Mikros Animation Montreal is seeking a talented and technically-minded Junior Groom Artist to join our Assets department for an exciting, undisclosed feature film project. This role is a perfect fit for a burgeoning CG artist with a deep passion for character creation and specialized expertise in Blender.
At Mikros Animation Montreal, we don’t just “process” assets; we breathe life into them. As a Junior Groom Artist, you will be responsible for defining the tactile identity of our characters—from the soft fur of a creature to the complex styling of a lead character’s hair. Working under the mentorship of industry-leading Supervisors, you will utilize cutting-edge workflows, including Blender’s Geometry Nodes, to push the boundaries of stylized feature animation.
Job Overview & Quick Reference
| Category | Details |
| Company Name | Mikros Animation |
| Project | Undisclosed (High-Profile Feature Animation) |
| Job Title | Junior Groom Artist |
| Department | Assets – Character Team |
| Location | Montreal, QC, Canada |
| Employment Type | Full-time |
| Work Environment | Bilingual (French/English) & International Collaboration |
Compensation & Estimated Benefits as Junior Groom Artist
Mikros Animation Montreal offers a competitive package aimed at nurturing junior talent while providing the security and benefits of a global studio.
| Component | Estimated Range / Details |
| Annual Salary Range | $52,000 – $68,000 CAD (Commensurate with experience/portfolio) |
| Health & Wellness | Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance |
| Career Growth | Internal training, mentorship programs, and upward mobility |
| Paid Time Off | Competitive vacation days, sick leave, and statutory holidays |
| Environment | Creative-first studio culture in the heart of Montreal’s tech hub |
Company Description: Crafting Authentic Connections
Mikros Animation Montreal is a global CGI powerhouse with creative hubs in Paris, Montreal, Los Angeles, Bangalore, and London. We are a studio built on the belief that great animation is about making real, emotional connections with audiences.
Our portfolio includes ten released feature films and a vast array of high-quality episodic content for the world’s most renowned studios. Whether acting as a creative partner or a line producer, Mikros puts “stylized craft” at the center of every frame. By joining our Montreal studio, you are joining a team of artists who have contributed to some of the most visually innovative stories of the last decade.
Detailed Job Description for Junior Groom Artist
The Junior Groom Artist is a specialized role within the Assets department. Under the guidance of the Character Supervisor and Groom Lead, you will be the architect of “hair descriptions” for production assets. This goes beyond simple aesthetic choices; it involves creating a technical framework that allows hair and fur to react realistically (or stylistically) to character movement and lighting.
You will be expected to work within a highly collaborative pipeline, ensuring that the visual intent of the Concept Art is perfectly translated into a functional 3D asset that can be passed down to Rigging, Simulation, and Lighting.
Key Responsibilities & Missions as Junior Groom Artist
1. Grooming & Asset Creation
- Tactile Execution: Create high-quality hair, fur, and feather effects on 3D characters, animals, and props.
- Artistic Alignment: Refer strictly to concept art and model sheets to ensure the character’s “silhouette” and “feel” match the Director’s vision.
- Stylized Craft: Apply grooming techniques that support the unique, stylized look of the project, moving beyond generic “out-of-the-box” solutions.
2. Technical Integration & Pipeline
- Geometry Nodes Mastery: Utilize Blender’s Geometry Nodes to build procedural, efficient, and scalable groom setups.
- Compliance: Ensure all delivered assets are “pipeline-ready,” meaning they are optimized for performance and free of technical errors that could break downstream departments.
- Tool Development: Be an active voice in the department by helping to develop and refine the grooming tools and scripts used by the whole team.
3. Collaborative Workflow
- Cross-Department Synergy: Work closely with the Modeling team to ensure proper topology for hair growth, the Rigging team for deformation needs, and the Surfacing team for integrated shading and texture.
- Feedback & Iteration: Present your work regularly for approval and execute corrections requested by the Supervisor and Director with speed and precision.
- Deadline Management: Maintain production quotas provided by the Production Coordinator, ensuring that the “undisclosed project” stays on schedule.
Profile: The Qualifications You Bring
Required Technical Skills
- Blender Expert: You must have a strong, demonstrable knowledge of Blender. While experience in other packages (Houdini/XGen) is valued, Blender is the primary tool for this specific workflow.
- Nodes Proficiency: Advanced understanding of Geometry Nodes for procedural asset creation.
- Grooming Systems: Solid experience with Particle Systems, grooming, surfacing, and shading within a 3D environment.
- OS Fluency: Comfortable working in a Linux/Unix environment, which is the backbone of our feature film pipeline.
Soft Skills & Attributes
- Problem Solver: You don’t just follow instructions; you find creative ways to overcome technical hurdles.
- Team Player: You maintain a positive dynamic, even during high-pressure production phases.
- Communication: You seek out information proactively and can clearly present your technical setups to non-technical stakeholders.
The “Stand Out” Bonus (Optional)
- Generalist Knowledge: Skills in Modeling or Rigging will help you understand the needs of your colleagues better.
- Scripting: Experience with Python for automating Blender tasks or creating custom UI tools is a major plus.
- Bilingualism: While the project is international, the ability to work in a bilingual (French/English) environment is a significant asset for our Montreal/Paris collaboration.
Life at Mikros Animation Montreal
Joining Mikros Animation Montreal means becoming part of an international network of talent.
- Global Reach: You will interact with stakeholders across our global studios, promoting the technical and creative strengths of our Montreal team.
- Inclusive Environment: Mikros Animation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, gender identity, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
- Artistic Diversity: Because we work on a variety of stories—from comedy to epic adventure—your portfolio will grow in diversity and sophistication.
How to Apply
If you are a Blender enthusiast ready to launch your career in feature animation, we want to see what you can do!
Please include with your application:
1. A Professional Resume: Detailing your training and technical skills.
2. A Demo Reel: We are looking for specialized “Groom” reels. Please include breakdowns that show your Blender Geometry Nodes setups and the final rendered results.
3. Portolio/Stills: Close-up shots of hair/fur detail are highly encouraged.
Mikros Animation: Creating connections through craftsmanship.
