Creature Artist (Lookdev & Groom)

Goodbye Kansas is a global studio specializing in Scanning, Mocap, VFX, and Animation, bringing imagination to life since 2014. We are seeking a Creature Lookdev and Groom Artist for our London Build team. This hybrid role involves developing visually rich creature assets through look development, texturing, and high-quality grooms, primarily using Houdini within a USD and Solaris-based pipeline for V-Ray rendering. The artist will collaborate across departments, focusing on hero creature workflows and supporting shot production. UK-based applicants who can work in the Farringdon studio 2-3 days a week are preferred.

Must Have

• Create high-quality creature lookdev setups in Houdini and V-Ray.
• Build production-ready grooms (fur, hair, feathers) using Houdini Groom.
• Develop textures and PBR materials for various lighting scenarios.
• Ensure assets integrate cleanly within USD and Solaris workflows.
• Collaborate with Rigging and CFX for groom deformation and simulation.
• Translate concepts, scans, and references into believable creature assets.
• Minimum 3-5 years experience in VFX, high-end animation, or cinematics.
• Strong lookdev skills and experience with V-Ray shaders/materials.
• Proven experience creating high-quality grooms in Houdini.
• Understanding of USD and Solaris based pipelines.
• Experience with texturing in Substance Painter or Mari.
• Good understanding of deformation, simulation, and CFX collaboration.
• Proficiency with Houdini as a primary tool.
• Strong communication and collaborative problem-solving skills.
• Must be UK-based and able to work hybrid in London 2-3 days/week.

Good to Have

• Working knowledge of Maya

Perks & Benefits

• Inclusive company culture
• Work in an environment that celebrates passion and talent
• Supported by strong values and mutual respect
• Vibrant workplace environment

About Us

Since 2014, we’ve been bringing imagination to life through world-class technology and extraordinary talent. As a global studio spanning Scanning, Mocap, VFX and Animation, our employees are part of shaping what’s next.

The Role

We are seeking a Creature Lookdev and Groom Artist to join our Build team in London. This is a hybrid role that focuses on developing visually rich creature assets through look development, texturing and high-quality grooms. You will work primarily in Houdini within a USD and Solaris-based pipeline, delivering assets ready for V-Ray rendering.

Reporting to the Head of Build, you will collaborate with departments across the pipeline, contributing to our hero creature workflows and supporting shot production when required.

Please note, due to the nature of this project, we're only able to consider UK-based applicants, whom can ideally come into our Studio, based in Farringdon 2-3 days a week.

What you’ll be doing

• Creating high quality creature lookdev setups in Houdini and V-Ray
• Building production-ready grooms including fur, hair and feathers using Houdini Groom
• Developing textures and PBR materials that perform reliably across lighting scenarios
• Ensuring assets integrate cleanly within our USD and Solaris workflows
• Working closely with Rigging and CFX to ensure grooms deform and simulate correctly
• Supporting Modelling with feedback on topology, UV layout and surfacing requirements
• Translating concepts, scans and photographic references into believable creature assets
• Participating in reviews, contributing constructive feedback and helping refine departmental workflows

What you’ll bring

• A minimum of 3 to 5 years’ experience in VFX, high-end animation or cinematics
• Strong lookdev skills with experience building shaders and materials in V-Ray
• Proven experience creating high quality grooms in Houdini
• Understanding of USD and Solaris based pipelines or willingness to rapidly upskill
• Experience with texturing workflows in Substance Painter or Mari
• Good understanding of deformation, simulation behaviour and collaboration across Rigging and CFX
• Ability to work from artistic direction and real-world reference with an eye for detail and realism
• Proficiency with Houdini as a primary tool, plus working knowledge of Maya considered a plus
• Strong communication skills with a proactive, collaborative approach to solving production challenges

Why Join Us

At Goodbye Kansas, we strive to cultivate an inclusive company culture that celebrates the passion and talent of our employees. We believe that creative excellence thrives when supported by strong values, mutual respect, and a vibrant workplace environment.

Goodbye Kansas Studios is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Department

Build

Role

Creature Artist

Remote status

Hybrid