Matte Painter Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of visual arts, the importance of matte painters has never been more emphasized.

As the entertainment industry evolves, the demand for skilled artists who can create, enhance, and protect our visual landscape heightens.

But let’s unravel the mystery: What’s truly expected from a matte painter?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker attempting to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of matte painting,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable matte painter job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Matte Painter Duties and Responsibilities

Matte Painters are responsible for creating digital paintings and textures that match the film’s aesthetic, then integrating these elements into live-action footage and CG elements.

These professionals should have a strong understanding of photography, practical and digital modelling, and design, to create believable and visually stunning environments.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Work with the art director and the production designers to understand the project’s visual requirements
• Create digital matte paintings and landscapes that match the overall look and feel of the film
• Combine 2D artistry skills with 3D geometry to create seamless integrations of the painted environment
• Modify and enhance images with digital painting and texturing tools
• Integrate matte paintings into 3D environments using camera projection techniques
• Communicate effectively with the visual effects team to ensure the seamless incorporation of matte paintings into the final product
• Utilize specialized computer graphics software such as Photoshop, Maya, and 3D Studio Max
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the latest digital painting techniques and industry trends

 

Matte Painter Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a skilled Matte Painter to create visual landscapes and backgrounds for our film and video game projects.

Matte Painter responsibilities include creating realistic digital paintings and environments that match the overall look of the film or game.

This includes incorporating live action footage, still photography, rendered CG elements and digital paint to create believable environments that will be seamlessly integrated into the film or game.

Our ideal candidates are accomplished artists with a keen eye for detail, a strong sense of scale, perspective and color, and a strong knowledge of film and game production processes.

 

Responsibilities

• Create realistic digital paintings and environments
• Collaborate closely with directors, VFX supervisors, and art directors to understand project vision
• Combine skills in painting and 3D animation with knowledge of design, photography, and digital modeling to create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images for film
• Work closely with the visual effects team to incorporate matte paintings into visual effects shots
• Ensure that the created environments are accurate and consistent
• Develop new techniques and methods to improve the quality of artwork
• Stay updated with the latest painting techniques, industry best practices and emerging technologies

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Matte Painter in a film, TV or video game production environment
• Strong skills in painting, drawing and design, with a good eye for light, shadow and color
• Experience with digital painting techniques using Photoshop or equivalent
• Familiarity with 3D modeling and animation software such as Maya, Cinema 4D or similar
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure
• Bachelor’s degree in Art, Animation, Design, Film Studies, or a related field is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Matte Painter
• Work Environment: Studio or home office environment. Occasional travel may be required for project meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Art Director or Project Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, portfolio of work, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Matte Painter Do?

A Matte Painter is a specialized type of visual artist who creates digital paintings that are used as backgrounds or sets in film, television, and video games.

They create realistic, detailed images that seamlessly blend with live-action footage or integrate with fully computer-generated environments.

This requires a deep understanding of light, color, and perspective.

Matte Painters often work closely with other artists and technical directors to ensure the final image matches the art director’s vision and effectively supports the story.

They utilize digital tools such as Adobe Photoshop, After Effects and 3D software like Maya and Cinema 4D to create their work.

A large part of their role involves creating concept sketches to pitch ideas and communicate the mood, setting, and style of the scene.

Matte Painters need to stay up-to-date with the latest digital art techniques and software advancements to keep their skills current and increase the realism and effectiveness of their work.

They often work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and their work is integral to the visual storytelling process.

 

Matte Painter Qualifications and Skills

A proficient matte painter should possess the skills and qualifications that are compatible with your job requirements, such as:

• Profound understanding of lighting, perspective, and colour in digital paintings to create realistic and visually appealing backgrounds
• Technical proficiency in software like Photoshop, Maya, 3D Studio Max, and other graphic and 3D software to design and create matte paintings
• Strong visual and spatial awareness to integrate 2D, 3D and live-action elements in seamless environments
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with directors, visual effects supervisors, and other team members
• Creativity and imagination to conceptualize and transform ideas into visually stunning scenes
• Good attention to detail to ensure consistency and accuracy of the created environments in relation to the overall film aesthetics
• Problem-solving skills to overcome artistic and technical challenges during the project
• Ability to work under pressure and meet production deadlines while maintaining the quality of the matte painting

 

Matte Painter Experience Requirements

Matte painters typically begin their career with a bachelor’s degree in visual effects, film, animation, or a related field, where they get to understand the fundamentals of visual arts and digital software.

For entry-level positions, candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often obtained through internships or part-time roles in the visual effects or animation industry.

These individuals may have worked in roles such as a junior matte painter, 3D artist, or texture artist.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a solid foundation of matte painting techniques and have gained proficiency in software such as Photoshop, Maya, 3D Studio Max, and Nuke.

They have generally developed their skills through positions like digital matte painter, concept artist, or senior 3D artist.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are typically considered senior matte painters.

They often have extensive experience in creating photorealistic paintings and environments, and they may have leadership experience, ready to supervise a team or a project.

Some studios may require their senior hires to have experience with advanced techniques like 3D projection and camera mapping.

 

Matte Painter Education and Training Requirements

Matte Painters typically have a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, graphic design, digital media or a related field.

They need strong skills in software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and 3D programs like Maya or Cinema 4D.

Proficiency in other digital painting and sculpting tools such as ZBrush and Mari are also beneficial.

A strong foundation in traditional art skills such as drawing, painting and color theory is crucial for this role, along with a deep understanding of perspective, light, and shadow.

Many matte painters also opt for additional training in specific areas like visual effects or animation, often leading to advanced degrees or certifications.

Having a diverse portfolio that showcases a range of styles and techniques is often more important than formal education in this field.

Internships and industry experience are also highly valued, as they provide practical skills and understanding of film and television production processes.

Continuing education and staying updated with industry trends and new software is important for advancing in the field of matte painting.

 

Matte Painter Salary Expectations

A Matte Painter can expect to earn an average salary of $75,000 (USD) per year.

However, the salary range can greatly vary depending on the artist’s level of experience, the complexity of the projects undertaken, and the location.

 

Matte Painter Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Matte Painter need?

Matte Painters require a mix of artistic and technical skills.

They need a strong understanding of light, color, and composition, as well as proficient knowledge in digital painting and photo manipulation.

Familiarity with 3D modeling, texturing, and lighting is also beneficial.

Additionally, they should be comfortable with software like Photoshop, Maya, and Nuke.

 

Do Matte Painters need a degree?

While a degree is not strictly necessary, many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, digital arts, or a related field.

However, a strong portfolio showcasing a candidate’s skills and creativity can sometimes compensate for a lack of formal education.

 

What should you look for in a Matte Painter’s resume?

In a Matte Painter’s resume, look for a strong portfolio showing a range of skills, including digital painting, 3D modeling, and photo manipulation.

Also, pay attention to their knowledge and experience with software like Photoshop, Maya, and Nuke.

Previous experience in the film or gaming industry can be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Matte Painter?

A good Matte Painter is both artistically talented and technically proficient.

They should be able to create realistic and stylized environments that blend seamlessly with live-action footage.

They should also have a keen eye for detail, be able to work under tight deadlines, and be adept at problem-solving.

Strong communication and teamwork skills are important as well, as Matte Painters often collaborate with other professionals such as directors, animators, and visual effects supervisors.

 

What are the daily duties of a Matte Painter?

On a typical day, a Matte Painter might start by meeting with the director or visual effects supervisor to discuss the day’s tasks.

They would then work on creating or modifying matte paintings based on the project’s needs, using digital painting techniques, 3D modeling, and photo manipulation.

They might also collaborate with animators and other visual effects artists to ensure the matte paintings fit seamlessly into the overall scene.

Finally, they would present their work to the director or supervisor for feedback and make any necessary adjustments.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the mystery of what it truly means to be a matte painter.

And guess what?

It’s not just about wielding a brush.

It’s about crafting immersive worlds, one meticulous stroke at a time.

With our handy matte painter job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your move.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating fine-tuned job listings or perfecting your portfolio to impeccable standards.

Remember:

Every brushstroke is a part of the grand canvas.

Let’s paint that reality. Together.

How to Become a Matte Painter (Complete Guide)

The Peak of the Profession: The Most Prestigious Jobs in the World

Crazy Careers: The Weirdest Jobs That Actually Pay Bills

Not for Robots: Careers Where Only Humans Excel

Get Hired Now: In-Demand Careers with Growing Opportunities