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Senior Environment Artist

Ascendant Studios is looking for a talented and creative environment artist to help bring our first title to life. Prior work on an AAA title, or in the Unreal Engine, is a big plus, and our ideal applicant will be able to work independently alongside design to come up with and execute fantastical level ideas.

What you'll do:

• Trouble-shoot levels and maintain them to stay in frame rate, memory and design spec
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed
• Enthusiasm for working closely with other Artists
• Communicate with Production, Design, and other departments
• Propose ideas and visual references for game locations
• Work out the details and concept modular systems of architecture for levels
• Basic lighting knowledge are desired
• Optimize the final levels for performance
• Use the game engine efficiently to create maps that run smoothly on consoles
• Work with the Lead Level Artist and the Level Art Director to ensure artistic unity with the entire project
• Create models for both organic and inorganic environments, as well as props and tilesets
• Work with the designers to build and decorate levels in engine, with considerations for gameplay space and flow
• Prototype and block out assets and environments
• Work with the art director and designers to come up with new level concepts and gather reference
• Give, receive, and make changes to your work based on constructive feedback

Who you are:

• Expert of texturing using both procedurally generated and hand painted techniques in a PBR workflow
• Strong understanding of modularity and the use of trim sheets for optimal level building
• Able to work from photo reference or concept art, as well as ability to interpret design intention when concept is unavailable
• Flexibility to adapt asset creation to any art style
• Understand real-time game development needs
• Able to collaborate closely with Texture/Concept Artists
• 3-5+ years experience as an Environment Artist or other role responsible for creating game-ready assets
• High level of proficiency with Maya, Zbrush, and Substance Painter/Designer
• Strong traditional art fundamentals, including the function of form and color, proportions, shape, etc.

Bonus Points:

• Familiarity with Houdini, GAEA, SpeedTree, or other industry standard software.
• Experience with lighting levels
• Previous work with Unreal Engine
• Previous experience working on an AAA, 1st person, console title