What does a digital matte painting (DMP) artist do?
A digital matte painter paints believable, photo-realistic environments and backdrops (interiors and exteriors) on a computer that seamlessly replaces live-action elements and/or improves existing live-action footage for films and TV series. They can also paint backgrounds for video games and game cinematics. Matte painters work with several types of content: live-action footage, digital still photography, CG elements, and digital painting software.
Digital matte painter job description
Digital matte painting is a cross-disciplinary role that straddles the border of 2D and 3D and requires an understanding of working in both mediums. DMP artists will work closely with the CG environment artists with a strong commitment to teamwork and technical level.
Role and responsibilities of a DMP artist in film and games:
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Create digital paintings of photo-realistic environments based on concept art and/or photo reference
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Understand all aspects of digi-matte workflow and know how to combine 2D and 3D elements
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Experience working with shoot data; including photographic and reference data, HDRIs, and photogrammetry
- Setup, image re-projection, and apply atmospherics and light effects.
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Assist with and develop the look of a shot/sequence in liaison with the supervision team
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Work in partnership with CG environment artists and compositors to ensure shots are delivered to the very highest standard
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Seek out and build photographic reference material
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Continue to become familiar with new tools, software, data, and other related technology
Skills required to become a digital matte painter for film and games
Along with being able to paint realistic backgrounds and environments, digital matte painters must have at least a basic knowledge of modeling, layout, lighting, rendering, and compositing, as well as a strong understanding of all facets of CG production including color theory and LUT. A strong understanding and sympathy for real-world materials and lighting are essential.
Film and game companies may look for the following skills in a DMP artist:
- Strong knowledge of matte painting techniques including color space, digital paint techniques, and Photoshop file management (be it file format, bit-depth resolution, or appropriate layering of elements)
- Demonstrable experience integrating matte paintings into 3D environments using Maya and/or Nuke
- Possess a strong understanding of light, color, and perspective
- Possess excellent artistic communication skills, as well as an excellent eye for detail
- Flexibility to produce concept art from scratch
- Solid knowledge and understanding of visual effects pipelines, production, and implementation
- Good knowledge and ability with perspective, color, and value matching
- Good knowledge of camera focal lengths and composition
- Knowledge of film resolution and aspect ratios
- A good understanding of 2D and 3D workflows within a feature film environment
- Business Systems Experience
- Expert working knowledge of Photoshop
What software and tools do DMP artists use?
Digital matte painters work with a selection or combination of 2D and 3D software, primarily working in Adobe Photoshop or similar.
Digital matte painters may need knowledge of a combination of the following software:
- Adobe Photoshop
- Nuke
- Zbrush
- Maya
- Vue
- Terragen
- Mudbox
- Renderman
- 3D Studio Max
How much does a DMP artist make?
The average wage of a DMP artist is about USD 67,528 for a junior position to upwards of USD 93,342 for a senior position. (Source: Glassdoor)
