Lead Concept Artist (Remote)

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,496,000 - 2,493,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

401(k) retirement plan with company 
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Professional development budget

Remote-friendly culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly creative and experienced Lead Concept Artist to join a fully remote team shaping the visual identity of an upcoming flagship game title. You will spearhead visual development, mentor a team of artists, and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to define look and feel across characters, environments, and props.

The ideal candidate will have a proven AAA track record, mastery of digital painting tools, and strong leadership capabilities to drive artistic

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Lead Concept Artist or Senior Concept Artist in the video game industry.
• Expertise in digital painting software such as Photoshop or Procreate.
• Strong understanding of anatomy, perspective, color theory, lighting, and composition.
• Proficiency in 3D software (e.g., ZBrush, Maya, Blender) for asset creation and paintover is highly advantageous.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, with experience in mentoring and managing art teams.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities, particularly in a remote setting.
• Ability to adapt to different art styles and embrace creative challenges.
• A deep passion for gaming and a strong understanding of game development processes.
• Experience with engine capabilities and optimization considerations for game assets.

Responsibilities

• Spearhead the conceptualization and development of all visual elements for the game, including characters, environments, props, and key art.
• Lead and mentor a team of concept artists, providing constructive feedback, artistic direction, and fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration.
• Collaborate closely with the Art Director, Game Designers, and 3D teams to ensure artistic vision aligns with gameplay mechanics and technical constraints.
• Develop and maintain a consistent art style and visual language across the entire project.
• Create high-quality concept sketches, detailed illustrations, mood boards, and presentation art to communicate artistic direction effectively.
• Research and stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and artistic styles to continuously elevate the project's visual quality.
• Manage asset pipelines and workflows for concept art production, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to project milestones.
• Contribute to the overall narrative and world-building through visual storytelling.

Skills

Leadership

Art Direction

Concept Art

Remote Collaboration

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Procreate

ZBrush

Maya

Blender

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in digital entertainment, is seeking a highly creative and experienced Lead Concept Artist to join their dynamic, fully remote team. This pivotal role is instrumental in shaping the visual identity of our upcoming flagship game title. You will be at the forefront of visual development, translating imaginative ideas into compelling artistic concepts that define the look and feel of immersive worlds and unforgettable characters. As a remote-first organization, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where innovation thrives, regardless of geographical location. This is an exceptional opportunity to leave your artistic mark on a project with global reach and to mentor a talented team of artists, driving them towards artistic excellence and groundbreaking visual achievements. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of artistic principles and a proven track record of delivering exceptional concept art for AAA games.

Key Responsibilities

• Spearhead the conceptualization and development of all visual elements for the game, including characters, environments, props, and key art.
• Lead and mentor a team of concept artists, providing constructive feedback, artistic direction, and fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration.
• Collaborate closely with the Art Director, Game Designers, and 3D teams to ensure artistic vision aligns with gameplay mechanics and technical constraints.
• Develop and maintain a consistent art style and visual language across the entire project.
• Create high-quality concept sketches, detailed illustrations, mood boards, and presentation art to communicate artistic direction effectively.
• Research and stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and artistic styles to continuously elevate the project's visual quality.
• Manage asset pipelines and workflows for concept art production, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to project milestones.
• Contribute to the overall narrative and world-building through visual storytelling.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Lead Concept Artist or Senior Concept Artist in the video game industry, with a portfolio showcasing exceptional work on published titles.
• Expertise in digital painting software such as Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, or similar.
• Strong understanding of anatomy, perspective, color theory, lighting, and composition.
• Proficiency in 3D software (e.g., ZBrush, Maya, Blender) for asset creation and paintover is highly advantageous.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, with experience in mentoring and managing art teams.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities, particularly in a remote setting.
• Ability to adapt to different art styles and embrace creative challenges.
• A deep passion for gaming and a strong understanding of game development processes.
• Experience with engine capabilities and optimization considerations for game assets.
• Familiarity with iterative design processes and feedback incorporation.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Professional development opportunities and budget for continued learning.
• Access to cutting-edge software and hardware.
• A supportive and inclusive remote work culture that prioritizes work-life balance.
• Opportunity to work on a groundbreaking AAA title with a talented and passionate team.
• Collaborative environment that encourages artistic growth and innovation.
• Regular virtual team-building events and social activities.