Expert Head Artist Toronto (Canada) Sledgehammer Games Posted 20 hours ago Model Art Senior (5+[...]

Gamecompanies; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading game development company seeks an Expert Head Artist to oversee character portrait creation and hair authoring for the Call of Duty franchise. The role demands strong collaboration with various teams to ensure high-quality, photorealistic assets that meet industry standards. Candidates should have over 8 years of experience in the game industry, a strong portfolio, and a deep understanding of 3D modeling techniques.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in the game industry in an art role.
• Experience shipping at least one AAA title from start to finish.
• Inspiring portfolio showcasing realistic characters and portraits.

Responsibilities

• Create realistic portraits from sculpt or scan data.
• Lead the creation of hair assets.
• Collaborate with Leads, Directors, and Artists.

Skills

Realistic portrait creation

Strong anatomy knowledge

Proficiency in Zbrush

Proficiency in Maya/3DS Max

Proficiency in Photoshop

Proficiency in Substance

Understanding of PBR systems

BlendShape processing

In-game hair creation

Game engine knowledge

Job description

Expert Head Artist - Sledgehammer Games

As an Expert Head Artist at Sledgehammer Games, you will oversee the creation of character portraits, hair authoring, blend shape capture, and assist with facial rig development and performance.

You are an expert communicator, collaborator, and ambassador for the team. You will work with Tech Art, Tech Anim, Leads, and Directors to create photorealistic portraits that meet quality standards and match the tone of the Call of Duty franchise. Your goal is to achieve the utmost realism while maintaining PBR standards and adhering to technical guidelines.

You understand head creation, both from scans and from scratch. You can mentor your team, proactively find solutions, and confidently provide significant feedback to internal and external developers.

In our fast-paced environment, priorities may shift, so your responsibilities include:

1. Create realistic portraits from sculpt or scan data.
2. Author and lead the creation of hair assets.
3. Document processes for team use.
4. Collaborate closely with Leads, Directors, and Artists to uphold the style and quality of the CoD franchise.
5. Work with Tech Anim, Tools, Engine, and Tech Art teams to develop and improve workflows and tools.
6. Provide quality and technical feedback to artists.
7. Help troubleshoot and resolve problematic content.
8. Ensure performance, efficiency, and quality standards are met.
9. Research relevant subject matter to ensure authenticity.
10. Push the quality of character heads for a global audience.

Player Profile

8+ years in the game industry in an art role.

Experience shipping at least one AAA title from start to finish.

Inspiring portfolio showcasing realistic characters, portraits, and likeness work.

Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to create in-game realistic portraits from scratch.
• Strong anatomy knowledge.
• Proficiency with major 3D and 2D packages (Zbrush, Maya/3DS Max, Photoshop, Substance) for console hardware.
• Excellent understanding of Physically Based Rendering systems and techniques.
• Deep experience processing BlendShapes from scans or scratch.
• Skill in processing raw head scans into finished in-game assets.
• Expertise in creating in-game hair.
• Understanding of game engines, pipelines, and processes.
• Basic knowledge of facial rigging.

Key Attributes

• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to thrive in challenging, ambiguous environments.
• Ability to take and give clear, concise directions.
• Willingness to learn and improve skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.