Layout artist
Layout artist start with working on animatic and storyboard in 2D, then they start to create rough 3D animation. The animation may contain all the characters shown in the set and give them a simple 3D composition. Layout artists may always communicate and work with directors and supervisors, because they have to determine where the camera will be set, how the light should be like and what kind of camera language they want to use.
Layout artist have to make sure that the story shown in the film or animation not only make sense, but also they have to try to make the story alive. There are so many things layout artist have to pay attention to, like shot continuity, beautiful composition, etc. But the most important thing is that, “Everything in the movie has one final goal. It needs to serve the story”, said by Arem Kim.
Compared with other jobs in VFX industry, this job may require broader knowledge of VFX and know about different kind of skills. Here is an example.
The following video shows how a layout artist work to transfer 2D storyboard into 3D.
Layout Artist Reel 2016 – Evelyn Hernandez – YouTube
Matchmove artist
Matchmove artists are responsible for creating CG cameras and other motion files that adopt the same movements as the original background plate. They also have to match the computer generated objects and characters to those captured in real life.
Basically, to create CG cameras means to transfer the real life’s camera’s movement onto a camera that exists in a CG software.
This article clearly demonstrated what is matchmoving and the responsibilities a matchmove artist may take. What is Matchmoving and What Does a Matchmove Artist Do? (mountcg.com)
In the article, is also introduced some different software for tracking. It explained how does matchmoving work, why it is important and two tracking methods in VFX, which is automatic tracking and interactive tracking.
Here is a typical workflow in matchmoving.
To become a matchmove artist, the essential skills may need are as the following.
Videos introducing what is matchmove and an example of matchmove showreel:
Lighting artist
Lighting artist is a member of CG department in VFX industry and is responsible for creating lights for all the characters, objects, environments and other 3D elements. They work closely with any other artist in the departments, especially the CG supervisor, to achieve the artistic style and level needed for the production.
Lighting artist is an integral part of the storytelling process, they control the light and colour to emphasize shift of mood, create atmosphere, add realism and depth.
This article explained different 3D lights that a lighting artist may use, for instance, spotlight, point light, ambient light, etc.
What is a 3D Lighting Artist? (A Beginner’s Guide On What They Do) (conceptartempire.com)
To become a lighting artist, they need to know how to use all these lights and also pair this information with knowledge about lighting set-ups in real world areas to create a similarly realistic to the scene to whatever they are working on.
Here is an example showing the works and process a lighting artist have done.
Lighting Showreel – Aravind Kumar – YouTube
CG Supervisor (computer graphics supervisor)
CG Supervisor is a key leader who oversees the teams at a project level, providing technical and artistic leadership across multiple projects and managing the day to day production needs. CG Supervisor may closely work with project management team, VFX supervisor, VFX producer and other producer and directors of the project, to oversee every aspect of production for an animated feature film.
CG Supervisor is responsible for managing and supervising the post production teams to create 3D content for a variety of styles and projects on schedule and budget. They have to control the quality output by the team on assigned tasks in line with budget requirements and actively provide creative or technical solutions to production challenges. Moreover, they have to attend all relevant meetings to promote effective communication to the team, etc. In a word, to be an CG Supervisor needs to take huge responsibility for a film and have to pay a lot of efforts to it. The one who wants to become a CG Supervisor should have strong leadership abilities with a desire to confidently lead, motivate develop and supervise a team.
Here is a short interview with a CG Supervisor, including what’s the role of a CG Supervisor and the problems they may face, and what would happen in the future, etc.
CG Supervisor Mike Perry interviewed by The CG Career – YouTube
CG Supervisor Showreel:
William Laban – CG Supervisor Showreel – 2021 – YouTube
Look development artist
Look development artist works with modelers and texture artists to establish the final look for a range of CG assets. They have to define the look of different 3D characters or objects under different circumstances or environments. They have to consider, when the weather changes, how the 3D character or object would look like. How would it be when the character is happy? Or how would it be when he or she is angry? They work with the modeling and texture team to balance the processes of texturing, lighting and rendering to match reference images and real footage. They have to ensure that the geometry and textures are optimum.
The qualifications that companies would appreciate are as follows:
Here is a video which includes several examples of the look development.