Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Model Sheet • Foreshortening • Art Style

Light Source

Term from Illustration industry explained for recruiters

Light Source refers to how illustrators and designers understand and work with different types of lighting in their artwork. This could be natural light (like sunlight), artificial light (like lamps), or digital lighting effects. When someone mentions Light Source skills on their resume, they're showing they know how to create realistic or dramatic lighting effects that make artwork look professional and engaging. This is important for various types of work, from digital illustration to product photography to 3D animation.

Examples in Resumes

Created dynamic product illustrations using multiple Light Source techniques to highlight key features

Developed 3D animations with realistic Light Source and Lighting effects

Managed photography studio Light Sources for consistent product photography across campaigns

Typical job title: "Lighting Artists"

Also try searching for:

Lighting Designer Lighting Artist Illustrator 3D Lighting Artist Product Photographer Digital Artist Visual Designer

Where to Find Lighting Artists

Online Communities

Professional Networks

Learning Resources

• Digital Arts Online
• Creative Bloq Lighting Tutorials

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you approach lighting direction for a major advertising campaign?

Expected Answer: A senior lighting artist should discuss how they plan lighting strategies across multiple pieces while maintaining consistency, how they create mood and emphasis, and how they adapt lighting for different media formats (print, digital, video).

Q: How do you train junior artists in lighting techniques?

Expected Answer: Should explain their teaching methods, common challenges new artists face with lighting, and how they help others develop an eye for natural and artificial lighting effects.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you create dramatic lighting effects in your work?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain different lighting setups, how they use contrast and shadows, and how they achieve specific moods through lighting choices.

Q: What's your process for matching lighting across different scenes or products?

Expected Answer: Should discuss their methods for maintaining consistent lighting across multiple pieces, including documentation of lighting setups and attention to detail.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic types of lighting you work with?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the difference between natural and artificial lighting, basic lighting directions (front, back, side), and how they affect the look of subjects.

Q: How do you decide where to place the main light source in an illustration?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of basic lighting principles, how light affects mood, and how to use lighting to draw attention to important elements.