Black Kite Studios hiring Lead CG Artist, London

Thank you for providing the foundational ethos and requirements for Black Kite Studios . To attract the “world-class talent” you seek, the following job description has been expanded into a comprehensive professional document. It balances the rebellious, rule-breaking spirit of Black Kite with the structured corporate clarity required for a leadership position.

At Black Kite Studios , we are redefining the future of visual storytelling. We are seeking a visionary Lead CG Artist to join our London collective. In this role, you will blend rule-breaking creativity with world-class technology, mentoring top talent and delivering extraordinary cinematic content that resonates with global audiences.

Job Overview: Lead CG Artist

Details

Black Kite Studios

Lead CG Artist

CG / VFX Production

London (Hybrid Options Available)

Full-time

£75,000 – £105,000 (Commensurate with portfolio & leadership experience)

Houdini, Maya, Arnold, Nuke

Head of CG / VFX Supervisor

Our Manifesto: We Are Black Kite Studios

Black Kite Studios is not just a studio; we are the future of visual narrative . Black Kite is an independent creative powerhouse offering world-class visual effects and design. Born from a desire to do things differently, we are a talent-first, technology-inspired collective.

Our community is a sanctuary for the extraordinary—a group of artists, designers, and technologists who believe that “good enough” is the enemy of the exceptional. We don’t just follow the industry standard; we set it. We are a studio with a heart, a culture built on the belief that great work should be accessible, sustainable, and, above all, rule-breaking. At Black Kite, you aren’t just an employee; you are a Culture Influencer .

The Role: Lead CG Artist

As the Lead CG Artist , you are the bridge between imaginative concepts and technical reality. You are responsible for delivering creative excellence from the initial pitch through to the final frame. This is a high-impact leadership role that requires a rare blend of “blue-sky” creative thinking and “in-the-trenches” technical mastery.

You will provide the technical roadmap and creative inspiration for our CG team, working across a diverse slate of high-end VFX projects—ranging from award-winning commercials to cinematic TV and film. You are the guardian of the Black Kite aesthetic, ensuring that every project leaving our doors lives long in the memory of the audience.

Detailed Core Responsibilities as Lead CG Artist

A. Creative & Technical Leadership

• Project Architecture: Collaborate closely with VFX Supervisors to architect creative and technical solutions for complex CG requirements. You will determine the most efficient and visually stunning path to realization.
• Execution of Excellence: Produce “Outstanding” creative work yourself, setting the benchmark for the rest of the team to follow.
• Team Orchestration: Lead and inspire a team of CG artists, managing workflows, assigning tasks based on individual strengths, and ensuring a cohesive visual language across the pipeline.
• Feedback Loop: Deliver client and supervisor feedback to the team with clarity and constructive intent, fostering an environment where artists feel supported rather than scrutinized.

B. Production & Client Engagement

• Pitching & Bidding: Partner with the Production team to provide technical breakdowns for upcoming projects. Your expertise will be vital in winning new business and establishing trust with high-profile clients.
• Relationship Management: Act as a technical touchpoint for clients, explaining complex CG processes in accessible ways and building long-term creative partnerships.
• Budget & Timeline Integrity: Take ownership of your department’s milestones, ensuring that the “extraordinary” is delivered on time and within the financial parameters of the project.

C. Mentorship & Professional Development

• Talent Incubation: Support and mentor junior and mid-level talent. You are responsible for the “Personal Progression Plans” of your team members, helping them grow as you grow.
• Culture Stewardship: Promote a culture of innovation where trying new things is encouraged. You will be a Brand Ambassador for Black Kite, representing our values at industry events, awards shows, and recruitment fairs.

D. Pipeline Evolution

• Workflow Innovation: Contribute to the ongoing evolution of the Black Kite CG pipeline. Whether it’s implementing new USD workflows or exploring AI-assisted tools, you are at the forefront of our technological advancement.
• Problem Solving: Act as the final line of defense for troubleshooting complex technical hurdles within Maya, Houdini, or Arnold.

Why You? (Candidate Profile)

Black Kite Studios is looking for a “Kite”—someone who is super talented, smart, and possesses a “can-do” attitude that is infectious.

Technical Requirements:

• Proven Track Record: You have extensive experience delivering top-tier VFX work across commercials, television, or feature films.

• Leadership Experience: You have previously held a “Lead” or “Senior” position where you successfully managed a team of artists through the full project lifecycle.

• Software Mastery: You possess deep production knowledge of Houdini and/or Maya , paired with industry-standard renderers like Arnold .

• Compositing Literacy: You understand the 2D side of the coin, with a solid working knowledge of Nuke to ensure CG passes are optimized for the comp team.

• Bonus Points: Scripting or programming knowledge (Python, VEX, C++) is a significant advantage.

Soft Skills:

• The Problem Solver: You don’t just spot fires; you put them out and figure out how to stop them from starting again.

• The Communicator: You can articulate a creative vision to an artist and a technical constraint to a producer with equal ease.

• The Ambition: You are driven to be the best in the world at what you do. You are never “finished” learning.

Why Us? (The Black Kite Promise)

What It Means For You

We don’t believe in “burn and turn.” We build personal progression plans to ensure your career has no ceiling.

Our studio is built around people, not just machines. We treat everyone with fairness, ethics, and deep respect.

We are committed to taking care of the planet. We don’t just talk about sustainability; we integrate it into our studio model.

We encourage rule-breaking. If there is a better, wilder way to do something, we want you to find it.

You are joining a family. We celebrate together, troubleshoot together, and win together.

Compensation & Wellness

Black Kite Studios believes in rewarding the people who make our success possible. Our compensation package is designed to support a high standard of living and long-term security.

• Salary: Competitive London weighting with annual reviews.

• Hybrid Working: A flexible approach to work-life balance, allowing for a blend of our inspiring London studio space and home focused-time.

• Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive health insurance, mental health support, and wellness initiatives.

• Pension: Generous employer-contributed pension scheme.

• Community Events: Frequent social gatherings, industry screenings, and a “fun-while-doing-it” atmosphere.

Commitment to Diversity

Black Kite Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer . We are committed to a policy of inclusivity regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, race, religion, or gender identity. We believe that a diverse team leads to diverse ideas, which is the cornerstone of exceptional creative work. If you require any specific accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know.

How to Apply

Are you ready for the Black Kite Studios adventure? If you are a visionary Lead CG Artist who wants to work in an environment where your voice is heard and your work is celebrated, we want to meet you.

Required for Application:

1. Showreel: Highlighting your best work and clearly stating your role in each shot.

2. CV/Resume: Outlining your leadership experience and technical stack.

3. A Note on Culture: Briefly tell us why you want to be a “Culture Influencer” at Black Kite.

Apply via Black Kite Studios careers portal or send your portfolio to our recruitment team.

BLACK KITE: Talent First. Technology Inspired. The Extraordinary Awaits.