Lead Character Artist

About the role

As a Lead Character Artist at Bamboohr, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the visual identity of our projects through the creation of compelling and high-quality character designs. This position requires a blend of artistic talent, technical expertise, and leadership skills, as you will guide a team of artists in delivering exceptional character models that resonate with players and enhance their gaming experience. You will collaborate closely with other departments, including animation and game design, to ensure that character designs align with the overall vision of the game.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead the character art team in the development of high-quality character models, ensuring they meet the artistic and technical standards of the project.
• Collaborate with game designers and animators to create characters that are not only visually appealing but also functional within the game mechanics.
• Develop and maintain character design guidelines and best practices to ensure consistency across all character assets.
• Mentor and provide constructive feedback to junior artists, fostering their growth and skill development within the team.
• Conduct regular reviews of character art assets, ensuring they align with the project's artistic vision and quality benchmarks.
• Stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies to continuously innovate and improve character art production processes.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions to contribute creative ideas for character concepts and story integration.
• Create detailed character concept art, including sketches and color studies, to communicate ideas effectively to the team and stakeholders.
• Optimize character models for performance without compromising visual fidelity, ensuring they meet technical requirements for various platforms.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to create promotional character art that aligns with the overall branding of the game.
• Assist in the recruitment process by evaluating portfolios and conducting interviews for potential new team members.
• Manage project timelines and deliverables, ensuring that character art is completed on schedule and within budget.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in character art for video games, with a strong portfolio showcasing a variety of character designs.
• Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Maya, ZBrush, and Photoshop, with a solid understanding of 3D modeling and texturing techniques.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and mentoring a team of artists, with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A deep understanding of anatomy, proportions, and character design principles, with the ability to create stylized and realistic characters.
• Familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, and the ability to implement character assets into these environments.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing project requirements and feedback.

Nice to have

• Experience with rigging and skinning characters for animation, enhancing the workflow between character art and animation teams.
• Knowledge of visual storytelling and the ability to create characters that enhance narrative elements within the game.
• Familiarity with VR and AR technologies, and an understanding of how character design can be adapted for immersive experiences.
• Previous experience working on AAA titles or within a well-regarded game development studio.

Skills & tools

• Expertise in character modeling, texturing, and shading techniques.
• Strong artistic skills, with the ability to create appealing character designs that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with version control systems such as Git, ensuring smooth collaboration within the team.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously, maintaining high-quality standards.

Practical notes

• This position is contract-based, with specific details regarding the duration and terms to be discussed during the interview process.
• The exact location for this role is currently unspecified, but candidates should be open to remote work or relocation if necessary.
• Salary details are not disclosed but will be competitive and commensurate with experience and industry standards.
• Visa sponsorship may be available for qualified candidates, depending on individual circumstances.

META

Company: Bamboohr

Title: Lead Character Artist

Listed

location: Unknown

Job type: Contract

Apply URL: https://streamlinestudios.bamboohr.com/careers/84