Set Extension Artist

Disney Animation’s Set Extension Artists use their knowledge of CG tools and strong painting skills to seamlessly extend digital environments in a 3D World. Learn more about our filmmaking process here.

We currently have opportunities for Set Extension Artists to join our Burbank, California Studio starting in April 2026.

To apply for this position, you must upload a resume and a reel with a shot breakdown, featuring samples of stylized digital matte painting (Set Extensions) and samples of shots done as a generalist. Samples of traditional painting are a plus. Please note, stylized matte paintings and shots should be of priority on your reel, even if they’re personal work showcasing your versatility and personal artistic sensibilities.

Responsibilities

• Organically execute art directed dimensional, pre-lit, view-dependent artwork seamlessly integrated with fully CG environments
• Work with the Environment Team and Production Designers to extend the environments digitally to match the stylized art direction of the film
• Create appealing backgrounds, landscapes, and environments in a 3D world using digital rendering and painting programs such as Maya, Photoshop, Nuke, Houdini, Clarisse, etc. as well as GI rendering and Disney’s proprietary software
• Extrapolate art direction such as design, architectural style, lighting, and graphics which adhere to the Production Designer’s overall vision
• Support the technical aspects of the workflow by proactively troubleshooting solutions in collaboration with other technical departments
• Supportively and thoughtfully collaborate with the Art, Layout, Modeling, Look Development, and Lighting teams, demonstrating a generalist skillset that utilizes a variety of techniques to achieve the final vision of the shot and overall film
• Interpret concept art and color keys into stylized yet believable final imagery
• Design environments for shots that are extrapolated from more generalized concept art
• Setup entire shot extensions from scratch
• Leverage your artistic sensibilities to deliver finished high-quality, appealing digital paintings using techniques such as composition, value structure, color theory, perspective, lighting, atmospherics, real world lighting, and material response
• Translate the essence of concept art, narrative ideation, and other reference materials provided by the Art Department, understanding the heart and intention of the concept as well as what aspects are important and where there is room to change/plus the work
• Light self-generated 3D assets as well as existing show assets using Dlight, Maya, and Hyperion
• Create fully-realized high resolution HDR digital matte paintings
• Create fully composited set extensions in Nuke utilizing 3D projections, creative compositing, post production motion blur and DOF
• Take art direction from various sources and collaborate with multiple departments to achieve the final shot with an open and professional demeanor
• Further the department’s 2d & 3d skillsets by exploring and establishing new approaches and risk failure responsibly
• Modeling as needed, especially complex terrain generation
• Texture and shader generation as needed

Requirements

• Professional experience required, stylized feature animation experience preferred
• High skill level in painting, composition, perspective, and color theory
• Extensive Knowledge of a 2.5D workflow with multiple projection cameras
• Extensive knowledge of both 2D and 3D workflows and thought processes with a willingness to learn new workflows
• Extensive knowledge of Mac OSX and Linux as well as programs such as Photoshop, Maya, Nuke, and various renderers
• Ability to work iteratively in a fluid and fast-paced environment, take direction easily, and willingness to participate as a member of a highly collaborative team
• Ideal candidates possess secondary craft skills or come from a generalist background
• Extensive knowledge of real-world lighting and materials
• Preferable background in tradition drawing and painting
• Extensive understanding of shot and painting composition, with preferable knowledge of cinematography
• Solid understanding of photography and its terminologies, with the ability to integrate separate photos into a cohesive final image
• Ability to solve complex problems with creativity and innovation
• Bachelor's degree or comparable experience

The pay rate for this role in Burbank, California is $60.69 to $71.68 per hour, which follows the pay scale agreed upon in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The base pay actually offered may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits