At a Glance
- Tasks: Create stunning crowd simulations for high-end visual effects in film and episodic productions.
- Company: Goodbye Kansas, a global studio known for innovation and creativity.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid work model, supportive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with a focus on work-life balance and career progression.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and bring imagination to life with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 2+ years as a Crowd or FX Artist, strong Houdini knowledge, and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Europe (Hybrid) Type: Freelance
About Us
Since 2014, we’ve been bringing imagination to life through world-class technology and extraordinary talent. As a global studio spanning Scanning, Mocap, VFX and Animation, our employees are part of shaping what’s next.
The Role
We are seeking a highly skilled and technically driven Crowd FX Artist to create large-scale, photo‑real crowd simulations for world-class visual effects productions. You will be responsible for building and executing complex agent and simulation systems that integrate seamlessly with live‑action footage, delivering results that are both technically robust and visually convincing. This role sits at the intersection of technical problem‑solving and creative artistry. You'll work closely with Animation, Layout, Lighting and Compositing teams to bring ambitious sequences to life at scale, contributing your expertise across all stages of production from agent setup through to final shot delivery.
What You’ll Do
- Design and execute large‑scale crowd simulation systems delivering believable, dynamic and diverse results that integrate convincingly with live‑action footage
- Build and configure agent setups for non‑standard creature types, ensuring natural and varied movement at scale
- Convert assets to crowd agents within the GBK pipeline, running and iterating simulations across a range of complex shot contexts
- Collaborate closely with Animation, Layout, Lighting and Compositing to ensure seamless integration with plate photography
- Simulate realistic herd and stampede‑style behaviours, including terrain interaction, collision avoidance and dynamic variation across large agent counts
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues around crowd behaviours, cache delivery and agent‑level errors
- Optimise rigs, agents and simulation systems for performance and stability at scale
- Carry out rigorous quality checks before shot delivery
- Communicate clearly with supervisors and production on progress, priorities and any risks to deadlines
What You Bring
- 2+ years of experience as a Crowd or FX Artist on high‑end VFX, film or episodic productions
- Strong working knowledge of Houdini Crowds
- Experience simulating organic, animal or creature‑based crowds rather than just bipedal human agents
- Solid understanding of CG production pipelines and how crowd work integrates with animation, lighting and compositing
- Rigging and animation experience beneficial – particularly for quadruped or non‑standard agent setups
- Experience with Mocap retargeting in Maya or MotionBuilder a plus
- Strong understanding of naturalistic movement, herd dynamics and physically believable simulation behaviour
- Python scripting knowledge a plus
- Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills
- Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, live‑action VFX environment
Why Join Us?
At Goodbye Kansas, we strive to cultivate an inclusive company culture that celebrates the passion and talent of our employees. We believe that creative excellence thrives when supported by strong values, mutual respect, and a vibrant workplace environment. We have a strong emphasis on work‑life balance and employee well‑being. We offer a hybrid working model with full flexibility – work from home, the office, or a mix of both. We do however encourage office presence to help foster a collaborative atmosphere with team members and colleagues. We’re proud of our supportive and friendly atmosphere. We value knowledge‑sharing, teamwork, and curiosity – whether you’re on‑site or remote. You’ll have access to industry‑leading pipeline, software, tools, and workflows, along with opportunities to join workshops, attend training, and work on a wide range of ambitious projects. We encourage internal mobility and career progression, giving you the chance to take on new challenges and expand your role over time.
Goodbye Kansas Studios is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Crowd FX Artist Shots3D · London, Stockholm · employer: Goodbye Kansas
Goodbye Kansas Studios is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive culture, where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a strong emphasis on work-life balance and flexible hybrid working arrangements, employees enjoy the freedom to work from home or in the office while engaging in meaningful projects. The company prioritises employee growth through access to industry-leading tools, training opportunities, and a supportive atmosphere that encourages knowledge-sharing and career progression.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Crowd FX Artist Shots3D · London, Stockholm ·
✨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!
✨Leverage Social Media
Show off your designs on platforms like Instagram and Twitter! Use relevant hashtags and engage with other graphic designers and brands. This could lead to opportunities where businesses discover you through your posts and reach out for projects.
✨Network Like a Pro
Don't underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. Let friends, family, and previous clients know you're available for freelance work. Sometimes the best gigs come from referrals, so make sure to get your name out there — you never know who might need a designer like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Crowd FX Artist Shots3D · London, Stockholm ·
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 Goodbye Kansas for the Crowd FX Artist Shots3D · London, Stockholm · 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 Goodbye Kansas 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 Goodbye Kansas
✨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 Goodbye Kansas. 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—Goodbye Kansas 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 Goodbye Kansas'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 Goodbye Kansas, 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.
