Senior Concept Artist - Character Design

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary

Medical aid and retirement benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Concept Artist specializing in character design to join their award-winning studio in Mahikeng, North West. The hybrid role blends studio collaboration with focused remote work to develop memorable characters that drive narrative across media.

You will lead creation of full-body turnarounds, expression sheets and design explorations, mentor juniors, and collaborate with art directors to maintain a distinctive visual identity.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of professional experience as a Concept Artist with emphasis on character design.
• Strong portfolio showcasing diverse character concepts and styles.
• Proficiency in digital painting software (Photoshop, Procreate) and ability to convey anatomy and form.
• Solid understanding of anatomy, silhouette, color theory, perspective and composition.
• Experience with hybrid work environments and effective collaboration with teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts or equivalent professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality character concept art including full-body illustrations, turnarounds, expression sheets and call-outs.
• Collaborate with art directors and project leads to define character aesthetics and narratives.
• Develop design solutions based on project requirements and themes.
• Maintain a consistent art style across character work.
• Research historical, cultural, and fantasy elements to inform designs.
• Use digital painting tools to produce polished concept art.
• Participate in reviews, provide and receive feedback.
• Stay updated on industry trends and storytelling through design.
• Mentor junior concept artists and uphold art quality standards.

Skills

Character concept design

Digital painting

Anatomy & silhouette

Collaboration & communication

Hybrid work experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts / Illustration

Tools

Photoshop

Procreate

ZBrush

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a celebrated studio known for its visually striking characters and immersive worlds, is seeking a Senior Concept Artist with a specialization in Character Design to join their talented team in Mahikeng, North West . This hybrid role allows for a blend of collaborative studio sessions and focused remote work. You will be instrumental in conceptualizing and visualizing memorable characters that drive the narrative and visual identity of our client's projects across various media within the Arts & Entertainment sector. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional artistic skill, a strong understanding of anatomy, costume design, and silhouette, and the ability to bring creative visions to life through compelling artwork. You will collaborate closely with art directors, game designers, and other artists to define the look and feel of characters that captivate audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Create high-quality concept art for characters, including full-body illustrations, turnarounds, expression sheets, and detail call-outs.
• Collaborate with art directors and project leads to establish character aesthetics and visual narratives.
• Develop creative solutions for character designs based on project requirements and themes.
• Maintain a consistent art style across all character concept work.
• Research and incorporate historical, cultural, and fantasy elements into character designs as needed.
• Utilize digital painting software to produce polished and expressive concept art.
• Participate in art reviews, providing and receiving constructive feedback.
• Stay updated on industry trends, character design techniques, and visual storytelling.
• Mentor junior concept artists and contribute to maintaining art quality standards.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience as a Concept Artist, with a significant focus on character design within the Arts & Entertainment industry.
• A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional character concept art, including diverse styles and compelling designs.
• Proficiency in digital painting software such as Photoshop, Procreate, or similar.
• Strong understanding of anatomy, form, perspective, color theory, and composition.
• Experience with 3D sculpting tools (e.g., ZBrush) for concepting purposes is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing creative needs with collaborative workflows.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Illustration, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary up to ZAR .
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Opportunity to contribute to high-profile and imaginative projects.
• Access to industry-standard creative tools and resources.
• Collaborative and inspiring studio environment in Mahikeng .
• Contribution to medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Continuous professional development and training.