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Full Time Animation Lighting Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TheLab

CGI Lighting

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Computer Graphics, Animation, Digital Arts, Visual Effects, or equivalent professional experience. * Experience in CGI lighting and rendering for commercial, retail, or ...

TheLab

CGI Lighting

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$150K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Computer Graphics, Animation, Digital Arts, Visual Effects, or equivalent professional experience. * Experience in CGI lighting and rendering for commercial, retail, or ...

thelab

CGI Lighting

Manhattan, NY

Bachelor's degree in Computer Graphics, Animation, Digital Arts, Visual Effects, or equivalent professional experience. * Experience in CGI lighting and rendering for commercial, retail, or ...

2K

Lead Lighting Artist

Novato, CA · On-site

We will work closely and constructively across design, art, engineering, animation, and audio teams ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

2K

Lead Lighting Artist

Novato, CA · On-site

We will work closely and constructively across design, art, engineering, animation, and audio teams ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

Cloud Chamber

Lead Lighting Artist

Novato, CA · On-site

We will work closely and constructively across design, art, engineering, animation, and audio teams ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

Cloud Chamber

Lead Lighting Artist

Novato, CA · On-site

We will work closely and constructively across design, art, engineering, animation, and audio teams ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

AGBO

Sr. Cinematic Layout Artist

Raleigh, NC · On-site

You'll work closely with animation, lighting, and narrative teams to ensure every shot serves the ... Collaborate with animators, lighting artists, and designers to ensure cohesive scene composition

AGBO Films LLC

Sr. Cinematic Layout Artist

Raleigh, NC · On-site

You'll work closely with animation, lighting, and narrative teams to ensure every shot serves the ... Collaborate with animators, lighting artists, and designers to ensure cohesive scene composition

Pipeworks Studios

Technical Artist

Eugene, OR · On-site +1

$127K - $152K/yr

This is a full-time temporary role with the possibility of extension or conversion to regular ... Investigate and resolve technical issues involving assets, materials, animation, lighting, visual ...

thelab

Compositing Artist

Manhattan, NY

Work closely with CGI Supervisors, Lighting Artists, Modelers, Animators, and Production teams to optimize the compositing process. * Communicate rendering requirements, AOV needs, and technical ...

TheLab

Compositing Artist

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$150K/yr

Work closely with CGI Supervisors, Lighting Artists, Modelers, Animators, and Production teams to optimize the compositing process. * Communicate rendering requirements, AOV needs, and technical ...

TheLab

Compositing Artist

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Work closely with CGI Supervisors, Lighting Artists, Modelers, Animators, and Production teams to optimize the compositing process. * Communicate rendering requirements, AOV needs, and technical ...

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Full Time Animation Lighting Artist information

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$5

$29

$37

How much do full time animation lighting artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time animation lighting artist in the United States is $29.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.76 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a full time animation lighting artist do?

A Full Time Animation Lighting Artist is responsible for creating the lighting and mood in animated films, TV shows, or video games. They use digital tools to simulate how light interacts with characters and environments, ensuring that scenes are visually appealing and support the story. This role involves close collaboration with other departments, such as modeling, texturing, and compositing, to achieve the director’s vision. Lighting artists also balance technical and artistic requirements, optimizing scenes for rendering while maintaining visual quality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time animation lighting artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Animation Lighting Artist, you need strong artistic vision, understanding of color theory, and experience with lighting techniques, usually supported by a degree in animation, fine arts, or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Houdini, and rendering engines like Arnold or RenderMan is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and collaboration skills help artists achieve visually compelling results and work effectively with production teams. These capabilities are essential for producing high-quality, emotionally resonant animations that meet project requirements and deadlines.

What are some common challenges animation lighting artists face when working on feature films or TV series?

Animation Lighting Artists often encounter challenges such as balancing artistic vision with technical constraints, managing tight production deadlines, and ensuring consistency across large sequences or shots. Collaboration with other departments, like modeling, texturing, and compositing, is crucial to address issues like render times, color accuracy, and scene continuity. Staying adaptable and receptive to feedback is essential, as directors and supervisors may request multiple iterations to achieve the desired mood and storytelling impact.

What is the difference between Full Time Animation Lighting Artist vs Character Animator?

AspectFull Time Animation Lighting ArtistCharacter Animator
Primary FocusLighting and shading of animated scenesCreating and animating character movements
Skills & ToolsLighting software (e.g., Maya, Houdini), shading techniquesAnimation software (e.g., After Effects, Maya), character rigging
Work EnvironmentVFX studios, animation houses, game developmentAnimation studios, game companies, film production
CredentialsDegree in Animation, VFX, or related field; portfolioDegree in Animation, Fine Arts, or related; portfolio

The main difference is that a Full Time Animation Lighting Artist specializes in lighting and shading animated scenes to enhance visual storytelling, while a Character Animator focuses on bringing characters to life through movement and performance. Both roles require a strong understanding of animation principles and industry-standard software, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What cities are hiring for Full Time Animation Lighting Artist jobs?

Cities with the most Full Time Animation Lighting Artist job openings:

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

The most popular types of Animation Lighting Artist jobs are:

Full Time Animation Lighting Artist jobs near you

Senior Lighting Artist (Contingent)

Naughty Dog

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

This position is for temporary engagement through our staffing partner, Yoh Enterprise Solutions.  Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for this position.

This is a hybrid / onsite position.  

For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. Naughty Dog recently released The Last of Us Part II Remastered as well as a current generation remake of The Last of Us Part I for the PS5. We're also proud to say that The Last of Us Parts I and II are now available for the first time on PC. Currently, we're busy at the kennel working onIntergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and we'd love to find talented individuals to join us. 

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention to detail. We are committed to innovation within our games and as such have curated some of the top creative and technically innovative minds in the industry. We welcome diverse candidates and believe that a broad range of cultural and life experiences contribute to the overall well-being and success of the studio and the titles we craft together.

As a Cinematic Lighting Artist, you will collaborate with concept artists, animators, VFX artists and fellow lighters to create visually spectacular and engaging cinematic sequences. You will be using our proprietary lighting tools to achieve captivating lighting schemes for characters and environments. As a part of the Naughty Dog legacy, you'll become a part of continuing the development of extraordinary and enduring experiences for a broad, global range of audiences.

What you will do:

  • Develop lighting schemes for characters and environment working closely with Directors and the Concept Art team.
  • Collaborate with the Level Lighting team to establish smooth integration of in-game cinematics with gameplay.
  • Collaborate with multiple departments to determine that the in-game cinematics run within the memory budget without sacrificing the look.
  • Work with outsource vendors and lighting artists, collaborating on visual looks, tech, training, and workflows both giving and receiving feedback
  • Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed

What skills you will use:

  • A minimum of 7 years' experience in Games or Animation/VFX/Film
  • Has shipped a AAA game or equivalent
  • Excellent understanding of direct/indirect light, color-theory, exposure, contrast
  • Outstanding understanding of shading/materials and the relationship with lighting
  • Excellent artistic skills to interpret concept art and color keys to recreate the mood and atmosphere in a game environment
  • Demonstrated expertise in industry standard software such as Autodesk Maya
  • Excellent understanding of color grading with proficiency in industry standard software such as Nuke, Fusion, Resolve
  • Strong problem-solving skills and a dedicated attention to details
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills
  • Ability to work with minimal direction
  • Ability to work under pressure while completing time-sensitive projects

Bonus Skills: (Optional)

  • Experience with real time engines
  • Experience with generating light-maps, pre-lighting or baked lighting
  • Experience with scripting

As a part of the Naughty Dog application process, candidates will be expected to provide a portfolio or demo reel of their work and may be asked to complete an art test.

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