Digital matte painter

What does a Matte painter do?

• Works closely with the Film Art Director and camera operators
• Develops concept art for approval
• Approved concept art is used as background plate for further digital work
• Photoshop is used to digitally create landscapes, sets, or location
• Creates extensive 2D and 3D scenes using software like Maya

A digital matte artist, or digital matte painter (DMP), is today's modern form of a traditional matte painter in the entertainment industry. He or she digitally paints photo-realistic interior and exterior environments that could not have been otherwise created or visited.

Skills needed...

• Artistic abilities in drawing, sculpting and painting 
• Computer skills (Photoshop, 3D software)
• Rendering skills
• Ability to visualize a conceptual design
• Teamwork abilities

To become a matte painter...

• Graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts
• Start as a concept studio artist
• Master skills in Photoshop, Coral Painter and  Illustrator
• Master skills in 3D software programs 
• Develop a portfolio of traditional and digital artwork

Mathieu Raynault

Mathieu Raynault

• Canadian born matte painter for 20 years
• Graduated with a Bachelors in Architecture Design
• Films include: Lord of the Rings, The Matrix, Star Wars
• Has won 5 Academy Awards for his work

A digital matte painter works in a very high tech computer environment.

Digital Matte Painter Salary

• The salary range is $63,336 to $135,000
• The beginning salary is $63,336
• The average salary is $109,995
• The median range salary is $119,995

Salary Scale

Professional organizations

• The Society for Imaging Science and Technology
• AIGA, The Professional Association for Design
• Society for Experiential Graphic Design 
• National Association of Photoshop Professionals
• Graphic Artists Guild 

The goal of digital matte painting is to achieve photorealistic quality backdrops using 2-D digital images and 3-D computer animation.