Animation
Lighting artist (Animation)
Also known as: Lighting technician
What does a lighting artist do?
Lighting artists light the scenes in an animation. Just as in live-action production, there is a director of photography and gaffer who decide what lights to use and where to place them, so there is a lighting artist in a computer-generated (CG) animation. The difference with an animation is that the lights are created through software and the lighting artist has complete control of what the effects will be.
Lighting artists use light to enhance the atmosphere, tone, depth and mood of a scene. They input different light effects depending on the factors in a frame or scene, such as the weather or the time of day. They make it clear where the light sources are meant to be in a scene.
There’s a technical side to digital animation lighting, which is sometimes done by lighting artists or by lighting technical directors (TDs), depending on the type of studio. Lighting artists light images in such a way that they are easy for the computers to render. They work to create colour keys, which are guides that indicate a range of colour hues in a scene. They use the shader settings to create effects like reflections and the appearance of wet surfaces.
Lighting artists are employed by animation companies or studios, advertisement agencies or graphic or web design companies. Otherwise, they may work as freelancers.
Watch and read
- Pixar in a box: the art of lighting
- So You Wanna Be a 3D Lighting Artist?
- Disney Animation: Lighting
What's a lighting artist good at?
- Art: understanding of colour theory, perspective and design theory, have a strong sense of light and shadow
- Understanding lighting: know the scientific principles behind lighting, have a strong knowledge of lighting techniques and materials
- Problem-solving: overcome obstacles, use computer technology to find new ways to achieve a creative vision
- Working to deadlines: work within given timeframes, be able to complete work under pressure and deliver on schedule
- Knowledge of relevant programs: be adept at using compositing programs and digital paint software
Tools of the trade
These are some of the tools used by professionals
- Image editing software: Adobe Photoshop
- 3D lighting software: V-Ray, Arnold, Redshift and Renderman
- 2D compositing software: After Effects, Blackmagic Fusion and Nuke
You can learn how to use light using free software such as Blender. Go to build your animation portfolio for a list of what’s available.
Who does a lighting artist work with?
Lighting artists work to the vision of the director. Sometimes they work with the art director to consider the effects of different styles of lighting. Lighting artists’ work is reviewed by the visual effects (VFX) supervisor. It’s then passed onto compositors.
How do I become a lighting artist?
Lighting artist job listings often specify the level of seniority of the role, from junior to mid to senior to lead. Of course, for your first job role as a lighting artist, it’s best to apply for junior positions. These require less experience in the role but may still ask for some. Typically, it’s useful to have a portfolio of your digital work visible online that you can use to demonstrate your ability to employers. Getting a degree in an animation subject can help you to learn skills and produce a portfolio, as well as give you other valuable experience, particularly in using CG animation software.
At school or college:
An ideal background to this role is the combination of drawing skills with science. If you can take A-levels or Highers in maths, computer science, biology or physics and add art or art and design to the mix, it’s ideal. Or you might want to take a level 3 vocational qualification in those subjects. Look at what your local college offers such as:
- OCR Technical Diploma in Digital Media (Moving Image and Audio Production)
- UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma/Extended Diploma in Performing Arts
- BTEC National Diploma/Extended Diploma in Performing Arts
- T level Media, Broadcast and Production
- T level Digital Software Development
Get an apprenticeship:
An apprenticeship is a job with training, so it’s a great opportunity to earn as you learn. See if you can find an apprenticeship as a junior 2D artist, junior 3D artist, VFX artist or assistant technical director. Even if you can’t find a role in animation, if you keep up your passion for the industry, you might be able to transfer your skills into animation at a later point. Check out What’s an apprenticeship? to learn more about apprenticeships and Find an apprenticeship to learn how to find one in your region, or approach companies directly.
Get a degree:
There are a variety of degree courses that are helpful towards becoming a lighting artist. Animation or computer animation degrees are likely to be the most specifically applicable to the work. However, computer science, IT, maths, art, photography or graphic design can all inform the work you do as a lighting artist. Have a look at ScreenSkills’ list of recommended courses and select one in animation. We recognise courses with our ScreenSkills Select award where they offer training in the relevant software, dedicated time to building a portfolio and have strong links with the animation industry.
Build a portfolio:
Learn animation and video editing software and start creating work that you can show to admissions tutors or employers. Create your own short film or films. Building a portfolio is essential. Go to Build your animation portfolio to learn how.
Take a short course:
Hone your skills in CG lighting effects by taking a specialist course. Go to the list of training courses recommended by ScreenSkills and see if there is one in animation.
Search for jobs:
Research animation companies that you’d like to work for. Animation UK has a directory of animation companies. Go to their websites and check if they are advertising for junior lighting artist roles. You can also send in a speculative CV and ask employers to keep it on file so they can consider you if any suitable jobs come up. Search job websites for lighting artist roles and apply for positions.
Meet people in the industry:
Go to ScreenSkills’ events, follow your local film office and get to know people in the animation industry by attending events. Meet industry professionals and ask them questions about their work, while demonstrating interest and knowledge in the industry. Offer to provide them with your professional contact details and try to stay in touch with them. Go to how to network well to learn how to do this.
Network online:
Create a LinkedIn profile. See if there’s a Facebook page or other social media group for people making films or videos in your area. Join it and take part. Create a ScreenSkills profile.
Explore ScreenSkills Resources:
ScreenSkills careers information:
The your career hub has a wealth of resources designed to help you start or progress your career.
ScreenSkills e-learning:
ScreenSkills has a suite of free e-learning modules for those who are over 18 which can improve your knowledge. The ScreenSkills Passport modules also prepare you as they are essential for some production roles. Some modules are available for those under 18. For anyone wanting advice about first steps, the Getting into the screen industries modules are very useful.
ScreenSkills skills checklists:
If you would like more detail about the tasks, responsibilities and skills required for many key roles in film and TV drama, children’s TV and unscripted TV you can look at our skills checklists.
You might also be interested in...
Being a lightening technical director (TD), visual effects (VFX) artist for a VFX company.
