Crafty Apes hiring Senior Digital Matte Painter, Sydney

Crafty Apes is a premier, full-service global visual effects powerhouse. With a presence in the US, Canada, the UK, and now a rapidly expanding footprint in Australia, we are home to a roster of award-winning artists and technical supervisors renowned for their creative problem-solving. Our portfolio spans the entire spectrum of modern entertainment, from massive studio blockbusters and prestige television to acclaimed independent cinema.

Crafty Apes Australia is a vital pillar of our global network. Operating from our central hub in Sydney, we deliver exceptional VFX work while championing a modern, flexible approach to production. We are currently seeking a visionary Senior Digital Matte Painter to join our growing team. This is a chance to lead the creation of breathtaking digital environments and help define the visual language of world-class projects from the comfort of your own home or our vibrant Sydney studio.

Role Snapshot & Benefits

At Crafty Apes , we believe that world-class art can be created from anywhere. While our physical heart is in Sydney, our talent is spread across the continent. We offer a competitive package and a supportive culture that prioritizes your growth and well-being.

Job Overview

• Company Name: Crafty Apes
• Position Title: Senior Digital Matte Painter
• Location: Sydney , Australia (Hub) or 100% Remote (Australia-wide)
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Experience Required: 5+ years in a Senior or Lead role
• Work Rights: Open to global applicants (Sponsorship & relocation available)
• Salary Range: Competitive; commensurate with experience
• Key Software: Adobe Photoshop , Autodesk Maya , Nuke

The Crafty Apes Advantage:

• Flexible Work: 100% remote working arrangements within Australia—choose the city that fits your lifestyle (Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, etc.).
• Professional Growth: Direct access to industry-leading supervisors and opportunities for training and conference attendance.
• Inclusive Culture: A creative, supportive environment where diversity is celebrated and every voice is heard.
• Global Mobility: For international experts, we offer relocation assistance and visa sponsorship to help you join our Australian team.

The Mission: Architect of Digital Worlds

As a Senior Digital Matte Painter , you are the master of the “big picture.” Your mission is to blend traditional artistic principles with cutting-edge digital technology to create seamless, photo-realistic environments that would be impossible or impractical to film in real life.

You aren’t just an individual contributor; you are a creative leader. You will mentor junior artists, troubleshoot complex pipeline issues, and collaborate directly with VFX Supervisors and Directors to establish the “look and feel” of a show. Whether it’s an expansive alien landscape, a historical city reconstruction, or subtle set extensions, your work provides the scale and atmosphere that brings stories to life.

Key Responsibilities

1. Creative Leadership & Vision

• Artistic Direction: Collaborate with Directors and VFX Supervisors to establish the artistic vision and technical approach for complex shots and sequences.

• World Building: Lead the creation of high-resolution digital matte paintings (DMP) and environment projections for major feature films and television shows.

• Creative Voice: Act as a key creative voice in project meetings, contributing ideas that enhance the storytelling through environment design.

2. Technical Execution & Integration

• Advanced Projection: Utilize camera projection techniques in Nuke and Maya to transform 2D paintings into immersive 3D environments.

• Pipeline Innovation: Develop and implement efficient workflows and techniques to solve unique creative challenges, ensuring the DMP department remains at the cutting edge.

• Departmental Synergy: Oversee the integration of matte paintings into final shots, working closely with lighting and compositing teams to ensure perfect color, light, and perspective matching.

3. Mentorship & Management

• Artist Development: Mentor junior and mid-level artists, providing constructive feedback and guiding them through complex technical tasks.

• Troubleshooting: Serve as the primary point of contact for resolving technical hurdles within the environment pipeline.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a veteran artist with a “Director’s eye” and a “Technician’s brain.” You should have a deep love for the craft of environment art and a portfolio that proves it.

Required Technical Skills

• Professional Experience: 5+ years of experience as a digital matte painter in a senior or lead capacity within a high-end VFX studio.

• Software Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Photoshop is a must.

• VFX Ecosystem: Deep understanding of Nuke (specifically for projections and pre-comps) and Maya (for basic 3D block-outs and projection geometry).

• Artistic Foundations: An exceptional portfolio demonstrating a total mastery of composition, light, color, perspective, and photo-realism.

• Technical Knowledge: Extensive understanding of the full VFX pipeline and how DMP interacts with lighting, 3D, and compositing.

Leadership Qualities

• Communication: Strong ability to articulate creative ideas to both technical teams and non-technical stakeholders.

• Mentorship: A proven track record of helping junior artists improve their skills and grow their careers.

• Adaptability: The ability to remain calm and focused in a fast-paced, high-pressure production environment.

How to Apply

Ready to help us build the future of VFX in Australia? We invite you to explore this opening and join our global family. Please submit your resume, a tailored cover letter, and a link to your digital portfolio or reel .

Note: We understand that delays can occur in receiving final, cleared shots for your reel. Please ensure that the work samples you provide are as recent and representative of your current skill level as possible.

Crafty Apes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diverse teams and are committed to creating an inclusive work culture.

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