What is a color key artist?

Color Key Artists are professionals in the animation, film, and gaming industries who develop the overall color palette and lighting mood for scenes or sequences. They create 'color keys,' which are reference images that define the atmosphere, time of day, and emotional tone through the use of color and lighting. These visual guides help ensure consistency and guide other artists, such as background painters and lighting artists, during production. Their work is crucial for establishing the visual storytelling and enhancing the narrative of a project.