CG Experimental Artist

Position Summary

Key Responsibilities

• Support a team of CG and Generative AI experts to develop unique content for animated shorts and specials, leveraging a GenAI-native pipeline that combines generative AI tools with traditional animation techniques.
• Contribute to the creation of short stories in a fast-paced production environment.
• Support CG artists in the creation of shot-ready assets (e.g., characters, props, environments) using a combination of generative tools and traditional DCCs (Photoshop, Maya, Houdini, Harmony, Blender, etc.)
• Help to build datasets of assets, images, and videos to support in the building and fine tuning of generative image and video models
• Use GenAI tools such as ComfyUI to help artists generate concept frames, style frames, character explorations, and environment designs based on scripts, outlines, or verbal direction.
• Test and evaluate the latest generative tooling and be open to testing new technology throughout the development process.
• Help testing and expanding upon new GenAI/traditional hybrid workflows developed by other artists and technology teams

Qualifications

• Experience with ComfyUI and traditional CG 2D and/or 3D DCCs such as Photoshop, Maya, Houdini, Harmony, and/or Blender
• Conceptual understanding of diffusion-based rendering and animation techniques. Experience training image LoRAs, video LoRAs, and similar are a plus.
• Experience with the creation of animation assets, and techniques like image editing, masking, etc.
• Strong collaborative skills and ability to work in a team environment in support of other artists, in rapidly evolving, experimental pipelines.
• Strong organizational and communication skills are a plus
• Passion for storytelling and animation with a portfolio showcasing the ability to create compelling narratives using AI tools. Demonstrates excellence and inspiration in storytelling, visual comedy, and innovative thinking, with a strong understanding of how to leverage generative AI tools to enhance creative storytelling.
• Ability to adapt to new technologies and tools and quickly pivot in this fast-moving field where workflows and creative approaches are being developed in real time.
• High level of independence and initiative, as production support structures and workflows will be evolving alongside the creative process.
• This job may be covered by a collective bargaining agreement. If so, pay for the position is governed by the currently effective applicable collective bargaining agreement and thus will be no less than $47.01 an hour and up to any better conditions and terms negotiated and obtained as expressly provided therein.
• Depending on whether you are covered by a collective bargaining agreement, INK benefits can include medical/dental/vision plans, mental health support, retirement programs, and family-forming benefits, paid leave of absence programs, and paid time away programs to be used for vacation and sick paid time off.