Lead Character Artist

As the Lead Character Artist, you will work with the art director to drive the artistic vision for all in-game characters, collaborating with concept artists, animators, and designers, to deliver stunning and iconic characters that resonate with players. This role requires a seasoned artist with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of storytelling through visual design. You will help develop and oversee a team of character artists, setting quality standards, fostering creative growth, and ensuring our characters remain cohesive with the project’s artistic vision.

**Responsibilities**:

- Artistic Vision: Collaborate with the art director to shape and drive the visual style of all in-game characters
- Leadership: Develop and lead a team of character artists, providing feedback and guidance
- Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with the art director, concept artists, tech artists, and animators to ensure cohesive character design that supports gameplay and art direction
- Pipeline Development: Collaborate with the tech art team to develop and refine character art pipelines and workflows to improve production efficiency, quality, and consistency
- Contribution: Create high-quality 3D models, textures, and materials for characters, including high
- and low-poly models and UVs
- Project Management: Work with the other leaders on the team to manage timelines, ensure deadlines are met, and identify any resource needs or roadblocks in production

**Qualifications**:

- Game Experience: Passion for one or more of the following genres: MOBA, RTS, Card, Strategy, Roguelike.
- Technical Proficiency: Expertise in 3D modeling, sculpting, and texturing software (e.g. Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter)
- Artistic Skill: Strong understanding of anatomy, proportion, form, color theory, and stylization for semi-realistic and stylized characters
- Knowledge of Game Engines: Familiarity with industry-standard game engines and an understanding of techniques required to make game-ready assets
- Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with other departments
- Portfolio: An outstanding portfolio demonstrating high-quality character work and the ability to execute on and develop style and artistic vision
- Leadership Ability: Desire and ability to lead a team, providing constructive feedback, and driving artistic excellence
- Vision: Willingness to work with the art director and other artists to drive the artistic direction for all in-game characters
- Experience: Previous experience working as a character artist in video games is required

**Preferred Qualifications**:

- Experience with rigging and animation is valued, but not required. However, experience working with animators and an understanding of animation principles is required
- Experience working with Unreal Engine
- Experience as a Lead or Senior Character Artist
- Experience with 3D modeling outside the realm of character art (props, environments, etc.)
- Vis-dev and concept skills (visual design, drawing, painting, pre-vis sculpting)

Additional Information
- We are an equal opportunity employer dedicated to cultivating an inclusive environment.
- We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with physical and mental disabilities. Please contact us to request assistance.