleshoot technical issues within the render layers, such as noise, flickering, or artifacting, to maintain a premium standard of quality.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Work in lockstep with the FX team to ensure elements like fire, water, or magical effects interact realistically with the scene lighting.

• Coordinate with the Animation department to ensure that character silhouettes remain readable and expressive under various lighting conditions.

• Interface with the Technical Finaling team to ensure that assets are optimized for the render farm.

Required & Preferred Qualifications

Academic & Professional Experience

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Animation, Film, Fine Arts, or a strictly related creative field.

• Production History: Demonstrated experience working on an Animated TV Series or Feature film. Candidates must understand the “episodic grind” and the requirements of high-volume CG production.

Technical Proficiencies

• Maya: Expert-level navigation and lighting workflow within Autodesk Maya.

• Arnold: Deep knowledge of the Arnold renderer, including AOVs, shaders, and render optimization techniques.

• Nuke: Proficiency in Foundry’s Nuke is highly preferred for the compositing phase of the role.

• Scripting (Bonus): Highly desirable ability to script in Python to automate repetitive tasks and enhance the pipeline.

Artistic Competencies

• A strong “eye” for color, light, and shadow, with a portfolio that demonstrates an understanding of how light creates mood.

• Proven experience in developing master set light rigs from scratch.

• Solid communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical issues to non-technical team members.

Benefits and Perks

Working at ICON Creative Studio comes with a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to support both your professional career and your personal well-being:

• Compensation: Annual salary range of $60,000 – $85,000, reflecting experience and specific show assignment.

• Health & Wellness: An extended benefits package covering health, dental, and more.

• Relocation & Immigration: We actively support Permanent Residency (PR) applications for our international talent.

• Financial Convenience: Direct deposit and timely facilitation of administrative requests.

• Work-Life Balance: We offer flexibility and autonomy, respecting our artists’ lives outside the studio.

• Location: Work in the historic Gastown district—the creative hub of Vancouver—surrounded by top-tier galleries and transit.

Application Process

To join the fastest-growing CG Animation studio in Vancouver, please submit the following:

1. Professional Resume: Clearly detailing your experience in Maya, Arnold, and Nuke.

2. Portfolio/Demo Reel: A link to your latest work, including a breakdown sheet identifying your specific contributions.

3. Cover Letter: (Optional) Tell us about a specific lighting challenge you solved on a previous production.

Diversity Statement: ICON Creative Studio is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.