3D Character Artist - Isometric Strategy Title (8-month Contract)

Blackbird Interactive is a creative-fueled, future-driven, independent game studio where the best talent in the industry can find long-term careers to help grow their abilities while working on a wide range of projects, which encompass world-class IPs as well as our own creations across multiple genres.

In 2022, we announced that our studio is implementing a four-day work week as well as supporting in-studio, remote within Canada, and hybrid work arrangements as permanent options to our employees.

Blackbird Interactive is a creative-fueled, future-driven, independent game studio where the best industry talent can grow their careers while working on world-class IPs and original creations across multiple genres.

We’re looking for a 3D Character Artist with experience creating stylized, production-ready characters and structures for real-time strategy games. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about stylized aesthetics, thrives in a collaborative team, and can deliver clean, optimized assets within a technical pipeline.

You’ll work on a popular RTS game - creating stylized character units, building units, and contributing to a rich, dynamic world from an isometric gameplay perspective.

We support remote, in-studio (Vancouver, BC), and hybrid working arrangements across Canada. You’ll be joining a flexible, forward-thinking studio environment where creative voices are valued and nurtured.

Responsibilities

• Model stylized 3D characters and buildings based on concept art and design specifications, with a strong emphasis on readability and silhouette clarity for RTS gameplay and an isometric camera.
• Ensure efficient topology (~10–15K tris per character) while maintaining strong visual fidelity and performance optimization.
• Texture assets using a stylized PBR pipeline in Substance Painter.
• Collaborate closely with concept artists, technical artists, and animators to deliver assets ready for implementation.
• Maintain clean file management practices and adhere to naming conventions and technical constraints.
• Stay current with industry best practices and tools, especially for stylized workflows.

Requirements

• 4+ years of experience in 3D game art production.
• Strong modeling skills with a focus on character and prop creation.
• Proficiency in 3Ds MAX (preferred) or Maya.
• Deep knowledge of Substance Painter and PBR workflows, with a stylized texturing sensibility.
• Ability to create illustrative, hand painted textures.
• Demonstrated ability in sculpting and baking high-frequency detail onto stylized characters.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively, with strong communication and self-direction.

Bonus Points For

• Experience creating assets for top-down or isometric games.
• Familiarity with modern game engines.
• Passion for stylized RTS, MOBA, and/or action-strategy games.
• Ability in 2D concept art or character design.
• Experience with custom MEL scripts in Maya.

$70,000 - $80,000 a year