At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and maintain high-quality rigs for characters and props in exciting VFX projects.
- Company: Join Crafty Apes, a global leader in photoreal visual effects with a fun culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 100% remote work, competitive pay, and a collaborative team environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth and creativity.
- Why this job: Make your mark in the VFX industry while working on high-end projects from anywhere in the UK.
- Qualifications: 3+ years of rigging experience, expert in Maya, and strong scripting skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Crafty Apes is a high-end global visual effects company specializing in photoreal VFX. Established in 2011, Crafty Apes operates offices in Canada, the UK, the US, and Australia with employees working remotely across the globe. Our mission is to bring our clients’ visions to life through exceptional visual effects for film, episodic content, and commercials.
We are seeking a talented and technical Rigger to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity for a Mid to Senior level artist to contribute to our visual effects pipeline, building robust and efficient character and prop rigs that meet the technical and aesthetic standards of our high-end projects.
The Rigger will be responsible for creating, testing, and maintaining animation rigs for a variety of assets, including complex characters, creatures, and mechanical props. You will work closely with the Animation, Modeling, and FX departments to ensure rigs are stable, user-friendly, and capable of meeting the performance requirements of our shots.
What you would do:
- Build high-quality, efficient, and scalable rigs for characters, creatures, and hard-surface props.
- Develop and maintain rigging tools and scripts to automate and optimize the rigging process within the production pipeline.
- Collaborate closely with the Modeling and Animation teams to ensure clean topology and satisfying deformation that meets animation needs.
- Skinning and weight-painting assets to ensure fluid and natural movement.
- Actively participate in the review process, taking feedback from Supervisors and Leads to iterate on rig performance.
- Troubleshoot rigging and deformation issues during production, providing quick and effective solutions.
- Maintain organized project files and documentation, adhering to the studio’s pipeline standards.
What you need:
- 3+ years of professional experience as a Rigger in a VFX, feature film, or high-end episodic production environment.
- Expert proficiency in industry-standard software (Maya) and deep understanding of rigging toolsets.
- Strong knowledge of anatomy, skinning techniques, and cloth/muscle simulation integration.
- Proficient in scripting for pipeline automation and tool development (Python is essential; MEL is a plus).
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a collaborative, fast-paced team environment.
How to Apply:
If you are a talented Rigger looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity, we want to hear from you. Please submit your CV/Reel, detailed filmography/project list, and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and career aspirations.
Crafty Apes Australia is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status.
Rigger Mid/Senior - London employer: Crafty Apes
Crafty Apes is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, allowing talented individuals to thrive in a fully remote environment. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and collaboration, we provide opportunities for our team members to enhance their skills while contributing to high-end visual effects projects. Join us in London and be part of a dynamic team that values creativity, innovation, and fun in delivering outstanding visual experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Rigger Mid/Senior - London
✨Build a Killer Portfolio
Make sure you have a stunning online portfolio showcasing your best work. Highlight a variety of styles and create case studies for projects that explain your thought process — this will help potential clients see your versatility and creativity!
✨Tap into Design Communities
Get active in online design communities like Behance and Dribbble, or even local meetups. Engaging in conversations, sharing your work, and giving feedback can help you connect with other creatives and potential clients who might be looking for freelance designers!
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We think you need these skills to ace Rigger Mid/Senior - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio:As a freelance graphic designer, your portfolio is your biggest selling point. Make sure to showcase a diverse range of work, highlighting not just finished pieces but your design process too. Include case studies that illustrate how your designs solved problems for clients or communities!
Tailor Your CV to Shine:While CVs in graphic design might be less formal, it's crucial to effectively present your skills. Focus on including relevant software proficiencies (like Adobe Creative Suite) and any awards or recognitions you’ve received for your designs. Highlighting your adaptability and unique style can make your CV stand out!
Be Clear About Your Rates:As a freelancer, transparency is key! When applying to Crafty Apes for the Rigger Mid/Senior - London position, be upfront about your rates and what those include—like revisions or additional services. This builds trust and helps potential clients understand what they’re getting for their investment.
Craft a Personalised Cover Letter:A cover letter is your chance to connect with Crafty Apes beyond your designs. Talk about why you’re drawn to their projects and how your freelance work aligns with their vision. This personal touch can make a huge difference in standing out among other applications!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crafty Apes
✨Show Off Your Best Work
As a freelance graphic designer, your portfolio is your superpower. Make sure to curate a selection that showcases your style and versatility—think about what pieces best represent the type of projects you'd want to work on with Crafty Apes. Be prepared to discuss the ideas behind each piece and the tools you used.
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Familiarity with design software is crucial, especially programmes like Adobe Creative Suite or other tools relevant to the job. Be ready for some technical questions that may dig into your proficiency—Crafty Apes might want to know how you approach design challenges using specific software.
✨Understand the Client's Vision
Freelancing is all about collaboration, so take some time to research Crafty Apes's past design projects. Understand their branding and design language. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you can adapt your skills to align with their vision and add value to their team.
✨Pitch Your Unique Value
Freelancing means you’re selling not just your skills, but your unique perspective. When you're chatting with Crafty Apes, clearly convey what sets you apart. Tailor your pitch to illustrate how your background, skills, and experiences can benefit their projects, ensuring they see you as a valuable addition to their creative team.
