Lead Concept Artist for AAA Mobile Games

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Job summary

Placements24 partners with a globally recognized game development studio to hire a Lead Concept Artist for AAA mobile titles. You will shape the visual direction, define art style, and mentor a team of concept artists to achieve top-tier mobile visuals.

Based in Polokwane with hybrid work options, you will lead art direction, collaborate with designers and directors, and push creative boundaries to deliver immersive mobile experiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Digital Art, Game Design, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of concept art experience in video games, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior artist role.
• Portfolio demonstrating strong character design, environment art, and prop design for mobile or AAA games.
• Proficiency in digital painting software (Photoshop, Procreate, Painter).
• Strong understanding of anatomy, perspective, color theory, and composition.
• Experience with 3D concepting tools (ZBrush, Blender, SketchUp) is a significant advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of concept artists, guiding artistic vision and ensuring visual consistency across projects.
• Develop and refine art style guides, character designs, environment concepts, and prop designs for AAA mobile games.
• Collaborate with game designers, art directors, and stakeholders to translate mechanics and narrative into visual concepts.
• Create high-quality concept art, mood boards, sketches, and illustrations for game assets.
• Provide feedback and art direction to the concept art team and external artists.
• Oversee production of concept art assets to meet engine requirements.
• Stay updated on trends in game art and technologies.
• Present concept art and visual direction to internal teams and partners.
• Foster a creative and collaborative team environment.

Skills

Leadership

Creative direction

Artistic vision

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Digital Art, Game Design, or equivalent

Tools

Photoshop

Procreate

Painter

ZBrush

Blender

SketchUp

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized game development studio renowned for its critically acclaimed mobile titles, is seeking an exceptionally talented Lead Concept Artist to spearhead the visual direction of new AAA mobile games. This pivotal role involves conceptualizing and defining the unique art style, character designs, environments, and overall aesthetic for our upcoming projects. You will lead a team of gifted concept artists, providing creative direction, mentorship, and critical feedback to ensure the highest quality visuals. The ideal candidate possesses a remarkable portfolio showcasing a broad range of artistic styles and a deep understanding of game art pipelines, character design, and world-building. Join our dynamic team in Polokwane and help shape the next generation of immersive mobile gaming experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of concept artists, guiding artistic vision and ensuring visual consistency across projects.


• Develop and refine key art style guides, character designs, environment concepts, and prop designs for AAA mobile games.


• Collaborate closely with game designers, art directors, and other stakeholders to translate game mechanics and narrative into compelling visual concepts.


• Create high-quality concept art, mood boards, sketches, and detailed illustrations for various game assets.


• Provide constructive feedback and art direction to the concept art team and external artists.


• Oversee the production of concept art assets, ensuring they meet technical requirements for game engines.


• Stay informed about the latest trends in game art, visual styles, and emerging technologies.


• Present concept art and visual direction to internal teams and external partners.


• Foster a creative and collaborative team environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Digital Art, Game Design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.


• A minimum of 7 years of experience in concept art for video games, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior artist role.


• A stunning portfolio showcasing exceptional character design, environment art, and prop design skills for mobile or AAA games.


• Proficiency in digital painting software such as Photoshop, Procreate, or Painter.


• Strong understanding of anatomy, perspective, color theory, and composition.


• Experience with 3D concepting tools (e.g., ZBrush, Blender, SketchUp) is a significant advantage.


• Proven ability to lead and inspire a creative team.


• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.


• Familiarity with mobile game development pipelines and optimization constraints.


• A passion for gaming and a keen understanding of visual storytelling in interactive media.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance and retirement contributions.


• This hybrid role provides a dynamic work environment in Polokwane, with the flexibility to work remotely on certain days.


• You will have the opportunity to shape visually stunning worlds for major mobile game releases, collaborate with a talented and passionate team, and advance your career in the thriving gaming industry.


• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry events are available.