This job might no longer be available.
Senior Character Artist (Hybrid or Remote)
1 year ago
About Us
You may not know us, but you certainly know our clients: Microsoft, Sony, Activision, Square and many others. At Pipeworks, we create innovative, best-selling, cross-platform live games for top-tier publishers and properties. We have been creating hits since 1999, and we are seeking exceptionally talented and entrepreneurial game creators as we lead into the future of digital entertainment.
Position Purpose
The Senior Character Artist will work closely with the Art Lead/Studio Art Director to support various projects on their character design, modeling, and texturing needs with styles ranging from cartoony to realistic.
Essential Job Functions
Create character models and textures as needed
Investigate and test optimal approaches for each platform that hit the highest quality within the given project requirements
Understand what the Art Lead requires for the project then research, develop, and implement it in engine
Research current techniques used and utilize most relevant processes.
Manage other character artists and outsourcing.
Qualifications/Skills Sets
- At least 5 years experience in a similar role.
- Understanding of Maya and/or Max
- Unity experience is a must; Unreal familiarity a benefit.
- Ability to create character textures within tools such as Substance Designer
- Ability to create or work off of character concepts that are complete or sometimes incomplete.
- Ability to assess big suggestions and come up with creative compromise solutions.
- Work with others on defining the character pipeline that may or may not rely on an in-game character editor.
- Understanding of how animators will work with the character to make strong modeling choices.
- Works closely with technical art to develop new or improved upon techniques to improve visual quality.
- Ability to keep a clear and consistent schedule.
- Work with Tech Art to find solutions for elements such as hair and cloth.
- Strong communication ability
- Gives strong estimates for project planning
- Works with other departments as needed
- Understanding of bug fixing and investigation
- Help the art team find answers to difficult problems.
- Plus: Ability to use Zbrush or Mudbox
- Plus: Ability to rig and weight a character model.
- Plus: Ability to concept character art.
Demonstrated Ability To
- Make strong visually impactful character art and push the envelope when needed.
- Work in a self-organized way so they feel empowered.
- Work effectively with other artists and engineers to achieve project goals.
- Solve problems to the benefit of the project/team.
- Work not just at a project level but also looking at the studio and what processes might speed up work in general.
- Research new and improved character creation techniques and software.
Education & Experience Required
Any degree or certification in a related field or equivalent work experience.
Materials Required
Candidate should provide portfolio of art that they have created or directed and a resume detailing the projects/studios that they have been a part of.
Benefits and Perks
- Medical, Dental, and Vision
- 401K
- Employer Paid Life Insurance Policy
- Generous Paid Time Off
- 17 Paid Holidays in 2022
- Relocation
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Assistance Program
- Fitness Club Discounts
- Annual Company Events
- Project Wrap Parties
Pipeworks Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Pipeworks Studios recognizes the importance of creating an environment where all our employees feel included and empowered to bring ideas to the table. We value each employee’s unique experiences and perspectives across our company and recognize that it is both the smart and right thing to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization.
By diversifying our workforce, increasing equity, and ensuring that our individual differences are valued, we are better able to deliver an experience that reflects, inspires, and connects with our audience... because games are for everyone!
Pipeworks provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.
Go to Pipeworks.com to see some of our continued efforts and our 2021 Diversity Report.
Create Your Profile — Game companies can contact you with their relevant job openings.