Layout Artist

A layout artist designs the shot frame, camera paths and angles, depth, perspective, scale, and lighting for an animated sequence. They act as the eye of the cinematographer and gaffer in animation, working with directors to translate storyboards into sequences of action. 

Layout Artist is, in my opinion, the visual designer of CG animation. They give the whole CG animation more perspective by defining the virtual camera. This gives the crew more possibilities in the editing and special effects process later on.

The responsibilities of the Layout Artist may include:

• Liaising with director regarding the execution of the script
• Working from the storyboard to set up layout of animation
• Drawing initial line work for backgrounds
• Researching the genre, reference shots and style of project
• Creating backgrounds that support the narrative of the story
• Providing various rough versions of scenes (akin to live-action takes) giving directors and editors options during the editing process 
• Lighting each key scene
• Setting the camera path of a scene
• Defining the perspective of the scene
• Ensuring continuity between shots
• Experimenting with camera angles to arrive at the best shots

The Layout Artist role requires a good knowledge of drawing, composition and the use of a wide range of software such as Renderman, Avid, Final Cut Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, Blackmagic Fusion Maya 3D Studio Max, Nuke, Mental Ray, TVPaint, Blender.

In short, the Layout Artist is a lens that enriches the story and opens up possibilities for further work.

Web reference：

https://www.cgspectrum.com/career-pathways/layout-artist https://uk.linkedin.com/jobs/layout-artist-jobs?position=1&pageNum=0

Matchmove Artist

Matchmovers are responsible for creating CG cameras and other motion files that adopt the same movements as the original background plate. They may also be responsible for modelling geometry in the background plate to allow reconstruction of the static surroundings. This enables the live-action to seamlessly interact with the CG elements. The motion files created (camera, object or body track) are then passed down to other departments via the VFX pipeline.

The responsibilities of the Matchmove Artist may include:

• Creating motion files, including a camera and/or the object, that match the original background plate photography
• Geometric reconstruction of important static objects in the scene
• Reconstructing the placement of motion files (camera or object track) in the 3D set in order to quality control the accuracy of each track
• Collaborating with other departments as required to ensure that the CG elements are seamlessly incorporated into the shot
• Rendering wireframes of the scene geometry to be rendered and composited over the original plate to help judge the accuracy of each track
• Work well in a team environment and take direction from the Lead and Production team

This work requires Matchmove artists to be very precise and meticulous in their work. Only pixel perfection in film and television. To have the best visual effect. If there is a deviation between CG and realistic human movement, they must also address this issue.

Web reference：

https://framestore.recruitee.com/o/matchmove-artist-film-episodic https://www.visionage-vfx.com/how-to-become-a-matchmove-artist/

Lighting Artist

A 3D lighting artist is a member of a larger team of 3D artists who specialize in lighting the final scene(or render) in a style that blends properly with the 3D project. This can include lighting for video games, movies, instruction videos, or architecture mockups.

The lighting technician adjusts the colour and position of the CG lights to give the film or TV production a richer effect. Most film and television productions are enhanced visually through lighting. This is why the profession is so important in the special effects industry.

The responsibilities of the Lighting Artist may include:

• Light and Render CG Shots for feature film production;
• Pre-Comp shots;
• Ensure shots meet render requirements;
• Collaborate with departments concerned by lighting work;
• Execute the corrections requested by the Supervisor and the Director by showing an analytic and proactive mind;
• Maintain timing and production quotas given by the production coordinator;
• Organize work and prepare presentation elements for approval;
• Communicate and seek information, if necessary;
• Maintain a good team dynamics;

The usual software used by lighting artists is GUERILLA RENDER, NUKE, LINUX / UNIX environment, MAYA.

Web reference：

https://vfx-montreal.com/job/lighting-artist-2/ https://conceptartempire.com/lighting-artist/

CG Supervisor

The computer graphics supervisor, or CG supervisor, is a person involved in the production of computer-generated imagery, both animation and visual effects. Due to the variety of productions and duties required, most CG supervisors are specialized in one area such as art, programming, or management. On large productions, there might be several CG Supervisors, each concentrating on a specific area.

As CG Supervisor, you will oversee a group of talented artists who produce CG assets, set up working shot pipelines and successfully deliver CG elements for shots in projects. You will technically lead your team throughout the show, ensuring good and clear communication between the artists, production team, technical team and department heads at all times. You will contribute to the bidding and staffing of projects and proactively provide feedback on people and pipelines.

The responsibilities of the CG Supervisor may include:

• Working closely with VFX Supervisor to interpret the creative vision, oversee every aspect of production, and plan a pragmatic way to deliver on that brief
• Assisting in all technical aspects of animation production including rigging, animation, lighting, and FX
• Designing and implementing the technical, artistic pipeline and workflow
• Designing and implementing tools used in the studio
• Training the team members and making sure the tools required for the project are up to the task
• Designing and supervising the creation of CG imagery
• Verifies technical solutions proposed by other crew members
• Keeping up on current technology trends and tools (hardware and software) that best suits the production and SPINVFX in the development of a stronger creative technical environment
• Leading the Technical Directors (TDs) in solving problems the production faces on day-to-day basis
• Assisting and supervising the artist in achieving the artistic goals of the production
• Working with Creative Resources to define recruiting goals to achieve the appropriate balance of qualified artists.

As a CG supervisor, you need to be involved in every aspect of the job and you need to be able to co-ordinate the people and the mentality of the department. It’s a demanding career in every respect.

Web reference：

https://www.spinvfx.com/careers/cg-supervisor/ https://jobs.jobvite.com/double-negative-visual-effects/job/oT4e6fw1

Look Development Artist

Look Development Artists help build worlds and characters by creating the color, textures, and materials for everything you see in the final rendered images.

Look Development Artist stylises each character in a film or television production for different scenes, so that the character can be adapted to multiple environments.

Look devs work with closely VFX artists from the other VFX production departments, lighting and texture artists, compositors and shader development TDs to establish a consistent idea of the look of the 3D models and characters to be created.

The responsibilities of the Look Development Artistmay include:

• Liaise with designers and developers regarding the design brief and visual style of the game
• Research resources and game genre materials for the development of graphics
• Create mood boards, color schemes and lighting plans as references for animators and designers
• Sketch key scenes, environments, characters and assets within the same style
• Produce a variety of variations of designs and concepts for approval
• Create prototypes for testing
• Oversee the visual development of the design process to maintain a consistent look
• Maintain production documentation
• Adhere to the production schedule
• Finish all textures with special effects, lighting, shading, etc
• Handle input/output files
• Maintain production documentation
• Assist in curation of asset libraries
• Establish format procedures and guidelines
• Ensure that textures are believable and work well on screen
• Test ideas to achieve maximum quality results
• Provide rough preliminary composits of renders for review
• Apply texture maps, set up scene templates, and define standard render passes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRta3McCsYE

They are usually produced using software such as Maya, 3D Studio Max, Cinema 4D, Nuke, Houdini, etc.

Web reference：

https://www.cgspectrum.com/career-pathways/look-dev-artist https://disneyanimation.com/process/look-development/