Art Lead

The Art Lead oversees the visual direction and manages the full art production process for AAA games, including concept art, 2D/3D assets, animation, and overall game aesthetics. This role involves guiding a team of artists, ensuring visual elements align with the creative vision, and meeting high-quality standards. The Art Lead also manages the art pipeline, collaborates cross-functionally, and ensures adherence to project timelines and budgets.

Must Have

• Lead and mentor a team of artists
• Define and shape the game's visual vision and art direction
• Oversee production of concept art, 2D/3D assets, animation, and VFX
• Manage efficient art production pipelines
• Collaborate with technical artists, designers, and engineers
• Ensure high quality and consistency of art assets
• 8+ years experience in next-gen game art and pipelines
• 3+ years experience reviewing and mentoring artists
• Strong artistic skills, visual storytelling, and game aesthetics
• Ability to manage, inspire, and guide creative teams
• Excellent communication and collaboration
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
• Adaptability to evolving industry tools
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Fine Arts, Digital Art, or related field
• Extensive AAA game development experience with strong portfolio
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and major 3D modeling/animation software

Art Lead Job Description (AAA Games)

Role Overview

The Art Lead plays a key role in AAA game development by overseeing the visual direction and managing the full art production process. This includes concept art, 2D and 3D assets, animation, and the overall look and feel of the game. The Art Lead guides a team of artists and ensures that all visual elements match the creative vision and meet high-quality standards.

Position Details

Job Title: Art Lead

Reports To: Associate Art Director / Art Director

Works With: Project Managers, Project Art Leads, Associate Art Directors, Art Directors, Senior Artists, and Artists

Key Responsibilities

1. Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Lead, guide, and mentor a team of artists.
• Offer feedback, support, and direction to help the team meet artistic and project goals.

2. Art Direction

• Work with creative leaders to define the visual vision of the game.
• Shape the style for characters, environments, and overall art direction.

3. Asset Creation & Oversight

• Oversee the production of concept art, 2D/3D assets, animation, and VFX.
• Ensure all assets meet both artistic and technical requirements.
• Manage multiple art deliverables across projects.

4. Art Pipeline Management

• Build and manage an efficient art production pipeline.
• Ensure assets are created, reviewed, optimized, and integrated smoothly.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with technical artists, designers, and engineers.
• Ensure art assets work correctly inside the game engine and align with gameplay needs.

6. Quality Control

• Set up strong review and quality standards.
• Identify visual issues early and ensure consistent quality.

7. Tools & Process Improvement

• Recommend tools, software, and workflows that improve efficiency.
• Stay updated on new practices in game art production.

8. Budget & Timeline Management

• Ensure the art team works within project schedules and budget limits.
• Track progress and adjust plans when necessary.

9. Creative Problem-Solving

• Work with the team to resolve artistic or technical challenges creatively and effectively.

10. Documentation

• Maintain clear documentation such as style guides, art guidelines, and asset specifications.

Skills Required

Experience & Technical Skills

• 8+ years of experience in creating next-gen game art and pipelines.
• Strong understanding of human and animal anatomy (for character roles).
• At least 3 years of experience reviewing and mentoring artists.
• Strong artistic skills with a deep sense of visual storytelling and game aesthetics.
• Ability to manage, inspire, and guide a creative team.

Soft Skills

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to adapt to evolving industry tools and technologies.

Knowledge Required

• Bachelor's or Masters degree in Fine Arts, Digital Art, or a related field.
• Extensive AAA game development experience supported by a strong portfolio.
• Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite and major 3D modeling/animation software.

Please note: This position is for one of Playdawn's clients, and successful candidates will be hired directly by the client, not by Playdawn.

Our client is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. They are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics. They believe that diversity fuels innovation and creativity, and they strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to shared success.