Lead Character Artist at Absurd Ventures
Santa MonicaFull-timeGame DevelopmentPosted 5 months ago
Apply with PipelineAbout the Role
<p><strong><em><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 4">Summary</span></span></em></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":319,"335559739":319}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Character Artist to join our dynamic team. As Lead Character Artist, you will be responsible for creating and overseeing the production of high-quality character assets. You will have a direct impact on the visual identity of our games, bringing characters to life with stunning detail and artistic excellence.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><em><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 4">Core Responsibilities</span></span></em></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":319,"335559739":319}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Lead the character art team in the creation of high-quality character models.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Collaborate with the Art Director to define the visual style of characters.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Sculpt, model, and texture characters to meet the artistic and technical requirements of the project.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Contribute in planning, organization and prioritization of tasks with Production for internal, OS, and co dev partners.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Create and maintain character pipeline documentation for training and onboarding</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Proactively identify risks in character art production timelines and effectively communicate risks to Production and Directors.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Mentor and provide feedback to other character artists.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Ensure character assets are optimized for performance and memory usage.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Work closely with rigging, animation, and technical art teams to ensure characters are ready for implementation.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Stay current with industry trends and techniques in character art.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><em><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 4">Core Qualifications</span></span></em></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":319,"335559739":319}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Game Art, or related field.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">7+ years of experience in character art within the video game industry.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Strong proficiency in Maya, ZBrush, and Substance Painter.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Significant experience in Unreal Engine</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Excellent understanding of anatomy, form, and silhouette.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience with PBR and hand-painted texturing workflows.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Proven track record of creating high-quality character models for AAA titles.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Ability to lead a team and work collaboratively across departments.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><em><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 4">Plus</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 4"> if...</span></span></em></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":319,"335559739":319}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience with character rigging and skinning.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Knowledge of Marvelous Designer or similar tools for clothing simulation.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience with rigid body dynamics and cloth simulation in Unreal Engine</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Previous work in a leadership role on a major game title.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><em><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 4">Description</span></span></em></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":319,"335559739":319}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Full-time job with benefits.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Role is on-site in Santa Monica, CA.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Office is located near downtown Santa Monica – near metro and freeway.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The base pay range for this position is $170,000 to $200,000 per year. Actual compensation is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer a competitive package of benefits including vacation time, sick time, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) matching to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity. </span></p>
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