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Freelance Lighting Compositing Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TheLab

Compositing Artist

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$150K/yr

The Compositing Artist is responsible for creating the final seamless image by integrating live ... Ensure continuity in lighting, shadows, reflections, perspective, and atmosphere to create ...

TheLab

Compositing Artist

Manhattan, NY · On-site

The Compositing Artist is responsible for creating the final seamless image by integrating live ... Ensure continuity in lighting, shadows, reflections, perspective, and atmosphere to create ...

thelab

Compositing Artist

Manhattan, NY

The Compositing Artist is responsible for creating the final seamless image by integrating live ... Ensure continuity in lighting, shadows, reflections, perspective, and atmosphere to create ...

Swaybox Studios

Compositing Supervisor

New Orleans, LA

$16.50 - $22.75/hr

You will work closely with artists and Technical Directors to refine and develop tools that support ... Understanding of lighting workflows. * Experience in Python scripting for Nuke or batch automation ...

Framestore

Freelance: Nuke - Chicago

Chicago, IL · On-site

$64.75 - $73/hr

A strong eye for detail, composition, color and lighting * The ability to multitask, prioritize and ... Compositing experience in a commercial environment is desirable

Framestore

Freelance: Nuke - Los Angeles

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$600 - $900/day

A strong eye for detail, composition, color and lighting * The ability to multitask, prioritize and ... Compositing experience in a commercial environment is desirable California Employees Pay Range:

Ht Visions

VFX Artist

Houston, TX

$150K - $165K/yr

We are seeking an experienced and highly creative VFX Artist to produce high-quality visual effects ... Ensure lighting, rendering, and compositing consistency * Meet production deadlines while ...

Framestore

Freelance: Nuke - New York

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$600 - $900/day

A strong eye for detail, composition, color and lighting * The ability to multitask, prioritize and ... Compositing experience in a commercial environment is desirable New York Employees Pay Range:

TheLab

CGI Lighting

Manhattan, NY · On-site

The CGI Lighting Artist is responsible for creating high-quality lighting and rendering solutions ... Collaborate with modeling, texturing, compositing, and production teams throughout the creative ...

thelab

CGI Lighting

Manhattan, NY · On-site

The CGI Lighting Artist is responsible for creating high-quality lighting and rendering solutions ... Collaborate with modeling, texturing, compositing, and production teams throughout the creative ...

TheLab

CGI Lighting

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$150K/yr

The CGI Lighting Artist is responsible for creating high-quality lighting and rendering solutions ... Collaborate with modeling, texturing, compositing, and production teams throughout the creative ...

Weissman

Freelance Production Artist

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

JOB TITLE Freelance Production Artist LOCATION St. Louis, Missouri (On-Site) ENGAGEMENT TYPE 1099 ... updates to textures, lighting, and color corrections as needed * Collaborate closely with ...

Swaybox Studios

Unreal Technical Artist

New Orleans, LA

$122K - $146K/yr

The Unreal Technical Artist will work hands-on within Unreal Engine to support content integration, lighting, rendering, materials, shaders, real-time compositing, and performance optimization. This ...

New

Swaybox Studios

Unreal Technical Artist

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$122K - $146K/yr

The Unreal Technical Artist will work hands-on within Unreal Engine to support content integration, lighting, rendering, materials, shaders, real-time compositing, and performance optimization. This ...

New

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How much do freelance lighting compositing artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance lighting compositing artist in the United States is $22.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance lighting compositing artist?

A freelance lighting compositing artist is a visual effects (VFX) professional who specializes in creating realistic lighting and combining multiple image layers or elements into a seamless final image for film, television, or other media projects. Working independently, they collaborate with studios or clients on a project-by-project basis, using software like Nuke or After Effects to ensure the visual consistency and mood of scenes. Their responsibilities include adjusting light, shadow, color, and integrating computer-generated imagery (CGI) with live-action footage to achieve the desired visual outcome.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance lighting compositing artist?

To excel as a Freelance Lighting Compositing Artist, you need a strong understanding of lighting principles, color theory, and visual storytelling, typically combined with a relevant degree or professional experience in visual effects or animation. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Nuke, and Adobe After Effects, as well as knowledge of rendering engines like Arnold or V-Ray, is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and clear communication with clients and team members make a candidate stand out. These abilities ensure the creation of visually compelling scenes that meet project requirements and client expectations in a highly competitive field.

How does a freelance lighting compositing artist typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

As a Freelance Lighting Compositing Artist, you will often work closely with departments such as modeling, texturing, animation, and FX to ensure the final visuals are seamless and cohesive. Communication is key, as you may need to request specific renders or assets, provide feedback, or adjust your work based on updates from other artists. Regular check-ins and using shared platforms for asset management help keep everyone aligned. Flexibility and a collaborative attitude are essential, especially when working remotely or with teams in different time zones.

What is the difference between Freelance Lighting Compositing Artist vs VFX Compositor?

AspectFreelance Lighting Compositing ArtistVFX Compositor
CredentialsProficiency in compositing software, lighting techniques, and industry standardsSimilar skills in compositing software, often with additional VFX knowledge
Work EnvironmentFreelance projects, remote or on-site, with diverse clientsStudio or freelance, working on VFX shots for film, TV, or commercials
Industry UsageUsed in post-production for visual effects, focusing on lighting and compositingBroader VFX industry, including compositing, rotoscoping, and effects integration

While both roles involve compositing skills, a Freelance Lighting Compositing Artist specializes in integrating lighting effects into scenes, often working independently on diverse projects. A VFX Compositor has a broader focus on creating and integrating visual effects into footage, which may include lighting but also encompasses other VFX elements. The roles overlap in skills but differ in scope and project types.

What cities are hiring for Freelance Lighting Compositing Artist jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Lighting Compositing Artist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Lighting Compositing Artist jobs?

The most popular types of Lighting Compositing Artist jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Lighting Compositing Artist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Lighting Compositing Artist jobs include:

Freelance Lighting Compositing Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Lighting Compositing Artist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 74% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,772 per year, or $23 per hour.

Compositing Artist

TheLab

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Position Summary:
The Compositing Artist is responsible for creating the final seamless image by integrating live-action footage with computer-generated (CG) elements, matte paintings, visual effects, and digital enhancements. As the final stage of the CGI production pipeline, this role combines artistic vision with technical precision to produce photorealistic, high-quality visuals that meet creative and client expectations.
Working within HOME, Wellcom's AI-enabled production ecosystem, the Compositing Artist collaborates closely with CGI artists, lighting artists, supervisors, and production teams to ensure consistency across every deliverable. This role leverages emerging technologies and efficient production workflows while maintaining the highest standards of visual quality and technical accuracy.
Key Responsibilities:
2D/3D Integration
  • Seamlessly integrate multi-pass CGI renders (including AOVs such as beauty, specular, reflection, depth, shadow, and utility passes) with live-action footage.
  • Ensure continuity in lighting, shadows, reflections, perspective, and atmosphere to create photorealistic final imagery.
  • Blend CGI, matte paintings, and practical elements into cohesive visual compositions.

Keying & Extraction
  • Extract high-quality mattes from green screen and blue screen footage while preserving fine details such as hair, motion blur, transparency, and edge fidelity.
  • Refine keys and composites to achieve clean, production-ready results.

Digital Prep & Clean-Up
  • Perform advanced paint work including wire removal, rig removal, marker cleanup, clean plate generation, and image restoration.
  • Utilize tracking, cloning, and paint techniques to remove production artifacts while maintaining image integrity.

Tracking & Matchmoving
  • Apply 2D, planar, and 3D tracking techniques to accurately integrate digital assets into moving footage.
  • Utilize industry-standard tracking tools, including Mocha and Nuke's built-in tracking systems, to support stable and accurate composites.
  • Collaborate with tracking teams to resolve complex camera movement challenges.

Atmospheric & Visual Effects Enhancement
  • Enhance shots through the integration of atmospheric effects including dust, smoke, haze, depth cues, lens flares, light wraps, grain, and environmental effects.
  • Ensure all enhancements support the realism and creative direction of each project.

Color & Technical Consistency
  • Maintain strict adherence to color management pipelines, including ACES and OCIO workflows.
  • Match color, exposure, white balance, grain, and overall image characteristics across multiple sources.
  • Ensure technical consistency throughout production while delivering photorealistic imagery.

Cross-Department Collaboration
  • Work closely with CGI Supervisors, Lighting Artists, Modelers, Animators, and Production teams to optimize the compositing process.
  • Communicate rendering requirements, AOV needs, and technical adjustments that improve downstream production efficiency.
  • Support the continued evolution of HOME by identifying opportunities where AI-assisted workflows and automation can improve compositing efficiency while maintaining creative and technical excellence.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Visual Effects, Computer Graphics, Animation, Digital Arts, or equivalent professional experience.
  • 3+ years of professional compositing experience in advertising, VFX, animation, or digital production.
  • Strong artistic eye for composition, lighting, color, and photographic realism.
  • Deep understanding of digital photography, lens behavior, perspective, and visual continuity.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting production deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working within commercial advertising, retail, e-commerce, or creative production environments.
  • Familiarity with AI-assisted production workflows and emerging visual effects technologies.
  • Experience with advanced color management workflows (ACES, OCIO).
  • Knowledge of scripting or workflow automation (Python preferred).
  • Experience working alongside CGI, lighting, and pipeline development teams.

Technical Skills:
Compositing Software
  • Foundry Nuke
  • Adobe After Effects
  • Blackmagic Fusion (preferred)

Tracking & Matchmoving
  • Mocha Pro
  • Nuke Tracking
  • 3D Camera Tracking
  • Planar Tracking

CGI & Production
  • Multi-pass compositing (AOVs)
  • Keying
  • Rotoscoping
  • Paint & cleanup
  • Matte extraction
  • Color grading
  • Digital photography principles
  • Render pass integration

Color Management
  • ACES
  • OCIO
  • Linear workflow
  • HDR imaging

Emerging Technologies
  • AI-assisted compositing workflows
  • Workflow automation
  • Familiarity with HOME AI production tools

Success in This Role:
A successful Compositing Artist will:
  • Deliver seamless, photorealistic composites that combine live-action footage and CGI into compelling final imagery.
  • Maintain exceptional technical accuracy while preserving the creative vision of each project.
  • Collaborate effectively across CGI, lighting, production, and creative teams to ensure efficient project delivery.
  • Continuously refine workflows by embracing emerging technologies and production innovations.
  • Contribute to the ongoing evolution of HOME by supporting scalable, AI-enabled production processes that enhance efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of visual quality.

Apply