Video games
Visual effects and animation
Digital experiences
The technical artist is responsible for designing tools and work methods to optimize the artistic production chain of a video game or immersive experience (e.g., a virtual or augmented reality project). He or she acts as a bridge between the artists and the programming team in order to maintain a balance between artistic quality and the technical constraints of the product. Technical artists may specialize in a particular discipline (e.g., modeling, texture creation, or lighting) or support all artistic roles in a production.
Crédit: SYNTHÈSE Photo: Priss Auvray
Duties and responsibilities
Develop production processes (pipelines) and working methods to facilitate the work of artists. In some companies, this task is performed by the technical graphics director.
Develop creative tools for artists (e.g., procedural generation tools, lighting tools, animation control systems, etc.). Technical artists can adapt tools using scripts (e.g., Python or C#) or validate features developed by the programming team.
Set up a library of 3D elements (e.g., characters, textures, user interface elements) to facilitate content reuse.
If you like
Visual arts (e.g., photography, film, comics, video games, etc.)
Science and technology
Coding and technical problem solving
Sharing your knowledge and helping others
Qualities and skills
Qualities
Adaptability and versatility. Technical artists must take on several roles: artist, programmer, technician, teacher, mediator, etc.
Problem-solving skills, in order to help their team produce high-quality images while taking technical constraints into account.
Team spirit and collaboration
Common tools and software
Software
3ds Max
Blender
Houdini
Team members
Artists (animators, modelers, lighting artists, or others)
Game designers
Artistic director
Opportunities for advancement
Lead technical artist
Technical Director
Study programs
There are a few programs specializing in training technical artists:
At the college level : AEC Réalisation artistique et technique de jeux vidéo in French (Rubika)
At the undergraduate level : Certificat en arts techniques pour le jeu vidéo in French (Université du Québec à Chicoutimi - Campus Saguenay / Campus Sherbrooke)
It is also possible to combine artistic training with more technical training to develop the skills needed to practice the profession. Find out about the specific features of each school to see which one best suits your interests.
Salary
In the province of Quebec, the hourly wage for a technical artist ranges from $20 for beginners to $50.48 for experienced professionals, with a median salary of $28, according to data from the Government of Canada (2024).
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