Lead Character Artist

JINK.TV (dba Day[9]TV); United States; Remote; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Lead Character Artist to shape the artistic vision for in-game characters. This fully remote position involves collaborating with a talented team to create stunning characters that resonate with players. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of 3D modeling, sculpting, and texturing, along with strong leadership skills to guide a team of artists. If you have a passion for character design and want to contribute to exciting projects in the gaming industry, this role offers a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact.

Qualifications

• Experience as a character artist in video games is required.
• Strong understanding of anatomy, proportion, and color theory.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the art director to shape visual style of characters.
• Lead a team of character artists, providing feedback and guidance.
• Create high-quality 3D models, textures, and materials for characters.

Skills

3D Modeling

Sculpting

Texturing

Anatomy Understanding

Color Theory

Collaboration Skills

Leadership

Game Genre Knowledge

Tools

Maya

ZBrush

Substance Painter

Unreal Engine

Job description

Job Description

As the Lead Character Artist, you will work with the art director to drive the artistic vision for all in-game characters, collaborating with concept artists, animators, and designers, to deliver stunning and iconic characters that resonate with players. This role requires a seasoned artist with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of storytelling through visual design. You will help develop and oversee a team of character artists, setting quality standards, fostering creative growth, and ensuring our characters remain cohesive with the project’s artistic vision.

Responsibilities

• Artistic Vision: Collaborate with the art director to shape and drive the visual style of all in-game characters.
• Leadership: Develop and lead a team of character artists, providing feedback and guidance.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with the art director, concept artists, tech artists, and animators to ensure cohesive character design that supports gameplay and art direction.
• Pipeline Development: Collaborate with the tech art team to develop and refine character art pipelines and workflows to improve production efficiency, quality, and consistency.
• Contribution: Create high-quality 3D models, textures, and materials for characters, including high- and low-poly models and UVs.
• Project Management: Work with the other leaders on the team to manage timelines, ensure deadlines are met, and identify any resource needs or roadblocks in production.

Qualifications

• Game Experience: Passion for one or more of the following genres: MOBA, RTS, Card, Strategy, Roguelike.
• Technical Proficiency: Expertise in 3D modeling, sculpting, and texturing software (e.g. Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter).
• Artistic Skill: Strong understanding of anatomy, proportion, form, color theory, and stylization for semi-realistic and stylized characters.
• Knowledge of Game Engines: Familiarity with industry-standard game engines and an understanding of techniques required to make game-ready assets.
• Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with other departments.
• Portfolio: An outstanding portfolio demonstrating high-quality character work and the ability to execute on and develop style and artistic vision.
• Leadership Ability: Desire and ability to lead a team, providing constructive feedback, and driving artistic excellence.
• Vision: Willingness to work with the art director and other artists to drive the artistic direction for all in-game characters.
• Experience: Previous experience working as a character artist in video games is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with rigging and animation is valued, but not required. However, experience working with animators and an understanding of animation principles is required.
• Experience working with Unreal Engine.
• Experience as a Lead or Senior Character Artist.
• Experience with 3D modeling outside the realm of character art (props, environments, etc.).
• Vis-dev and concept skills (visual design, drawing, painting, pre-vis sculpting).

Additional Information

• This position is fully remote and open to candidates residing in time zones between US West and US East (UTC -8 to UTC -4).
• We are an equal opportunity employer dedicated to cultivating an inclusive environment.
• We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with physical and mental disabilities. Please contact us to request assistance.