Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Working Life

They are responsible for creating  photo real painted environments to be used as backdrops, set extensions/fix and for 2.5D/3D projections.

A full working knowledge of digital painting/compositing software such Photoshop, or similar paint package. Familiarity with Mari and Nuke. Familiarity with 3D projection techniques and 3d packages such as Maya.

To create artwork with very high levels of detail, photo realism is the expectation

Excellent artistic skills, in-depth understanding of perspective, illustration skills, image compositing and digital painting  & rendering skills.

• Will match Matte painting work to styles and guidelines laid out by Director/VFX Supe/Production designer in the plate photography and production drawing/notes.
• Produce multiple iteration concept illustration of key sets & environments to help inform the Directors creative vision.
• Do necessary research of the period, character, props and locations.
• Management and clean up of large database of source imagery.
• Will attend dailies, can interpret critical feedback and execute desired changes.
• Continuous and efficient communication across departments particularly Compositing and Lighting to ensure that all elements are up to date and in sync.
• Work in partnership with production coordinator to ensure that matte painting assets are on schedule.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Design complex graphics and animation, using independent judgment, creativity, and computer equipment.
• Create basic designs, drawings, and illustrations for product labels, cartons, direct mail, or television.
• Participate in design and production of multimedia campaigns, handling budgeting and scheduling, and assisting with such responsibilities as production coordination, background design, and progress tracking.
• Create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting objects in motion or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modeling programmes.
• Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, color, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion.
• Apply story development, directing, cinematography, and editing to animation to create storyboards that show the flow of the animation and map out key scenes and characters.
• Implement and maintain configuration control systems.
• Script, plan, and create animated narrative sequences under tight deadlines, using computer software and hand drawing techniques.
• Develop briefings, brochures, multimedia presentations, web pages, promotional products, technical illustrations, and computer artwork for use in products, technical manuals, literature, newsletters, and slide shows.
• Create and install special effects as required by the script, mixing chemicals and fabricating needed parts from wood, metal, plaster, and clay.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Matte painters, often have a degree in illustration, animation, visual effects or fine art. Ideally will have taken classes in, drawing principles, colour, compositing, lighting, photography. Matte painter is a specialised role. Experience as a CG Generalist is useful, excellent artistic skills are a requirement.

This is not an entry-level role. Previous production experience as evidenced by a show reel is necessary.

Career Path from Matte Painter: Senior Matte Painter.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: animation, creative media for production.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: animation, digital movie, art portfolio prep, animation and illustration, animation drawing studies, art and design portfolio, animation and illustration, art with animation studies, cartoon animation, cartoon animation and film production, classical and computer animation, digital creative media with animation, gaming, animation and motion graphics, multimedia, animation and games design.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Animation / CGI Artistry.

Search for Apprenticeships

For further details on eligibility requirements for third level entry following an FET qualification, students should visit CAO course search

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: animation, animation and illustration, animation, visual effects and motion design, digital animation production, augmented and virtual reality, computing and digital media, computing with games development, creative media, film and broadcasting, 3D, graphic design.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: animation, 3D, technical direction for computer animation production, visual effects, film, TV, animation, augmented reality, virtual reality development, interactive media.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

AnimationIreland.com 2022

Springboard courses animation, production management for animation, visual effects for film, TV and animation, 3D animation, screen production department skills search Springboard courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

• Animation Skillnet 
• Careers in Screen 
• Irish Film & Television Network
• AnimationIreland.com

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €50k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Salary Expert/ Glass door/ Payscale/ Indeed

Last Updated: July, 2024

Skills Gaps in the Irish Animation sector (Animation ireland June 2022). A key central issue was graduate skills in relevant animation software. Specific software requirements and competencies in pipeline and technical specifics were top of the list regarding skills gaps. While studios that produce 2D content have recently moved away from Adobe Animate (Adobe Flash) into Toon Boom Harmony packages, there are a number of studios using less common softwares such as Cel Action and Moho for their 2D content. Studios creating CGI content are largely using Autodesk Maya with some now moving towards open access softwares such as Blender. A massive 50% of Irish animation graduates are working for overseas studios (20%) or working remotely on adult animated content (30%).The remaining 20% of recent Irish animation graduates are not working in the sector.

The Skills Challenge for the Screen Sector in Ireland 2023. Despite the skills shortages there is no effective and efficient way to identify crew who are available for jobs or for crew to be able to identify what positions are available. Recruiting experienced crew is also a major issue. Notwithstanding the current skills shortages, the key message from the interviews and focus groups was that a larger production crew base will be required to meet future live action demand which is probably significantly larger than the size of the existing crew base. Key areas of focus for future skills needs include the areas of skills for sustainability and green production as well as digital and technology related skills, especially in relation to virtual production. 

Note: The following