CGI Artist

Summary Description

TOPPAN Packaging Americas specializes in sustainable, high-performance flexible and thermoformed packaging solutions. As a division of TOPPAN Packaging Americas - Trident, we create digital packaging assets for leading brands. Our team focuses on preparing packaging artworks for mass print production, utilizing advanced technology to enhance product safety, visibility, and environmental sustainability.

About the role

The Senior Artist CGI is responsible for producing CGI assets (static and animated) to customer specification. This role requires a strong understanding of CGI modeling workflow, photo-realistic materials creation, UV mapping, and industry-standard software proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Performs pre-flight checks on received artwork and CGI deliverables.
• Converts artwork files into CGI textures with accurate digital color matching within accepted tolerance.
• Builds complex static CGI product packaging masters across all structural types at an advanced level.
• Creates accurate hard and organic surface models utilizing a range of references (physical samples, CAD data, 3D scan data).
• Creates material textures to achieve photorealistic representations of substrates in CGI.
• Creates photorealistic lighting within the CGI software to enhance the look and feel of a CGI asset (highlights & shadows).
• Retouches images when client approval/costs are agreed.
• Buils complex moving/animated CGI assets at an advanced level.
• Uses the 3D Scanner to produce highly detailed scans for modelling/retopology.
• Guides, advises, and mentors less experienced members of the team.
• Advocates CGI standard working practices across the team.
• Identifies and discusses issues with relevant team members.
• Represents the CGI production team in the planning of projects.
• Interacts with the CGI Production Lead to escalate issues.
• Seeks ways to optimize processes to improve quality and delivery.
• Promotes best practice and continuous improvement within the team.
• Leads and supports with production initiatives.
• Participates in root cause and corrective action investigations.
• Delivers customer demonstrations.
• Participates in client meetings.
• Contacts interact across teams with multiple disciplines at all levels, collaborating on projects, making recommendations to influence change, giving guidance using their knowledge and expertise.
• External client interaction in support of our Client Service team.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of CGI modeling workflow and geometry.
• Strong understanding of creating photo realistic materials (bump maps, displacement maps & normal maps).
• Strong understanding of UV Mapping.
• Strong working knowledge of industry-standard CGI software including 3DS Max, Modo, VRay.
• Strong working knowledge of industry-standard artwork production software including Illustrator & Photoshop.
• Experience with post-production software such as After Effects, Nuke & Real Flow.
• Experience in delivering rendered assets utilizing CGI software only (no post production).
• Excellent creativity skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent understanding of composition, photo realism, colour, texture and lighting.
• A good understanding of photography.
• Excellent communication skills particularly listening, verbal and written.
• Ability to build relationships at all levels.
• Team working skills.
• Ability to plan, prioritize and organize.
• Time Management skills to respond to a dynamic work environment.
• Proactive problem solving.
• Decision-making skills.
• Higher Education Qualification in CGI Discipline (e.g BA Games Design).

Qualifications

• Education: Higher Education Qualification in CGI Discipline (e.g BA Games Design).
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in CGI production.
• Software Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of industry-standard CGI software including 3DS Max, Modo, VRay; industry-standard artwork production software including Illustrator & Photoshop; experience with post-production software such as After Effects, Nuke & Real Flow.
• Technical Skills: Strong understanding of CGI modeling workflow, photo-realistic materials creation, UV mapping.
• Soft Skills: Excellent creativity skills and attention to detail; excellent understanding of composition, photo realism, colour, texture and lighting; excellent communication skills particularly listening, verbal and written; ability to build relationships at all levels; team working skills; ability to plan, prioritize and organize; time management skills to respond to a dynamic work environment; proactive problem solving; decision-making skills.

Skills

• Understanding of CGI modeling workflow and geometry.
• Understanding of creating photo realistic materials (bump maps, displacement maps & normal maps).
• Understanding of UV Mapping.
• Working knowledge of industry-standard CGI software including 3DS Max, Modo, VRay.
• Working knowledge of industry-standard artwork production software including Illustrator & Photoshop.
• Experience with post-production software such as After Effects, Nuke & Real Flow.
• Experience in delivering rendered assets utilizing CGI software only (no post production).
• Creativity skills and attention to detail.
• Understanding of composition, photo realism, colour, texture and lighting.
• Communication skills particularly listening, verbal and written.
• Relationship building skills.
• Team working skills.
• Planning and organizing skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Decision-making skills.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall wellbeing. This includes competitive pay, robust benefits, and programs that help you thrive both personally and professionally. Specific benefits and wellbeing programs may vary based on your work location, employment classification, or collective bargaining agreement.

Pay

Competitive pay is offered based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

This is a HYBRID position located out of Cincinnati OH Office. Some requirements for flexibility in hours to meet our client and business needs.

Company Information

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to contribute to their fullest potential. We also provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment processes.