1

Trainee Animation Lighting Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Compositing Artist

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

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

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

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

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

Lead 3D Tracking Artist

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$122K - $146K/yr

... Animation, Lighting, and Compositing. * Create accurate rotomation of CG character rigs to match ... Review artist work, identify opportunities for improvement, and help troubleshoot difficult ...

$69.79 - $95.38/hr

... shifting lighting layouts, and modifying environmental states to maximize product appeal ... junior animation artists. What We Expect From You: Profile & Qualifications The successful ...

New

... VFX, animation, professional photography, digital imaging, or another high-end visual production environmentProfessional experience as a VFX Supervisor, Rendering Supervisor, Lighting Artist or ...

... VFX, animation, professional photography, digital imaging, or another high-end visual production environmentProfessional experience as a VFX Supervisor, Rendering Supervisor, Lighting Artist or ...

... VFX, animation, professional photography, digital imaging, or another high-end visual production environmentProfessional experience as a VFX Supervisor, Rendering Supervisor, Lighting Artist or ...

CGI Lead

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$225K/yr

Acting as the bridge between creative leadership, production teams, and 3D artists, this role defines technical workflows, oversees asset creation, lighting, rendering, and animation, and ensures the ...

CGI Lead

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$100 - $150/hr

Acting as the bridge between creative leadership, production teams, and 3D artists, this role defines technical workflows, oversees asset creation, lighting, rendering, and animation, and ensures the ...

Showing results 41-60

Trainee Animation Lighting Artist information

See salary details

$5

$29

$37

How much do trainee animation lighting artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee 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 trainee animation lighting artist do?

A Trainee Animation Lighting Artist is responsible for assisting in the creation and adjustment of lighting within animated scenes to achieve the desired mood, atmosphere, and visual style. They work closely with senior lighting artists and other departments to ensure that the lighting complements the storytelling and enhances the visual appeal. Trainee artists learn to use industry-standard lighting software and tools while developing their technical and artistic skills. Their work helps to bring animated characters and environments to life through effective use of light and shadow.

What are some common challenges faced by trainee animation lighting artists during their initial projects?

Trainee Animation Lighting Artists often encounter challenges such as understanding the technical requirements of different lighting software and adapting to the established visual style of a studio. Balancing artistic creativity with the need to meet tight production deadlines can also be demanding. Additionally, collaborating effectively with senior lighting artists, animators, and compositors requires strong communication skills to ensure the final look matches the director’s vision. Overcoming these challenges typically involves seeking feedback, continuous learning, and practicing flexibility within a team-oriented environment.

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

To thrive as a Trainee Animation Lighting Artist, you need a solid understanding of lighting principles, color theory, and basic animation, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio of work. Familiarity with industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, Houdini, and rendering engines such as Arnold or RenderMan is typically expected. Attention to detail, creativity, and strong problem-solving abilities are essential soft skills for this role. Mastering these skills ensures visually compelling scenes, efficient collaboration with production teams, and successful adaptation to the technical demands of animation projects.

What is the difference between Trainee Animation Lighting Artist vs Junior Animation Lighting Artist?

AspectTrainee Animation Lighting ArtistJunior Animation Lighting Artist
CredentialsBasic knowledge of lighting software, relevant courseworkSimilar credentials, often with some practical experience
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, supervised projectsEntry-level projects under supervision
Industry UsageInternship or apprenticeship rolesFull-time entry-level position in animation studios

The main difference is that a Trainee Animation Lighting Artist is typically in a learning or internship phase, focusing on gaining skills and experience, while a Junior Animation Lighting Artist is an entry-level professional actively working on projects with more responsibility. Both roles require similar foundational knowledge, but the trainee role emphasizes training and development.

What cities are hiring for Trainee Animation Lighting Artist jobs?

Cities with the most Trainee 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:

What states have the most Trainee Animation Lighting Artist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Trainee Animation Lighting Artist jobs include:

Compositing Artist

thelab

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Other

Re-posted yesterday


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).li>
  • 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr