The matte painter creates the sets and environments that are essential to cinema and video games
The role of the matte painter
Matte painting is a little-known profession among the general public! And yet, a certain Norman Dawan was already using this technique in photography in 1905. It was one of the first special effects techniques.
In the past, the matte painter painted scenery on large sheets of glass, which were then placed between the camera and the actors. One of the last “hand-made” matte paintings dates from the film Titanic (1997).
Today, this technique has been superseded by computer tools and 3D modelling. The advent of digital technology means that all the elements of a set can be created and then integrated directly into the filmed scenes.
The role of the matte painter is essential in the final rendering of a film or video game, putting his artistic talent at the service of the author to faithfully reproduce the desired atmosphere. To do this, they call on their own imagination or draw inspiration from reality, whether from existing works or the landscapes that surround us. Thanks to digital technologies, matte painters can create all kinds of decors, model them in 3D, edit or retouch photos.
In the film industry, matte painters use the famous “green backdrops” on film sets, drastically reducing production costs by integrating an entire set according to the director’s wishes. The matte painter is part of the team that comes in at the end of a production. The same applies to gaming.
But before you can achieve the aura, or approach the high technical level, of Jaime Hernández Jasso, for example, a true icon in the field of matte painting (Avatar, Mass Effect, Dante’s Inferno or Iron Man 2), you will need to go through a solid training course at an art school to acquire the skills needed for this profession.
Skills and qualities
Matte painters are true artists! However, they can’t afford to give free rein to their desires and have to fit into the production chain, taking into account the work of the other matte painters and the general atmosphere of the work.
It should come as no surprise that matte painters must master the art of painting, particularly digital painting, with a good sense of composition and total mastery of perspective.
Clearly, a successful matte painting is one that doesn’t stand out on the screen, leaving the viewer to immerse themselves completely in the world being painted. The profession is closely linked to technological developments and naturally requires you to keep abreast of the latest graphics software, as well as mastering other tools such as graphics tablets.
The profession also requires a certain artistic talent, as well as the ability to work as part of a team and to adapt to the specific needs of each project.
Career and development opportunities
Matte Painters generally work in small companies specialising in film animation or video games.
In larger animation companies, it is possible to become head matte painter, visual effects supervisor or even artistic director over time. The best thing is to be recognised internationally for working on big-budget films or video games.
Along the way, matte painters can add to their expertise in other areas of graphic design to become multi-tasking environment artists.
Average salary for a matte painter
Salary-wise, it depends on whether you are an employee, a casual entertainment worker or self-employed. However, it can be estimated that a beginner matte painter earns around €2,500 gross per month.
