Tackle shots from start to finish, including roto, tracking, paint, animation and creation of elements, etc. * Extract mattes from blue/green screen photography. * Pay strong attention to detail ...
Tackle shots from start to finish, including roto, tracking, paint, animation and creation of elements, etc. * Extract mattes from blue/green screen photography. * Pay strong attention to detail ...
Tackle shots from start to finish, including roto, tracking, paint, animation and creation of elements, etc. * Extract mattes from blue/green screen photography. * Pay strong attention to detail ...
New
Tackle shots from start to finish, including roto, tracking, paint, animation and creation of elements, etc. * Extract mattes from blue/green screen photography. * Pay strong attention to detail ...
New
Roto Paint Artist information
See salary details
$9.13 - $11.98
1% of jobs
$11.98 - $14.82
6% of jobs
$17.62 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.82 - $17.66
18% of jobs
$17.66 - $20.50
17% of jobs
The median wage is $21.92 / hr.
$20.50 - $23.34
16% of jobs
$23.34 - $26.18
16% of jobs
$26.50 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$26.18 - $29.02
12% of jobs
$29.02 - $31.86
6% of jobs
$31.86 - $34.70
4% of jobs
$34.70 - $37.54
3% of jobs
$37.54 - $40.38
1% of jobs
$9
$24
$40
How much do roto paint artist jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for roto paint artist in the United States is $24.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a roto paint artist?
A Roto Paint Artist is responsible for preparing visual effects (VFX) shots by removing unwanted elements, creating clean plates, and refining details to assist compositors. They use rotoscoping techniques to isolate objects and paint out rigging, markers, or other distractions. This role requires proficiency in software like Nuke, Photoshop, and Silhouette. Roto Paint Artists play a crucial role in ensuring seamless integration of CGI and live-action footage. Their work helps maintain the realism and continuity of visual effects in films, TV shows, and commercials.
What does a roto paint artist do?
A typical day for a Roto Paint Artist involves carefully tracing live-action footage to create mattes, removing unwanted elements, and cleaning up scenes to ensure seamless integration of visual effects. You'll often collaborate closely with compositors, VFX supervisors, and other artists to meet project specifications and address feedback efficiently. The work is both creative and highly technical, requiring attention to detail as you handle frame-by-frame corrections and quality checks. While deadlines can be tight, studios usually foster a collaborative team environment where artists support each other to deliver polished, professional shots. This role provides a valuable opportunity to develop your VFX skills and advance into more senior compositing or supervisory positions over time.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a roto paint artist?
To thrive as a Roto Paint Artist, you need expertise in digital compositing, rotoscoping, paint work, and a strong understanding of color theory and visual effects concepts, typically backed by a degree in visual arts or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Nuke, Silhouette, and Adobe After Effects is highly valued, and familiarity with tracking and keying tools is often required. Detail orientation, patience, strong time management, and effective teamwork are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering high-quality visual effects that blend seamlessly into live-action footage under tight deadlines.
How much do Roto Paint Artists make?
Roto Paint Artists typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level artists may start lower, while experienced professionals with advanced skills in software like Nuke or After Effects can earn higher salaries.
How to become a roto paint artist?
To become a roto paint artist, you typically need to develop skills in visual effects, compositing, and digital painting using tools like Adobe After Effects, Nuke, or Silhouette. A background in art, design, or computer graphics, along with a strong portfolio and knowledge of industry workflows, is essential; some roles may also require relevant certifications or training courses.
What cities are hiring for Roto Paint Artist jobs?
Cities with the most Roto Paint Artist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Roto Paint Artist jobs?
The most popular types of Roto Paint Artist jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Roto Paint Artist jobs look for?
The top searched job categories for Roto Paint Artist jobs are:
Full-time
Posted 4 days ago
Job description
Expression of Interest
Position: Mid - Senior Compositor
Location: New York and New Jersey
Who we are
Crafty Apes is a high-end global visual effects company specializing in photoreal VFX. Established in 2011, Crafty Apes operates offices in Canada, the UK, the US, and in Australia with employees working remotely across the globe. Our mission is to bring our clients’ visions to life through exceptional visual effects for film, episodic content, and commercials. Let’s just say: we deliver great shots while having fun!
Crafty Apes and our talented team members have received recognition for outstanding contributions to feature films, and we are now opening an expression of interest for Compositors to join our team based in New York and New Jersey. The perfect candidate is a team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment and embraces individuality and creativity.
What you would do
Seamlessly integrate the various layers or elements of a live-action shot.
Tackle shots from start to finish, including roto, tracking, paint, animation and creation of elements, etc.
Extract mattes from blue/green screen photography.
Pay strong attention to detail, sense of color, color-space and lighting.
Composite multi-pass CG elements to create photo real shots.
Maintain clean and efficient script organisation.
Communicate progress of work to Coordinators, Producers, Leads and Supervisors in a timely fashion.
What you need
Minimum 3 years ( Mid ) and 5 years ( Senior ) of experience as a compositor in episodic or feature VFX.
Must excel in tracking and blue/green screens comps.
Proficient in Nuke, Photoshop, Boujou/Syntheyes/Mocha, Primatte/Keylight/Ultimatte.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to multi-task, prioritise, take criticism, and work under high pressure with short deadlines.
Experience working with Shotgrid software preferred.
To apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your relevant experience, and a link to your reel along with a breakdown of all the shots included in your submitted reel. As we understand that delays can occur in receiving final shots, please ensure that all work samples provided are as recent as possible.
Working Rights
100% remote within New York and New Jersey, with no restrictions on local working rights. Unfortunately, any exceptions will not be considered for these roles currently.
We look forward to receiving your application!
Crafty Apes Australia is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status.