- Training 3D Animation & FX
Clearly, the Grooming Artist works on everything to do with hair, eyebrows, beards, threads and animal fur. The aim is to give form to very fine geometries. In other words, the Grooming Artist works mainly with characters. You don't become a Grooming Artist by chance, rather like a musician; it's a deliberate choice, based on a particular interest.
The Grooming Artist works on everything to do with hair, eyebrows, beards, threads and animal fur. The aim is to give form to very fine geometries.
His skills, his knowledge
Let’s face it, you don’t become a Grooming Artist with a snap of your fingers!
To be an efficient Grooming Artist, you need to be a good generalist.
A command of geometry, modelling, rendering and lighting is desirable, even essential.
These essential disciplines are taught at ESMA throughout the four-year “Cycle Pro Cinéma d’Animation et Effets Spéciaux” in Lyon, Toulouse, Nantes and Montpellier.
From this generalist training, a pupil or student can gradually choose to specialise, to invest more particularly in this speciality of grooming, particularly during the graduation film, to make a career out of it with tools that are constantly evolving and to transcend them to make an original creation.
A keen sense of observation – “observing the world”, as ESMA professor Julien Duval puts it – is almost a prerequisite in this specific field, as are the anatomical skills that will enable you to express your talent to the full.
In the context of a specific project, it also means listening to your supervisor and having a flair for communication, as is the case in all 3D and special effects departments.
Careers, salaries and job opportunities
Salaries vary widely, of course, depending on how well known the most experienced designers are who have already proven themselves in renowned studios or as freelancers who are in high demand.
Recognised talent is an invaluable and lucrative asset when it comes to drawing up and negotiating a contract based on supply and demand.
A “junior” (beginner) grooming artist can expect a salary in the region of €1,500-€1,600, €90-€110 a day on a freelance basis, and €150 with experience.
Grooming artists are in demand in a wide range of fields, including 3D cinema, of course, but also advertising, and in all aspects of the film industry from the moment characters are created.
Most productions require grooming when characters are involved.
As your career progresses, you’ll be able to develop and diversify, and as the years go by, you’ll be able to aspire to the position of supervisor.
