This job might no longer be available.

Principal Concept Artist

ATOMHAWK ARE LOOKING FOR A PRINCIPAL ARTIST TO JOIN THEIR UK STUDIO

Principal Concept Artists are responsible for leading teams to create concepts in a broad range of styles in accordance with the requirements of each project/client. The role involves creating artwork and design at all stages of the development cycle, including concept and idea generation, fast sketching (including storyboards), colour/ light studies and polished illustration work, as well as providing team management and feedback.

Typical projects often require the visualisation of various subjects, including environments, vehicles, characters and props. Adaptability is therefore a key skill. Candidates must have a broad range of styles and be able to demonstrate a good spread of realistic, fantasy, sci-fi and stylised work.

For this particular role we are looking for an experienced team member that consistently delivers high quality work that meets and often exceeds client expectations. The successful candidate will be able to work quickly and should consistently deliver innovative/high quality ideas and polished final art/designs. They should have prior experience of working directly with clients and be comfortable discussing projects with members of Atomhawk's production and senior management teams.

They will be able to interpret briefs on their own and also mentor and guide others. They will be actively involved in staff training and development, assist with bi-annual appraisals and show leadership by example.

Requirements

• Creating concept art for characters, environments, objects to various levels of finish and time constraints
• Creating illustrations for key frames, box art and other marketing purposes
• Speed paintings of Composition, Mood
• Visual storytelling, ensuring that the image captivates the viewer’s imagination
• Environment design - Ability to create inspirational environments in an array of styles, always with close attention to composition, lighting and perspective
• Architecture – Strong understanding of the layout and special proportions a range of buildings, both realistic and imaginary. A good knowledge of architectural styles would be advantageous
• Mechanical design – Knowledge of industrial design principals and their application to fictional vehicles, machines, weapons etc
• Character design – Creative, unique and interesting characters in a range of styles
• Has a good understanding of the creative processes and workflows with the ability to direct their aesthetic output and quality
• Helps to define creative workflows
• Sets schedules and breaks down workflows for new projects alongside production
• Gives regular feedback to teams with the ability to inspire those around them
• Review documentation, briefs and visual targets for multiple projects
• Consistently meets project expectations and timings
• Can be entrusted to speak on behalf of the project, to clients during onsite and offsite visits and meetings
• Can be entrusted to represent the company and its values at external events and communicate its message safely and effectively
• Represents the company in PR and events

Personal skills required

• Identifies own and other’s problems
• Actively proposes mitigation plans for identified risks and problems
• Identifies areas requiring innovation and is a part of creating solutions
• Stays current with trends and brings innovation where possible
• Has impact on long-term Studio initiatives which can affect how other projects work.
• Is part of strong leadership in the studio
• Helps define and communicate both technical and non-technical, information to art team, production and management.
• Adapts content of information for the intended audience
• Ability to run a daily stand-up meeting team for a project team
• Provides feedback on the work of other internal or external artists where required
• Partners within Creative Leadership Team (includes MD, Creative Dev Director and Canada Studio Director).
• Is involved in the recruiting and hiring process

Skills Required

• Fluent with Photoshop, and a high capacity to learn new tools
• Strong art background in traditional art skills
• Anatomical knowledge
• Architectural knowledge
• Mechanical design knowledge
• Good sense of light, form, tone, palette
• Must be able to paint/sketch at speed

Skills Considered a Bonus

• Experience with 3-D software (Blender, Z-Brush, MODO, 3DSMax or Maya etc) a plus
• Good knowledge of video games and films
• Has at least 4 years’ experience working within a video game, agency or film-production environment

Education and Experience

• A portfolio that demonstrates the ability to meet industry standard level of art
• Experience of dealing directly with clients, including Art Directors and Producers
• Professional art training is desirable but not essential

Benefits

Atomhawk offer a number of schemes to full time members of our Gateshead team, including:

• Competitive salary, holiday and relocation allowance
• Healthcare benefits
• Staff share scheme
• 'No-crunch' policy, giving the team a great work-life balance
• A city centre studio location, overlooking the Newcastle Gateshead Quayside.
• A structured career progression system