Concept Artist Environment/Props - Talent Pool (APAC)

Side; Auckland; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Side in Auckland is seeking an experienced Environment or Prop Concept Artist to join their Talent Pool for future project-based opportunities. This role involves designing and creating striking concept art for action-driven game environments and collaborating closely with art directors and designers.

The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of experience in the video game industry, contributing to shipped titles. Applicants should possess skills in Photoshop and Procreate and a passion for creating immersive game worlds.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional experience as an Environment or Prop Concept Artist.
• Experience with at least one shipped title in the gaming industry.
• Strong understanding of design principles for creating environments.

Responsibilities

• Design visually striking concept art for game environments.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure cohesive designs.
• Provide detailed visual breakdowns for asset creation.

Skills

3+ years of experience as a Concept Artist

Proficiency with Photoshop and Procreate

Excellent communication skills

Ability to design various styles

Tools

Photoshop

Procreate

Houdini

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About Side

Side is a global video game development and services provider, offering technical and creative solutions to many of the largest developers and studios around the world. Founded in 2009 and drawing on 30+ years' experience from our parent company in Japan, Side has since grown to become a global force with 15+ studios in over a dozen countries across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia.

About This Opportunity

Please note, this listing is not for an immediate open position but for our Talent Pool for Co-Development Roles. By applying, you express interest in being considered for future project-based opportunities that align with your skills and experience.

These opportunities are contingent on client needs and project availability. As projects are initiated or client proposals are developed, we will review candidates from this pool and contact those who most closely align with the specific requirements of the co‑development opportunity.

How We Keep You Engaged

We maintain strong relationships with our talent pool by providing regular updates, industry insights, and information on upcoming opportunities. We will check in to confirm your availability and interest.

Our hiring teams carefully vet and select top candidates who best meet project needs, ensuring that you are matched with the right opportunity when it becomes available.

Next Steps

If you are passionate about contributing to cutting‑edge projects and want to be considered for future co‑development opportunities, we encourage you to apply to this listing. While there may not be an immediate opening, your application ensures that you will be part of our ongoing talent review for upcoming roles.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and create visually striking concept art for environments and props that align with the game’s creative vision and storytelling goals.
• Collaborate with art directors, 3D artists, and level designers to ensure cohesive world‑building and asset production.
• Develop a variety of designs, including landscapes, architecture, interiors, and unique prop elements, from sketches to highly polished concepts.
• Provide detailed visual breakdowns, callouts, and reference materials to guide 3D asset creation.
• Explore and iterate on creative ideas to solve visual and narrative challenges.
• Ensure consistency in style and quality across all environment and prop designs, adhering to the project’s art direction.
• Stay updated on current trends and techniques in concept art and apply them to your work.

Requirements

Experience

• 3+ years of professional experience as an Environment or Prop Concept Artist in the video game industry.
• Demonstrated contribution to at least one shipped title on PC, console, mobile, or VR/AR.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with industry‑standard tools such as Photoshop, Procreate, or equivalent software.
• Strong understanding of perspective, composition, lighting, and color theory as they relate to environmental and prop design.
• Knowledge of architectural and industrial design principles for creating believable and imaginative settings.

Creative and Collaborative Skills

• Ability to design a range of styles, from realistic to stylized, depending on project requirements.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience integrating feedback into iterative designs.
• Passion for visual storytelling and creating immersive game worlds.

Attention to Detail

Commitment to delivering consistent, high‑quality designs that meet both artistic and technical requirements.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with 3D modeling software for block‑outs or visualization.
• Experience with procedural design tools like Houdini.
• Background in architectural visualization, industrial design, or environmental storytelling.
• Knowledge of Unreal Engine or Unity for understanding the integration of assets into game environments.

Note: Specific requirements may vary depending on project needs.