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Lead Environment Artist

Cloud Imperium Games Ltd. is looking for a Lead Environment Artist to drive the art production and pipelines for the First Person Shooter areas of Star Citizen/Squadron 42 with the production and engine groups across multiple studios.

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of environment asset creation and modular kit-based construction methodologies. They understand all phases of environment creation from block-out through lighting. They work well and communicate with designers and other disciplines in a collaborative team oriented development process.

Sample pictures or portfolio link, which shows sample work are necessary.

Portfolio or demo reel should demonstrate:

• Exceptional modeling skills. Great assets examples using custom normal workflow or high to low poly baking
• Strong understanding of a PBR workflow
• Examples of building realistic shader libraries
• Examples of beautifully finished environments
• Ability to create game ready assets, that work well within the given technical limitations
• Very strong texturing skills and excellent knowledge of Adobe Photoshop
• Keen eye on detail and realism
• A strong sense for composition, color and light
• At least average drawing/painting skills

Responsibilities:

• Lead the creation of environment creation
• Lead by example to set the Environment Art quality level, and technical best practices
• Define art production budgets, pipelines, workflows and processes
• Be a go-to person for expert knowledge of modeling, texturing and optimization of assets through next gen pipeline
• Take direction, give direction, iterate on look and feel, gather feedback from the entire team and lead review of other artists work
• Work with Art and Game Directors to define and shape the overall look and feel of the game
• Work closely with the design team to detail the goals and functionality of game levels and needed environment props
• Work with production to determine asset requirements, scheduling needs, and integration processes
• Work with technical artists and engineers in the development and streamlining of tools and processes

Requirements:

• 5+ years professional game production experience
• 1+ year experience in a leadership role
• Previous experience creating high quality environments for AAA games
• Thorough knowledge of the game development process
• Shipped (from pre-production to release) 2-3+, large scale, 3D titles (PC, current/next-gen consoles)
• A strong ability to create believable environments within a games engine
• Strong knowledge of 3DS Max, Photoshop and Zbrush / Mudbox as well as experience in using editors to lay out environments
• Good understanding of custom normal asset workflows
• Strong knowledge of Substance / Quixel packages
• Ability to derive a well-structured lowpoly model from the high poly model
• Strong understanding of efficient UV layout for lowpoly objects
• Strong understanding of modular level creation methods
• Experience creating environments using modular systems
• An understanding of effective asset creation and optimization
• A strong understanding of shader functionality
• In-depth knowledge and/or experience with PBR
• Experience applying and tweaking shaders
• A keen eye for spatial composition and building believable scenes
• Excellent sense of form, mass and volume
• Passion for pushing the state of the art in asset fidelity and production techniques
• Strong understanding of asset pipelines and agile development environments
• Passion and constant drive to stay up to date with latest technology and new techniques
• Inherent ability to bring out the best in people around you, remains positive, and motivate your team
• Expert in time management, verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to gather, analyse, and act on feedback from the team, openness to critique
• Focused, motivated and effective on all tasks through completion
• Keep a positive team-oriented attitude
• Be proactive and self-motivated, work without direct supervision
• Ability to complete tasks within given time constraints
• Excellent English communication and written skills

Pluses:

• Knowledge with CryENGINE
• Hard surface modeling experience
• Experience with programmatic and/or parametric environment generation tools
• Experience in architecture, interior or industrial design
• Experience creating assets for Open World games
• Strong interest in science fiction based themes
• Experience with Outsourcing and/or collaboration with external studios
• The ability to manage and supervise mid-level and junior artists and willingness to carry out mentorship tasks

If you feel you have something to offer this role, even if you don’t think you qualify for all the above, you should still apply – we are an inclusive employer and if you have potential, talent and a great work ethic, we want to hear from you.