Asset Lead - Full Time Position

Who we are

Crafty Apes is a full-service global visual effects company operating in Canada, UK ,US and now Australia with a roster of award-winning artists and technical supervisors known for their creative problem-solving. We’ve worked on everything from major studio blockbusters to independent films and prestige television. Crafty Apes Australia is a key part of our global network, focusing on delivering exceptional VFX work from our Sydney hub and also offer flexible remote working arrangements from Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane!

What we need

In this new role as our key Asset Lead, you're basically that person who makes 3D assets look awesome! You take concepts and turn them into super cool, technically perfect realities. This is where your creative flair meets your technical know-how. You'll be leading the way on textures and Look Dev, making sure every asset not only looks great but also zips through the pipeline smoothly, making our CG Supervisor and Production team very happy!

What you do

Leadership

• Manage, mentor, and motivate the Asset team with primary focus being on Texture and LookDev

• Conduct daily check-ins and reviews (dailies) of work in progress, providing clear, constructive feedback and direction to artists.

• Ensure the team adheres to established technical standards, naming conventions, and best practices.

• Collaborate closely with the CG Supervisor to understand the aesthetic vision and technical requirements for all assets.

• Act as the primary point of communication between the Asset team and other departments (Layout, Animation, Lighting, FX).

Asset Production and Pipeline Management

• Oversee the entire asset lifecycle, from initial conceptual design handover to final publication for downstream departments.

• Develop and implement efficient workflows and tools to optimize asset creation and iteration.

• Work with the Pipeline/TD team to troubleshoot technical issues related to assets (e.g., topology, UVs, rigging, shading network complexity, file size).

• Maintain the project's asset library, ensuring all assets are correctly versioned, published, and accessible.

• Proactively identify potential bottlenecks or risks in the asset schedule and communicate them clearly to the Production team and CG Supervisor.

Quality Control and Review

• Ensure all assets meet the required visual quality, artistic direction, and technical specifications (e.g., poly count, displacement maps, material separation).

• Perform technical and aesthetic quality assurance (QA) checks before final approval of any asset.

• Maintain consistency in look and technical specifications across all assets within a sequence or project.

What you need

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in feature film, broadcast animation, or high-end visual effects production.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a leadership role (e.g., Lead Artist, Sequence Lead, or equivalent).

• Proven expertise in asset discipline Texturing and Look Dev, with a strong foundational understanding of the others.

Skills

• Expert proficiency with industry-standard 3D software (e.g., Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter/Designer, Mari).

• Strong understanding of modern rendering principles and shading networks (e.g., Arnold, V-Ray, RenderMan).

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team management skills.

• Exceptional eye for detail, form, silhouette, and technical accuracy.

• Familiarity with production tracking software (e.g., ShotGrid).

• Basic scripting/programming knowledge (e.g., Python) is a significant advantage.

• Knowledge of scattering tools/speedtree/terragen or other world building softwares is a huge plus

Working Rights

100% remote within Australia, we are open to global applicants ( sponsorship available ) but you must be in a position to relocate for the role if you are successful. Please send your CV, reel/portfolio and clear breakdown that demonstrates your skills match our needs.