Lead 3D Environment Artist

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous paid time off

Professional development

Studio celebrations

Hybrid work model

Access to industry software

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead 3D Environment Artist for a distinguished entertainment client in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The hybrid role blends in-studio leadership with remote flexibility, offering an opportunity to shape immersive worlds and guide a team of artists to deliver high-fidelity environments.

You will set art direction, mentor colleagues, and collaborate with designers and technical artists to optimize pipelines, ensure quality, and push creative storytelling across

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Digital Art, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 7+ years of experience in 3D environment art for games or VFX, with at least 2 years in lead/senior role.
• Proficiency in 3D modelling tools (Maya, 3ds Max, Blender) and texturing (Substance Painter, Photoshop).
• Strong understanding of PBR, lighting, and composition, plus experience with Unreal Engine or Unity.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of high-quality 3D environments aligned with art direction.
• Mentor and guide a team of 3D environment artists for consistency and growth.
• Collaborate with level designers, art directors, and tech artists to realize environments.
• Establish and enforce art pipelines, style guides, and best practices for environment creation.
• Create detailed 3D models, textures, lighting, and post-processing effects for environments.
• Optimize environment assets for performance across platforms.
• Stay informed about trends in 3D environment art and game development.
• Troubleshoot challenges related to environment asset creation and integration.
• Contribute to the project’s artistic vision through environmental design.

Skills

Leadership experience

Art direction

Team mentoring

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts/Digital Art or related field

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

Blender

Substance Painter

Photoshop

Unreal Engine/Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished name in the entertainment industry, is actively seeking an exceptional Lead 3D Environment Artist to join their talented team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. This hybrid role offers a dynamic blend of collaborative in-studio work and remote flexibility, providing an ideal work-life balance. You will be instrumental in shaping the visual landscapes of our next generation of projects, guiding a team of artists to create stunning and immersive 3D environments. We are looking for a visionary artist with a deep understanding of environmental storytelling, strong leadership skills, and a meticulous eye for detail. Your role will involve setting art direction, mentoring team members, and ensuring the highest quality of environmental assets. If you are passionate about building believable and captivating worlds and possess a proven track record in leading art teams, this is an unparalleled opportunity to leave your artistic mark. Join a studio celebrated for its creative innovation and dedication to producing visually spectacular experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of high-quality 3D environments that align with the project's art direction and technical requirements.
• Mentor, guide, and inspire a team of 3D environment artists, providing constructive feedback and ensuring artistic consistency.
• Collaborate closely with level designers, art directors, and technical artists to bring environments to life.
• Establish and enforce art pipelines, style guides, and best practices for environment creation.
• Create detailed 3D models, textures, lighting, and post-processing effects for environments.
• Optimize environment assets for performance across various platforms.
• Conduct regular reviews of work-in-progress environments to ensure quality and adherence to standards.
• Stay informed about the latest trends and technologies in 3D environment art and game development.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges related to environment asset creation and integration.
• Contribute to the overall artistic vision and narrative of the project through environmental design.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Digital Art, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 7+ years of experience in 3D environment art for games or visual effects, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior role.
• Expert proficiency in 3D modeling software (e.g., Maya, 3ds Max, Blender) and texturing tools (e.g., Substance Painter, Photoshop).
• Strong understanding of PBR workflows, lighting, and composition.
• Experience with game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Proven ability to lead and manage an art team effectively.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• A keen eye for detail, aesthetics, and visual storytelling.
• Familiarity with ZBrush or other sculpting software is a plus.
• A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional environment art and leadership capabilities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick days, and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.
• Access to leading industry software and hardware.
• A creative, collaborative, and supportive work environment.
• Potential for career advancement within a growing studio.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Regular team-building events and studio celebrations.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility for focused remote work and team collaboration.