Senior Lookdev & Lighting Artist at Atlantis Animation

Job Overview

• Company: Atlantis Animation
• Position Title: Senior Lookdev & Lighting Artist
• Location: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
• Work Model: 100% On-site (Tenerife)
• Contract Type: Fixed-term Employee Contract (Temporary)
• Contract Duration: 8 Months
• Project: Messi and the Giants (Sony / Disney)
• Key Software: Maya, Arnold, Nuke
• Salary Range: Competitive / Based on Seniority & Canary Islands Scale

Atlantis Animation is a premier creative hub nestled in the heart of the Canary Islands. We bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and world-class storytelling, producing high-fidelity animated series and feature films that capture the global imagination.

Having recently delivered the sensational Tara Duncan and Miraculous Ladybug (Season 5) for Disney+ and Disney Channel, we are now embarking on an unprecedented epic: ‘Messi and the Giants.’

Produced in collaboration with Sony Music Vision, Sony Pictures Television Kids, and Leo Messi Management, this series follows a young boy named Leo as he is transported from Argentina into a fantastical alternate universe.

Atlantis Animation is looking for a Senior Lookdev & Lighting Artist with a “magic spark” to help us define the visual soul of this epic saga.

Lookdev & Lighting Artist – Role Mission & Creative Impact

As a Senior Lookdev and Lighting Artist, you are the final architect of the image. Your role is to take raw 3D assets and environments and transform them into a cinematic reality. In the world of Messi and the Giants, you will be tasked with creating the atmosphere for a “fantastical alternate universe”—a task that requires a deep understanding of light physics, color theory, and emotional resonance.

You will play a pivotal role in establishing the “Keyshots” that set the benchmark for the entire series. You aren’t just lighting a scene; you are ensuring that the magic of Leo’s journey is palpable in every frame, maintaining a delicate balance between high-art aesthetics and technical production efficiency.

Detailed Responsibilities for Senior Lookdev & Lighting Artist

1. Look Development & Keyshot Execution

• Visual Benchmarking: Work directly with Creative Leads and Supervisors to interpret concept art and translate it into a 3D light environment. You will be responsible for lighting and rendering the initial “keyshots” that serve as the guide for the rest of the sequence.

• Material & Surface Quality: Refine the look development of characters, props, and environments to ensure they react realistically (or stylistically) to light, maintaining the tactile quality defined by the Art Department.

2. Lighting & Rendering Workflow

• Sequence Continuity: Beyond individual shots, you must ensure visual consistency across entire sequences, managing light rigs that can be shared and adapted by the team.

• Technical Optimization: Monitor and optimize render times. In a fast-paced series production, you must ensure that the visual quality remains elite while staying within the strict render budget and technical constraints of the Arnold render engine.

• Troubleshooting: Act as a first line of defense for lighting and rendering “bugs,” solving complex shader issues or flickering artifacts before they reach the farm.

3. Pipeline Collaboration

• Upstream/Downstream Integration: Work with the Assets team to provide feedback on UVs and textures, and collaborate intimately with the Compositing team (Nuke) to ensure they have the necessary AOVs and layers to achieve the final look.

• Quota Management: Respect production schedules and deliver high-quality work within the established quotas defined by the Production team.

III. Qualifications & Requirements for Senior Lookdev & Lighting Artist

Technical Expertise

• Professional Pedigree: Proven experience as a Lighting Artist on at least one fully 3D animated series or high-end feature film is mandatory.

• Software Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Arnold (Rendering) and Maya (Lighting/Lookdev).

• Compositing Knowledge: A solid understanding of Nuke is essential, as the lighting artist must understand how their passes will be manipulated in the final composite.

• English Fluency: Professional proficiency in spoken and written English is required for collaboration with our international partners (Sony/Disney).

Artistic & Soft Skills

• Creative Interpretation: The ability to take a verbal creative brief and turn it into a compelling visual result.

• Time Management: Capable of working under the pressure of an 8-month production cycle without compromising on the “magic spark” of the work.

• Collaborative Mindset: A team-first attitude. You must be open to feedback and willing to pivot based on the evolving needs of the Director.

Legal & Residency Requirements

• Work Permit: A valid EU/Spanish work permit is absolutely required.

• Residency: This is a 100% On-site role in Tenerife. Remote work is only considered for candidates already officially registered (empadronado) in the Canary Islands, though the preference remains for studio-based collaboration.

IV. Compensation, Location, & Culture

The “Heavenly” Location

Working at Atlantis Animation means living in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Known for its year-round spring weather, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant culture, Tenerife offers a work-life balance that is rare in the high-pressure world of animation.

• The Studio: A modern facility designed to foster creativity and technical excellence.

• The Team: A diverse, international group of artists who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of the medium.

Compensation & Benefits

While the contract is a fixed-term 8-month agreement, we provide:

• Salary: Competitive salary commensurate with senior-level experience in the Spanish animation market.

• Project Prestige: The opportunity to have a lead role on a high-profile series involving one of the world’s most iconic athletes, Leo Messi.

• Growth: Exposure to a high-end pipeline backed by Sony and Disney standards.

V. Diversity, Inclusion, & Industry Context

Atlantis Animation is an equal-opportunity employer. We believe that a fantastical universe is best built by a team with a wide range of perspectives.

Diversity in Spanish Animation

The Spanish animation industry has seen a massive surge in growth over the last decade. As the industry matures, we are focused on improving diversity within technical roles:

• Gender in Technical Roles: While Spanish animation schools are now reaching a 50/50 gender split, senior technical roles (Lighting/TD/Lookdev) still trend toward a 70% male majority. Atlantis actively encourages applications from underrepresented genders in the technical arts.

• International Hub: Tenerife has become a global hub for animation thanks to its ZEC tax incentives, leading to a highly multicultural workforce. Our studio represents over 10 different nationalities, creating a rich, inclusive environment.

VI. Application Process for Senior Lookdev & Lighting Artist

To be considered for this role, please ensure your application includes:

1. Senior Lighting Reel: Showcasing your best work in Arnold, with a focus on 3D series or features.

2. Breakdown: A brief explanation of your specific contributions to each shot in your reel.

3. Resume: Detailing your experience with Maya/Arnold/Nuke pipelines.