3D Environment Artist

Thekla, Inc.; Denver (CO); Remote; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Thekla, Inc., the studio behind acclaimed games like Braid and The Witness, seeks experienced 3D Environment Artists for a contract position. This role offers a flexible, remote-friendly environment with occasional meetups in Denver. Artists will create compelling game environments and collaborate closely with the team.

Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in Maya or Blender, ZBrush, Photoshop.
• Solid understanding of the full game development pipeline.

Responsibilities

• Block out and refine 3D environments from rough compositions to polished assets.
• Collaborate with the Art Director and Designers to compose gameplay-driven spaces.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Self-motivation

Tools

Maya

Blender

ZBrush

Photoshop

Substance Painter

Substance Designer

Job description

Thekla, Inc.—the independent studio behind the critically acclaimed games Braid and The Witness—is looking for experienced 3D Environment Artists to join us on a contract basis.

We're in full production on a new game and seeking artists who are comfortable working independently in a flexible, creative environment. This is a remote-friendly, contract position with occasional in-person meetups in Denver. We’re a small team, and each contributor has significant impact—so we’re looking for collaborators who are self-directed, communicative, and eager to take ownership of their work.

Skills & Requirements

Responsibilities

Block out and refine 3D environments from rough, mood-focused compositions to polished, in-game assets

Translate simple blockouts into fully realized scenes with a strong focus on environmental theming, set-dressing, and mood

Compose spaces that support gameplay clarity, visual storytelling, and thematic consistency

Collaborate with the Art Director and Designers to compose and refine compelling, gameplay-driven spaces

Build and expand modular kits; polish and optimize existing environment work

Adapt quickly to changing priorities as the project evolves

Participate in informal, day-to-day communication via Slack and email, as well as consistent online meetings

Required Skills

Strong proficiency in Maya or Blender, ZBrush, Photoshop

Experience with Substance Painter and Substance Designer

Solid understanding of the full game development pipeline

Ability to concept in 2D or 3D when needed

Strong eye for style-matching and maintaining visual consistency within an established art direction

Comfort working in a proprietary engine and learning new tools quickly

Ability to create stylized artwork and adapt to established visual styles

Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Self-motivated, proactive, and comfortable receiving and integrating feedback

Bonus Points

Experience documenting workflows and sharing knowledge with teammates

Previous experience in small or independent teams

Passion for thoughtful, design-driven game environments

How to Apply

If this sounds like a good fit, please send your resume, portfolio, and/or list of previous work to [e-mail] . We look forward to hearing from you!

About the Company

Thekla, Inc. was founded in 2009 by Jonathan Blow. In 2016, Thekla released the critically acclaimed game "The Witness" and, more recently, "Braid, Anniversary Edition".