Senior Concept Artist - Character Design

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plans

Generous vacation time

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa seeks a Senior Concept Artist specializing in Character Design to lead visual development for premier game projects. You’ll craft distinctive characters, turnarounds, expressions, and costumes, guiding art direction and storytelling.

You will collaborate with directors, designers, and writers, translate ideas into striking visuals, and mentor junior artists while staying current with industry trends and pipelines.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience as a concept artist with a strong character portfolio.
• Proficiency in digital painting software (Photoshop, Procreate).
• Strong anatomy, form, color theory, and composition.
• Experience designing characters for video games or animated features.
• Able to collaborate and respond to feedback constructively.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Understanding of 3D modeling and game engine pipelines is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts/Illustration or equivalent.
• Passion for character creation and storytelling.
• Familiarity with the SA creative landscape is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality concept art for game characters, including turnarounds, expressions, and costume variations.
• Collaborate with art directors, game designers, and writers to develop concepts.
• Explore a wide range of character ideas, iterating rapidly based on feedback.
• Ensure character designs are practical for implementation by 3D modelers and animators.
• Maintain a consistent art style and quality across all character assets.
• Research historical periods, cultural influences, and real-world references.
• Develop mood boards and visual guides to communicate character vision effectively.
• Mentor junior concept artists and provide constructive feedback.
• Stay updated with trends and technologies in character design and digital art.
• Participate in art team critiques and foster a collaborative environment.

Skills

Character design

Digital painting

Anatomy & color theory

Game character design

Collaboration

Communication

3D/game engine knowledge

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Storytelling

SA creative landscape familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts/Illustration or related field

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Procreate

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly imaginative and skilled Senior Concept Artist specializing in Character Design to join their dynamic creative team in Sandton, Gauteng . This role is pivotal in visualizing and defining the unique characters that populate our game worlds, bringing them to life through compelling artistic concepts. You will be responsible for generating innovative character designs that align with the project's overall vision, lore, and aesthetic direction. The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in anatomy, costume design, and visual storytelling, combined with a mastery of digital painting techniques and a keen understanding of modern game development pipelines. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute your creative talents to high-profile projects and influence the visual identity of memorable characters within the entertainment industry. We are looking for an artist who can translate abstract ideas into visually striking and emotionally resonant character designs.

Key Responsibilities

• Create high-quality concept art for game characters, including detailed turnarounds, expressions, and costume variations.
• Collaborate closely with art directors, game designers, and writers to develop character concepts that fit the narrative and gameplay requirements.
• Explore a wide range of character ideas, iterating rapidly based on feedback and project goals.
• Ensure character designs are practical for implementation by 3D modelers and animators.
• Maintain a consistent art style and quality across all character assets.
• Research historical periods, cultural influences, and real-world references to inform character designs.
• Develop mood boards and visual guides to communicate character vision effectively.
• Mentor junior concept artists and provide constructive feedback on their work.
• Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in character design and digital art.
• Participate in art team critiques and contribute to a positive and collaborative creative environment.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of experience as a Concept Artist, with a strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional character design skills.
• Proficiency in digital painting software such as Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, or similar.
• Strong understanding of anatomy, form, color theory, and composition.
• Experience designing characters for video games or animated features.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment and respond to feedback constructively.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Understanding of 3D modeling and game engine pipelines is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Illustration, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Passion for character creation and storytelling through visual art.
• Familiarity with the South African creative landscape is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement savings plans, and generous vacation time.
• Professional development opportunities, such as workshops and access to online learning resources, are provided.
• This role is based in our modern studio in Sandton, Gauteng, offering a creative and collaborative work atmosphere.
• We provide access to industry-leading software and hardware, and opportunities to work on exciting and visually rich projects.
• Employees benefit from a vibrant company culture that values creativity, teamwork, and individual growth.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.