Lead Concept Artist & Illustrator

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 500,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement planning

Paid time off

Remote work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Concept Artist & Illustrator to shape the visual direction of our game projects. You will conceptualize characters, environments, and props, setting the aesthetic tone, and guiding a team of artists in a fully remote capacity.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years of professional concept art experience, a standout portfolio, and expert skills in digital painting with tools like Photoshop, Procreate, or Clip Studio Paint, plus familiarity with 3D ideation using ZBrush,

Qualifications

• 6+ years of professional experience in concept art or illustration.
• Strong portfolio across characters, environments, and props.
• Proficiency in Photoshop, Procreate, or Clip Studio Paint.
• Experience with 3D ideation/rendering in ZBrush, Maya or Blender is a plus.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently in a remote setting.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and create high-quality concept art for characters, environments, creatures, and props.
• Develop visual styles and mood boards to establish project aesthetics.
• Collaborate with art directors, game designers, and team members to translate ideas.
• Provide clear visual references and guidance for other artists.
• Lead and mentor junior concept artists and provide constructive feedback.
• Experiment with different artistic mediums and techniques.
• Ensure consistency and quality across all concept art deliverables.
• Stay updated with trends in concept art and visual development.

Skills

Leadership

Visual storytelling

Communication

Time management

Remote work

Tools

Photoshop

Procreate

Clip Studio Paint

ZBrush

Maya

Blender

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an acclaimed game development studio, is actively seeking a visionary Lead Concept Artist & Illustrator to join their team. This role is crucial in defining and realizing the artistic vision for our upcoming projects. You will be responsible for generating compelling concept art that informs the design of characters, environments, and props, setting the visual tone and style for our games. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional artistic talent, a strong understanding of visual storytelling, and the ability to lead and inspire a team of concept artists. This is a remarkable opportunity to shape the aesthetic direction of innovative interactive experiences and contribute to memorable visual worlds, working entirely remotely.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and create high-quality concept art for characters, environments, creatures, and props, adhering to project art direction.
• Develop visual styles and mood boards that establish the aesthetic direction for game projects.
• Collaborate closely with art directors, game designers, and other team members to translate ideas into visual concepts.
• Provide clear visual references and guidance for other artists involved in asset creation.
• Lead and mentor junior concept artists, providing constructive feedback and fostering artistic growth.
• Experiment with different artistic mediums and techniques to explore creative possibilities.
• Ensure consistency and quality across all concept art deliverables.
• Stay updated with the latest trends in concept art and visual development for games and entertainment.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6+ years of professional experience as a Concept Artist or Illustrator in the game or entertainment industry.
• An outstanding portfolio showcasing a diverse range of concept art, demonstrating strong fundamentals in anatomy, perspective, composition, color, and lighting.
• Expert proficiency in digital painting software such as Photoshop, Procreate, or Clip Studio Paint.
• Experience with 3D software (e.g., ZBrush, Maya, Blender) for ideation and rendering support is a significant plus.
• Proven ability to develop unique and compelling visual styles.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote setting.
• Passion for games and a deep understanding of visual storytelling.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and performance-based bonuses, reflecting your expertise and contribution.
• Employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement planning options, and generous paid time off.
• We are committed to fostering a creative and supportive remote work environment, emphasizing collaboration and continuous professional development through online resources, workshops, and industry events.
• This position is fully remote, allowing you to work from anywhere, though the company is rooted in the Gauteng region, specifically near Soweto .