Art Director - Concept Art

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Bonuses

Relocation aid

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Art Director in Pretoria to lead the visual style across upcoming game projects. You will guide concept artists, illustrators, and 3D modelers, translating design docs into breathtaking visuals while ensuring consistency with gameplay and technical constraints.

You will oversee art pipelines, stay ahead of industry trends, and manage budgets and schedules. A strong portfolio and leadership track record are essential for this senior role.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in game art development.
• At least 3 years in a leadership or Art Director role.
• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Digital Art, Game Design, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the overall visual style and art direction for game projects from concept to completion.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of concept artists, 2D/3D artists, and technical artists.
• Collaborate with designers, producers, and engineers to align art with gameplay mechanics and tech constraints.
• Oversee concept art, character design, environment art, UI/UX art, and marketing assets.
• Develop and manage art asset pipelines for efficiency and quality.
• Conduct art reviews and provide feedback to achieve high standards.

Skills

Leadership

Art direction

Team mentoring

Communication

Art fundamentals

Education

Bachelor's in Fine Arts

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

ZBrush

Substance Painter

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned independent game studio based in Pretoria , is seeking a visionary Art Director to lead the conceptualization and execution of visual styles for their upcoming slate of innovative games. This senior leadership role is paramount in defining the aesthetic direction and ensuring the visual quality across all projects. You will be responsible for guiding a talented team of concept artists, illustrators, and 3D modelers, translating game design documents into breathtaking visual realities. The ideal candidate possesses a strong artistic sensibility, exceptional leadership skills, and a deep understanding of game art pipelines and trends. This is an extraordinary opportunity to make a significant impact on the visual identity of groundbreaking interactive entertainment experiences, contributing to the studio's reputation for artistic excellence within the global gaming industry. We foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and pushing artistic boundaries.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the overall visual style and art direction for game projects, from concept to completion.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of concept artists, 2D/3D artists, and technical artists.
• Collaborate closely with game designers, producers, and engineers to ensure art aligns with gameplay mechanics and technical constraints.
• Oversee the creation of concept art, character designs, environment art, UI/UX art, and marketing assets.
• Develop and manage art asset pipelines, ensuring efficiency and quality.
• Conduct art reviews, providing constructive feedback to artists to achieve the highest standards.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitor art styles.
• Manage art team budgets and schedules effectively.
• Contribute to the recruitment and development of art talent.
• Communicate the art vision effectively to the development team and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in game art development, with at least 3 years in a leadership or Art Director role.
• A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional artistic talent and a proven track record of directing game art.
• Expertise in 2D and 3D art pipelines, software (e.g., Maya, 3ds Max, ZBrush, Substance Painter), and game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity).
• Deep understanding of art fundamentals, including composition, color theory, lighting, and anatomy.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to provide clear artistic direction and feedback.
• Experience managing art teams and project timelines.
• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Digital Art, Game Design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Passion for video games and a strong understanding of different game genres and aesthetics.
• Experience with art outsourcing and vendor management is a plus.

Benefits

• Annual salary of R.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and company holidays.Retirement savings plan with company contribution.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences.
• Access to state-of-the-art art creation tools and technology.
• Creative and collaborative work environment.
• Project performance bonuses.
• Regular team-building activities and social events.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.