Senior Groom Artist

ICON Creative Studio, Canada's largest independent animation company, is seeking a Senior Groom Artist in Vancouver, BC. This role involves using industry-standard tools like XGen, Ornatrix, and Yeti to procedurally groom hair and fur, preparing assets for CFX and Rigging, and creating fur simulation rigs. The artist will ensure seamless workflow, align groomed assets with the creative vision, and collaborate with the team to identify and resolve grooming process issues, contributing significantly to project success.

Must Have

• Procedurally groom hair and fur using XGen, Ornatrix, and Yeti.
• Prepare groomed assets for Character Effects (CFX) and Rigging departments.
• Prepare assets for simulation, including creating fur simulation rigs.
• Execute rendering processes for fur elements and perform quality control checks.
• Possess a keen artistic eye for form and color.
• Seek and provide guidance in different workflows like topology, texturing, surfacing, and UV mapping.
• Demonstrate understanding of the overall pipeline and collaborate with team members.
• Identify potential issues in the grooming process and communicate them.
• Develop and maintain documentation for the grooming pipeline.
• Experience and training using Maya 2018 and newer.
• Experienced grooming feathers in Yeti or Ornatrix.
• Skilled in Photoshop and/or 3D paint software.
• Strong communication skills, self-motivated, eager to learn.
• Keen eye for detail, shape and form of hair and fur.
• Good problem solver, able to spot issues and troubleshoot.

Good to Have

• Knowledge of Python.
• Experience with nCloth.
• Experience with nHair.

Perks & Benefits

• Collaborate on top-tier feature and episodic CG franchises.
• Be part of a diverse team of artists.
• Work with the latest tools and software.
• Be part of a studio that upholds a premium standard of quality.
• Enjoy flexibility, autonomy, and a supportive workplace culture.
• Access direct deposit and a generous benefits package.
• Grow with us through continuous learning opportunities, mentorship.

Company Overview

ICON Creative Studio is Canada’s largest independently owned animation entertainment company, located in the historic Gastown district of Vancouver, BC. Our talented team includes specialists across the entire animation pipeline, working alongside creative and management professionals to deliver outstanding animated content.

Known for our commitment to quality, efficiency, and timely deliveries, ICON has partnered with distributors, broadcasters, and leading streaming platforms worldwide to create and produce noteworthy, impactful projects.

We operate from a holistic philosophy, leveraging the unique skill sets of our team members to maximize production efficiency while maintaining an optimal balance of creativity and quality on-screen.

Why work at ICON?

• Collaborate on top-tier feature and episodic CG franchises for major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Amazon, Peacock, and Paramount+.
• Be part of a diverse team of artists from around the globe who have joined us here in British Columbia.
• Work with the latest tools and software, ensuring you're always equipped to do your best work.
• Be part of a studio that upholds a premium standard of quality across all productions, putting every resource into what’s on-screen.
• Enjoy flexibility, autonomy, and a supportive workplace culture.
• Access direct deposit and a generous benefits package.
• Grow with us through continuous learning opportunities, mentorship, and empowering you to achieve your professional goals.

Job Overview

As a Senior Groom Artist, you will be using industry-standard tools like XGen, Ornatrix, and Yeti to procedurally groom hair and fur. Your leadership extends to preparing assets for CFX and Rigging departments and creating fur simulation rigs for enhanced realism. Taking full ownership of the groom creation process, you'll ensure a seamless workflow. Your keen artistic eye will contribute to aligning groomed assets with the project's creative vision. In addition, you will collaborate with the team to ensure a smooth pipeline. As a Senior Groom Artist, you'll proactively identify and address grooming process issues, playing a pivotal role in project success.

Key Responsibilities

• Procedurally groom hair and fur using industry-standard tools such as XGen, Ornatrix, and Yeti.
• Prepare groomed assets for Character Effects (CFX) and Rigging departments, ensuring seamless integration into the overall pipeline.
• Prepare assets for simulation, including creating fur simulation rigs to enhance realism and achieve desired visual effects.
• Execute rendering processes for fur elements and perform quality control checks to ensure the final output meets project standards.
• Possess a keen artistic eye for form and color, ensuring the groomed assets align with the creative vision of the project.
• Seek and provide guidance in different workflows, including topology, texturing, surfacing, and UV mapping.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the overall pipeline and collaborate with team members to ensure smooth workflow integration.
• Identify potential issues in the grooming process and communicate them to team members for resolution.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation outlining the current grooming pipeline and techniques used within the department.

Skills and Experience:

• Experience and training using Maya 2018 and newer.
• Experience with Xgen or, Yeti, or Ornatrix grooming software and tools
• Experienced grooming feathers in Yeti or Ornatrix
• Skilled in Photoshop and or 3D paint software
• Strong communication skills
• Self motivated and eager to learn
• Keen eye for detail, shape and form of hair and fur.
• Good problem solver
• Knowledge of python a plus
• Experience with nCloth a plus
• Experience with nHair a plus
• Able to spot issues and troubleshoot.

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The wage range for this role reflects compensation across all of ICON’s projects. The final salary will be determined based on the specific position, the current show assignment, and the applicant’s experience and portfolio. This range accounts for varying levels of experience and responsibilities.

In compliance with British Columbia provincial mandates, we are posting this broad wage range to meet wage transparency requirements.

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ICON Creative Studio is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.