Matte Painting Lead Artist

Skydance

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Madrid hybrid Until 9/26/2026 6+ years exp First posted July 28, 2026 Last posted July 28, 2026
Job description
Skydance offers a dynamic, inclusive, and ever-evolving culture where innovative ideas are welcomed, and growth fostered. The partnership between unique creativity and technological advancements are demonstrated within each pillar of the company. At the heart of it all is a commitment to boldly entertaining and relevant storytelling.
 
While all Animation studios look to hire people who are creative and hard-working, Skydance Animation is specifically looking for pioneers who seek to push the limits of what the world’s most collaborative art form can achieve, and to give those pioneers the space and the resources to build a new studio that’s doing something different.
 
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As the lead of the Matte Painting department you must meet the following requirements: at least 6/8 years of experience in the industry, a strong ability to understand and express artistic concepts related to the construction of cinematic language. High capacity for mentoring and guiding the various team members. Ease in maintaining an appropriate environment of serenity and communication, especially during high-pressure moments during production. Flexibility to adapt to new tools and ways of working for the project, knowledge of Blender/Maya, Photoshop, Nuke, and Houdini will be needed.

Responsibilities

    • Creates photo-realistic and stylized paintings by expertly combining photography, digital painting, and 3D elements. 

    • Has proficiency in resolving artistic lookdev phases during visual development.  

    • Keeps up on current technology trends and tools (hardware and software) that best suit the production (and the company) in the development of a stronger creative technical environment. 

    • Creates scripting tools and finalizes a complex shot alone from scratch.  

    • Keeps the pipeline of the department updated and coordinates the team.  

    • Works together with the team providing support, guidance and instruction in areas that contribute towards their artistic and professional growth. 

    • Experience in mentoring and guiding team members effectively. Demonstrated ability to cultivate a tranquil and communicative atmosphere, particularly during high-stress production periods.  

    • Follows the Supervisor’s guidance. 

Requirements

    • 6+ years of professional experience in VFX or animation industries.  

    • At least 1 year of experience as Lead in the animation industry. 

    • Perfect understanding of shape, light and color, composition and perspective. 

    • Professional mastering in Photoshop, modeling, sculpting, texturing/shading, lighting, rendering in Blender/Maya and compositing with Nuke.  

    • Basic knowledge of Houdini will be highly regarded.  

    • Advanced English level.  

    • Spanish oral and written, is desirable. 

#Animation #LI-Hybrid

Skydance is a diversified media company founded by David Ellison in 2010 to create high quality, event-level entertainment for global audiences. The Company brings to life stories of immersive worlds across its feature film, television, interactive, and animation divisions.
 
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About this role

Summary

Lead matte painting team; create photorealistic/stylized artworks; mentor; coordinate tools and pipeline.

Job title

Matte Painting Lead Artist

Experience level

6+ years

Minimum experience

6+ years exp

Industry

entertainment

Location requirements

Madrid, hybrid work allowed

Salary

Not specified

Management role

Yes

Skills & keywords

Required skills

PhotoshopMayaBlenderNukeartistic concepts

Preferred skills

HoudiniSpanish

Specializations

matte paintingdigital painting3Dvisual developmentpipeline management
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Madrid, Spain

Hybrid City