Senior Character Artist: Real-Time Game Asset Mastery

31st Union; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 128,000 - 189,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Sick days

Parental leave

Wellbeing programs

Commuter benefits

Job summary

31st Union is seeking an Expert Character Artist to lead character art across the project, translating concepts into production-ready assets. You will work closely with the creative team, uphold art direction, and contribute to high-impact, autonomous work while collaborating across disciplines.

The role requires deep mastery of real-time pipelines, an outstanding portfolio, and the ability to mentor peers. It offers a competitive pay range in California and a robust benefits package.

Qualifications

• Typically 8+ years of professional character art experience in games.
• An exceptional online portfolio (with breakdowns) demonstrating character work.
• Mastery of anatomy, proportion, costume, color, materials, and design.
• Expert command of real-time character pipelines including high-res sculpting, topology, UVs, texturing, performance optimization, and engine integration.
• Proficiency with ZBrush, Maya, Substance 3D Painter, Unreal Engine, Photoshop, or equivalents.
• Ability to solve complex visual and technical problems and improve quality while supporting downstream teams.
• Ability to work independently, make craft decisions, and mentor other artists.

Responsibilities

• Create benchmark characters, creatures, and weapons from high-res sculpts through modeling, topology, UVs, bakes, textures, and engine integration.
• Own complex character assignments and translate briefs into production-ready assets.
• Help establish visual standards through benchmark assets, documentation, and practical solutions.
• Collaborate with art and cross-discipline teams to ensure assets read and deform correctly in-game.
• Mentor other artists through critique and guidance to improve workflows and quality.
• Self-manage assignments and priorities, aligning with leadership and identifying risks.
• Provide craft oversight for external art vendors with clear expectations and feedback.

Skills

Character art

Portfolio

Anatomy mastery

Independent work

Mentoring

Tools

ZBrush

Maya

Substance Painter

Unreal Engine

Photoshop

Job description

31st Union is seeking an Expert Character Artist to lead character art across the project, translating concepts into production-ready assets. You will work closely with the creative team, uphold art direction, and contribute to high-impact, autonomous work while collaborating across disciplines.

The role requires deep mastery of real-time pipelines, an outstanding portfolio, and the ability to mentor peers. It offers a competitive pay range in California and a robust benefits package.