Senior 3D Environment Artist (Game Development)

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and dental coverage

Performance-based bonus

Durban studio with modern facilities

Opportunities for professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a renowned game development studio in Durban to hire a Senior 3D Environment Artist. You will craft high-quality environment assets, textures and shaders, optimize scenes, and mentor junior artists, collaborating closely with the art director and level designers to shape immersive worlds.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in game art, strong proficiency with Maya/3ds Max/Blender, Substance suite, Unreal or Unity, and a compelling portfolio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Game Art, Digital Art, 3D Animation or equivalent.
• 5+ years as a 3D Environment Artist in games.
• Proficiency in Maya, 3ds Max or Blender; texturing with Substance Painter/Designer and Photoshop.
• Experience with Unreal Engine or Unity; solid PBR understanding.
• High-poly/low-poly workflow with clean topology and UVs; strong art fundamentals.
• Compelling portfolio demonstrating environment art excellence.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality 3D environment assets including props and architecture.
• Develop textures, materials, and shaders for game environments.
• Assemble and polish environments in the game engine for performance and aesthetics.
• Collaborate with level designers to block out and iterate spaces.
• Mentor junior artists and contribute to art pipelines and best practices.
• Stay updated on current trends in 3D environment art and tech.
• Troubleshoot and resolve environment art issues in implementation.

Skills

3D modeling

Texturing

PBR workflows

Unreal Engine

Unity

Portfolio display

Education

Bachelor's degree in Game Art or related field

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

Blender

Substance Painter

Substance Designer

Photoshop

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly acclaimed game development studio situated in the bustling coastal hub of Durban , is seeking a talented Senior 3D Environment Artist to contribute to their next generation of immersive gaming experiences. This role is ideal for a creative individual with a keen eye for detail and a passion for building believable and visually stunning game worlds. You will be instrumental in shaping the look and feel of our client's projects, working closely with the art director and level designers to bring virtual environments to life. If you are adept at creating high-quality assets and possess a strong understanding of game art pipelines, this is an exceptional opportunity to advance your career in the vibrant gaming industry of Durban .

Key Responsibilities

• Create high-quality 3D environment assets, including props, architecture, and foliage, adhering to artistic style and technical specifications.
• Develop detailed textures, materials, and shaders for game environments.
• Assemble and polish environments within the game engine, ensuring aesthetic appeal and optimal performance.
• Collaborate with level designers to block out, iterate, and refine game spaces.
• Work closely with the art director to maintain artistic consistency and quality across all environmental assets.
• Optimize 3D assets and scenes for performance on target platforms.
• Mentor junior environment artists and provide constructive feedback.
• Participate in art reviews and contribute to the development of art pipelines and best practices.
• Stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in 3D environment art and game development.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to environment art assets and implementation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Game Art, Digital Art, 3D Animation, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience as a 3D Environment Artist in the video game industry.
• Proficiency in industry-standard 3D modeling software (e.g., Maya, 3ds Max, Blender).
• Strong expertise in texturing and material creation using software like Substance Painter, Substance Designer, and Photoshop.
• Experience with game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Solid understanding of PBR (Physically Based Rendering) workflows.
• Ability to create high-poly and low-poly models with clean topology and efficient UV layouts.
• Strong artistic fundamentals, including composition, color theory, lighting, and form.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• A compelling portfolio showcasing exceptional 3D environment art is mandatory.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical and dental coverage, and a performance-based bonus structure.
• Employees benefit from a creative and collaborative work environment in our modern studios located in Durban .
• We provide opportunities for professional growth, training programs, and attendance at industry events.
• Enjoy ample paid vacation, retirement savings plans, and access to the latest hardware and software.
• Be part of a passionate team creating world-class games and experience the unique lifestyle that Durban offers.