Lead 3D Modeler & Environment Artist

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/aID support

Pension

Professional development

Cutting-edge tools

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane, Limpopo, seeks a Lead 3D Modeler & Environment Artist to guide a small team in creating high-fidelity assets and immersive environments for our client’s virtual worlds. The role requires senior artistic talent, pipeline discipline, and the ability to translate concept to in-engine assets.

You will sculpt, texture, and optimize models for real-time engines, mentor junior artists, collaborate with art directors and level designers, and establish modeling standards while

Qualifications

• Extensive professional experience as a 3D Modeler and Environment Artist with leadership in studios.
• Strong understanding of environmental storytelling, composition and visual design.
• Proficiency with Maya/3ds Max/Blender/ZBrush/Substance Painter and game engines.

Responsibilities

• Lead creation of high-quality 3D models for environments, props and characters.
• Develop and maintain immersive environment designs and visuals.
• Sculpt, model, texture and optimize assets per project specs.
• Mentor junior 3D modelers and environment artists, providing direction.
• Collaborate with art directors and designers to ensure consistency.
• Establish modeling standards and best practices.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and manage asset pipelines.

Skills

Leadership

Environment design

Texture modeling

Sculpting

Communication

Photogrammetry

Education

Bachelor’s degree in 3D Art / Digital Design

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

Blender

ZBrush

Substance Painter

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role Our client, a dynamic studio celebrated for its immersive virtual worlds and detailed character creations, is looking for a Lead 3D Modeler & Environment Artist to join their team in Polokwane, Limpopo . This senior position requires exceptional artistic talent in 3D modeling, a strong understanding of environmental design, and the ability to lead and inspire a team of artists. You will be responsible for the creation of high-fidelity 3D assets and environments that form the backbone of our virtual experiences. Your work will set the standard for quality and detail within the team. We seek a motivated and experienced artist who can guide projects from concept to completion, ensuring artistic vision is realized while adhering to technical constraints and pipeline requirements. This is an opportunity to shape visually stunning worlds and mentor emerging talent.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the creation of high-quality 3D models for environments, props, and characters.
• Develop and maintain detailed and immersive environment designs.
• Sculpt, model, texture, and optimize 3D assets according to project specifications.
• Guide and mentor junior 3D modelers and environment artists, providing technical and artistic direction.
• Collaborate with art directors, concept artists, and level designers to ensure visual consistency and quality.
• Establish and enforce modeling standards and best practices.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to modeling and asset integration.
• Manage asset pipelines and workflows, ensuring efficient production.
• Research and implement new modeling techniques and technologies.
• Ensure optimized performance of 3D assets for real-time engines or rendering.

Requirements

• Extensive professional experience as a 3D Modeler and Environment Artist, with proven leadership experience in the game development, VFX, or animation industry.
• Expert proficiency in 3D modeling software such as Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, ZBrush, and Substance Painter.
• Strong understanding of environmental storytelling, composition, and visual design principles.
• Experience in creating optimized assets for game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity).
• Excellent sculpting, hard-surface modeling, and organic modeling skills.
• Ability to create realistic or stylized textures and materials.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• A portfolio showcasing a wide range of high-quality 3D models and environments.
• Familiarity with photogrammetry and scanning techniques is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in 3D Art, Digital Design, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and pension, and opportunities for professional development. Employees enjoy a creative and collaborative studio environment in Polokwane , access to cutting-edge tools, and the chance to work on exciting and visually rich projects. We support continuous learning and provide avenues for career advancement. This role is ideal for an experienced artist looking to make a significant impact and lead creative endeavors.