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Art Director
3 years ago
About Sumo Newcastle
We build ground-breaking games and content for some of the world’s biggest publishers including Microsoft, Sony, Apple and Sega. Sumo Newcastle joined the Sumo Digital family in January of 2018. As a former CCP Games studio, we have a solid history of cutting-edge development, and now with Sumo, a spectacular future of ‘AAA’ game development for some of the biggest and best publishers in the world.
It’s an exciting time to be part of Sumo, winners of the Develop: Star Awards 2019 Best Studio and GI Biz 2020 Best Places to Work; big things are on the horizon and we want you to be part of our continued journey.
Sumo Newcastle is made up of a diverse mix of fantastic and talented people, and we embrace all the elements that make our team unique! We are an inclusive studio and welcome applications from all qualified applicants of any background, regardless of race, age, disability, gender identity or neurodiversity.
The role @ Sumo Newcastle
Sumo Newcastle has an exciting opportunity for an aspiring or existing Art Director to take lead on all Concept Art and Art Direction across the studio! After delivering our IP, Hood: Outlaws and Legends, we are now looking for a passionate Art Director to guide and direct the art for an unannounced project at the studio.
As Art Director, you will be responsible for defining the art styles, maintaining the visual quality while being actively involved in the day-to-day art production pipeline from concept through to delivery. This includes the design and development of artwork and leadership, mentorship and coaching of the Art team at Sumo Newcastle. You will work in conjunction with the other directors and discipline leads to set the quality requirements for the game, using in-depth knowledge of techniques and technical engine limitation requirements.
Ideally, you will be able to demonstrate an exceptional eye for detail, creative flair and the ability to outwardly convey the artistic vision to a team. You will have strong communication skills along with sound mentorship experience, helping our art team to learn and develop skills enabling them to deliver high-quality artwork throughout the project.
This is an exciting opportunity to join our studio at the start of new and sensational AAA game projects (Console and PC). You will join a friendly and experienced team and will play a pivotal role in the future development of the studio and potential projects!
This position is open to remote, hybrid and in-studio working.
Responsibilities:
- Lead art teams to establish the visual content and art styles for each project across the studio.
- Leadership role in planning existing and future projects, including taking part in project pitches.
- Support and mentor the Art team to ensure each individual has the correct techniques and tools to deliver quality artwork.
- Regularly review work across Character, Environments, VFX, Lighting and Animation and provide feedback to the wider Art team.
- Work closely with design and production to ensure that gameplay requirements are considered in all art sub-disciplines.
- Establish and communicate best practice guides, art documentation, style guides, art bibles and feedback loops.
Knowledge Requirements:
- Experience of full cycle (end to end) game development, with a history of shipping at least 1 AAA title.
- Experience in a leading art role either as a Lead Artist or an Associate/Art Director position.
- Knowledge of current game art production pipelines and practices.
- Stay up to date with the latest games that are in direct competition with the products that are being developed at the studio.
- A deep understanding of art software packages: Maya, ZBrush, 3ds Maxx, Substance Painter/Designer, Photoshop and UE ect.
- An in-depth understanding of colour theory, composition and staging techniques.
- Stay up to date with software innovations that may support Art production and the ability to bring them into the current workflow.
- Working knowledge of gaming engines and toolsets required to generate assets.
Demonstrated Ability To:
- Strong illustration skills as either a Concept, Environment or Character Artist.
- Support and lead the production of game ready art of an excellent AAA quality.
- Provide effectively and problem-solving solutions.
- Initiative to lead independently.
- Clearly and effectively communicate through the use of art documentation and regular Artist feedback loops (written and oral).
- Define and maintain art production pipelines for efficiency and support the creation of state-of-the-art assets.
On application, please include your current CV and any relevant portfolio content.
What we offer:
. Defined Annual Bonus Scheme
. ULEV car scheme
. Monthly allowance to spend on enhancing benefits
. Salary Sacrifice Pension
. Flexible Working
. 21 days free-use holiday
+ your birthday off
+ 5 learning days including 1 volunteer day
+ a duvet day
+ Christmas shutdown from Christmas Eve to New Year
+ Bank Holidays
+ extra allowance accrued for longer service
. Free dental insurance
. Life Assurance 4x Salary
. Income Protection of 75% for 5 years
. Enhanced Mat/Paternity & Adoption pay
. Employee Assistance Programme:
. Help at Hand - Remote GP, Mental Health & Physio appointments
. Free financial & home buying support consultations
. Cycle to Work Scheme
. Payroll Giving Scheme
. Access to 4,000 Udemy Courses
. Career Development Pathway
. Wrap Parties.
. Project Completion Awards
. Game/Creative Jams
. Big Family Events
. Studio social activities, e.g. running, board games, film, yoga, life drawing…
. Prism – Sumo’s employee diversity focus group
. Free fruit and drinks in our studios
. Employee Referral Bonus
. Relocation Support to the UK
. Visa Sponsorship
Where do we stand on diversity?
At Sumo Digital, we know that diversity and inclusivity will make our teams (and the amazing work that they do) better! We encourage and welcome ALL applications.
More About The Sumo Newcastle Studio:
Sumo Digital is one of the UK's most prolific game developers, enjoying over fifteen years of stability and growth. We have UK studios in Sheffield, Newcastle, Nottingham, Leamington Spa, The Chinese Room in Brighton and Red Kite Games in Leeds, along with Sumo Video Games in Pune, India.
We offer a superb benefits package including generous holidays and flexi-time. We care about our people, with an emphasis on the work/life balance and out of office events such as our legendary annual Sumo ‘Big Day Out’, plus epic Christmas parties and much more! Our regular studio Game Jams are a highlight - winning concepts can go on to commercial release, so far including Snake Pass and Spyder for Apple Arcade.
We are proud to be in the North-East of England, in our new, purpose-built, state-of-the-art facilities in Riga. Newcastle was voted the number one place that travellers should visit in 2018 by Rough Guide and has everything that a major European city has to offer; culture, heritage, lively bars and fantastic retail. It is an exciting cosmopolitan city while also boasting plenty of beautiful outdoor space including several beaches less than an hour’s drive away.
Our environment is relaxed, friendly and built on every team member having the opportunity to shine and have real, meaningful input into the games that we create. We pride ourselves on our positive atmosphere and sociable team who regularly partake in shared interest groups, lunchtime and after-work clubs, and charity fundraising events.
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