Senior Character Modeler & Sculptor

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 300,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Professional development

Generous PTO

Hybrid work model

Creative projects

Job summary

Placements24 in Mahikeng, North West, seeks a Senior Character Modeler & Sculptor. The role blends on-site collaboration with remote work to deliver high-quality 3D characters for games, film, and animation.

You will sculpt, model, and optimize assets, working with directors and artists to achieve accurate anatomy and strong silhouettes. A 6+ year track record and proficiency in ZBrush, Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max are expected.

Qualifications

• Compelling portfolio showcasing outstanding character modeling and sculpting work.
• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in character modeling and sculpting for games, film, or animation.
• Expert proficiency in 3D modeling and sculpting software such as ZBrush, Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max.
• Strong understanding of anatomy, form, proportion, and silhouette.
• Experience with UV unwrapping, topology, and optimization techniques.
• Familiarity with texturing software (e.g., Substance Painter) and PBR workflows is a plus.
• Excellent artistic eye, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• A passion for character design and the Arts & Entertainment industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Digital Sculpting, 3D Animation, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Create high-poly and low-poly 3D character models with attention to detail and anatomy.
• Perform digital sculpting for characters, creatures, and props.
• Optimize models for game engines and film pipelines.
• Collaborate with art directors and concept artists to interpret designs.
• Ensure models meet rigging, animation, and texturing requirements.
• Maintain style and quality consistency across assets.
• Stay current with modeling techniques and industry trends.
• Participate in reviews and provide constructive feedback.
• Troubleshoot and resolve modeling-related issues.
• Manage time to meet project deadlines.

Skills

Character modeling

Sculpting

Anatomy understanding

UV unwrapping

Artistic eye

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts / Digital Sculpting / 3D Animation

Tools

ZBrush

Maya

Blender

3ds Max

Substance Painter

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the Arts & Entertainment industry, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Character Modeler & Sculptor for their studio located in Mahikeng, North West, ZA. This role operates on a hybrid model, offering a blend of on-site collaboration and remote flexibility. The successful candidate will be responsible for creating high-quality 3D character models and sculptures for various media projects, ensuring anatomical accuracy, artistic detail, and adherence to project specifications. You will play a crucial role in bringing characters to life, working closely with art directors, animators, and technical artists to achieve the desired visual outcome. We are looking for an artist with exceptional technical and artistic talent, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for character creation within the dynamic Arts & Entertainment sector. Join a creative team in Mahikeng and contribute to visually stunning projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Create high-poly and low-poly 3D character models with exceptional attention to detail and anatomy.
• Perform digital sculpting for characters, creatures, and props using industry-standard software.
• Optimize models for various pipelines, including game engines and film production.
• Collaborate with art directors and concept artists to interpret and execute character designs.
• Ensure models and sculptures meet technical requirements for rigging, animation, and texturing.
• Maintain consistency in style and quality across all character assets.
• Stay current with the latest modeling techniques, software, and industry trends.
• Participate in reviews and provide constructive feedback to peers.
• Troubleshoot and resolve modeling-related technical issues.
• Manage time effectively to meet project deadlines.

Requirements

• A compelling portfolio showcasing outstanding character modeling and sculpting work.
• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in character modeling and sculpting for games, film, or animation.
• Expert proficiency in 3D modeling and sculpting software such as ZBrush, Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max.
• Strong understanding of anatomy, form, proportion, and silhouette.
• Experience with UV unwrapping, topology, and optimization techniques.
• Familiarity with texturing software (e.g., Substance Painter) and PBR workflows is a plus.
• Excellent artistic eye, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• A passion for character design and the Arts & Entertainment industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Digital Sculpting, 3D Animation, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, with annual earnings up to R.
• Comprehensive health insurance, including medical and dental coverage, is provided.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development through workshops and training.
• Generous paid time off and a focus on work-life balance.
• The hybrid work model offers flexibility, supporting our collaborative studio environment in Mahikeng, North West.
• Contribute to cutting-edge projects within the vibrant Arts & Entertainment sector.
• Be part of a creative and talented team.