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Games Lead Artist (UK)
11 months ago
Keywords Studios is the ultimate destination for talent in the AAA game development world. We're a dominant force in gaming, distinguished by our global network of 70+ studios spanning 26+ countries, each with its unique identity, culture, and specialized capabilities. Our collaborative approach positions us as the top technical and creative service provider to celebrated console and mobile developers worldwide. We take pride in offering industry-leading solutions including game development, art services, marketing, globalization, quality assurance, player support and more. Our vast service portfolio, global hiring reach, impressive client roster, and unwavering commitment to excellence make us a peerless employer.
Image more for your career and become part of our thriving Games Talent Community.
About the role:
We are scouting skilled and visionary Lead Artists with a passion for pushing boundaries, a strong portfolio of innovative work, and a knack for guiding artistic direction.
Main Responsibilities:
- Work with the Art Director to ensure the artists hit the client's aesthetic targets and that we demonstrate a high bar of craft excellence.
- Create high quality benchmark assets to inspire and guide the art team and demonstrate responsibility for work quality and processes.
- Communicate regularly with the client's art team, building relationships and reassuring them of our ability to hit their goals.
- Instigate regular reviews of artwork and provide clear concise feedback, to ensure high quality and creative cohesion.
- Ensure all artists have the appropriate reference and resources to complete their tasks and support the team with resolving technical issues and fixing bugs.
- Help to establish pipelines, define budgets and document best practices.
- Work with technical artists and engineers in streamlining our tools and processes for increasing art efficiency.
- Champion streamlined processes, ensuring artwork meets all technical targets and frame rate restrictions.
- Create concise documentation of all aspects of the art pipeline processes and provide tutorials and technical guides to improve efficiency.
- Ensure all artwork adheres to guidelines regarding naming conventions, texture layering structures, folders etc.
- Self driven, autonomous and confident, inspire colleagues to flourish and help promote a culture of collaborative innovation.
- Keep up to date with industry advancements and technologies and share knowledge with the art team, actively contributing fresh ideas and encouraging the team to learn.
- Have a full understanding of the scope and complexity of the artwork required on the project.
- Alongside production, help to establish priority of work, schedule the art workload, monitor output and promptly advise art leads and production of any resourcing concerns and risks.
- Lead, mentor and manage artists, providing coaching and nurturing to encourage their continued growth.
- Carry out inductions and probationary reviews for new starters to ensure competence in the full range of tasks required in the role and feedback to the art leadership regarding employee performance for all team members.
Requirements
- Has five or more years' gaming industry experience in leading positions, an at least one complete product cycle shipping AAA title.
- Excellent artistic ability and meticulous attention to detail.
- Highly proficient in Maya/Max/Blender, Substance and Unreal.
- Good understanding of fundamental art principles; colour and lighting theory, composition and staging techniques.
- A confident art leader with excellent verbal and written communication skills, you have the ability to articulate visual ideas with clarity and conviction and provide clear feedback and guidance.
- Practical and methodical approach to both technical and creative problem-solving and experience of mentoring other artists.
- Demonstrate good leadership skills of positivity, enthusiasm, leading by example & active listening.
- Be a collaborative team player, have a professional, flexible and calm approach and the ability to adapt with change.
- Excellent time-management and organisational skills and the ability to deliver quality work within fixed time constraints.
- Passion for staying up to date with latest technology and embracing new game art techniques.
Benefits
Keywords Studios is truly unique, and what sets us apart is our distinctive structure. We take great pride in our talented Keywordians and the multitude of independent studios across the globe. So, while the benefits vary from studio to studio, as a rule, working at Keywords comes with a wide range of exceptional perks designed to create a rewarding and enjoyable work experience, such as:
- Earn a competitive salary and benefits package
- Engage in projects tailored to your skill set in an environment that has been recognised and celebrated for its excellence
- Collaborate with industry giants (you'll have the chance to work on AAA titles and be part of a talented team of passionate individuals)
- Access to a multitude of professional opportunities for growth
- Enjoy flexible working environments
- Utilize relocation and visa applications as necessary.
- Prioritize diversity and inclusion (our studios champion these initiatives)
- Benefit from additional perks that can include cycle-to-work and IT schemes, pension contributions, healthcare benefits, on-office entertainment, social events, holidays, bonuses, and pet-friendly environments.
Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Commitment:
Keywords Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. If you require any adjustments during the process please let us know in your application. We are committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation. We especially welcome applications from candidates of underrepresented groups in the industry.
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