Breaking In (and Staying In) as a Lighter or Technical Artist

Breaking In (and Staying In) as a Lighter or Technical Artist

$0.00

35 Application spots left

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Breaking In (and Staying In) as a Lighter or Technical Artist

Details

APPLICATION GROUP 1
Applications Open:
7/29/25

THIS CIRCLE IS PERFECT FOR

  • Students
  • Recent Grads
  •  Lighters and Technical Artists new to the industry or between gigs

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Building a network
  • Tips on enhancing your skillset
  • Demo reel/interview tips
  • Technical artist/lighting tips
  • What it’s like to work at large studios and what they are looking for
  • Honest discussions about the industry
  • Pivoting to remain employable

WHAT NOT TO EXPECT

  • In-depth tutorials
  • Software demonstrations 

Qualification Criteria

Student (final year)
Aspiring Professional (0 yrs of experience)

Day / Time

Times Per Month:  Weekly 
Day / Time:  Monday at 6:00 PM
Timezone: PST

* You must meet the qualification criteria AND be able to attend the posted day/time of the circle (please note the timezone posted)

CIRCLE DESCRIPTION

Getting into the animation or VFX industry is one challenge—staying in is another. Whether you’re a student, a recent grad, or early in your career as a Lighter or Technical Artist, this circle is here to help you navigate both. This circle offers practical tools, honest industry insights, and community support for artists and technical artists who want to build lasting, successful careers. We’ll cover everything from polishing your application materials to understanding the production pipeline and knowing what’s expected of you once you’re in the room.

By the end of the term, you’ll:

  • Learn how to craft a strong resume and cover letter tailored to technical and creative roles.
  • Build your interview confidence, with tips on how to talk about your work clearly and effectively.
  • Understand the basics of the animation/VFX pipeline, and where lighters and technical artists fit in.
  • Explore professional expectations—what it means to be a great collaborator, problem-solver, and team member on a production.
  • Get tips for ongoing skill-building to keep your work competitive and relevant in a fast-moving field.
  • Gain strategies for networking and staying visible, especially during industry slowdowns or job transitions.
  • Connect with peers who are in the same early-career stage, and build a support network you can grow with.

This circle is ideal for early-career Lighters and Technical Artists who want to not only break into the industry—but build careers they can grow and sustain.

ADDITIONAL Application Requirements

Please submit the following as part of your Application Profile:
*(AFTER you click to apply, you must go into your member profile and complete the member-specific portion; these requirements should be submitted through that profile):  

  • Personal Statement explaining why this circle is right for you and what you would like to get out of a mentorship

Circle Leader

Jennifer King

I am a lighting and compositing artist with over eighteen years of experience in animation. I have worked at PDI/DreamWorks, Pixar, Moonbot, Spypost, Evil Eye Pictures and have made the switch recently into games at Electronic Arts.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Current Title: Lighting Artist 

Studio / Employer:  EA Games

LinkedIn Profile: LINK

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