Lead Character Artist - Sledgehammer Games

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Sledgehammer Games is a leading developer in the video game industry, best known for its work on the Call of Duty franchise. Since its founding in 2009, the studio has delivered iconic titles like "Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare," "Call of Duty: WWII," and most recently, “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.” We combine cutting-edge technology with creative vision to produce games that resonate with players worldwide. With a focus on creating high-quality multiplayer experiences and captivating single-player campaigns, we continue to shape the future of first-person shooters.

We are looking for a talented developer to join us as a Lead Character Artist within our Toronto team. In this role you will partner closely with our teams at our other studio locations in the United States and Australia in the creation of epic content for some of the biggest games in the world. If you're ready to be part of a dynamic and collaborative environment where your skills can make a real impact, we invite you to explore career opportunities with us.

Sledgehammer Games is wholly owned by Activision. To learn more about our studio, please visit us at or search for Sledgehammer Games on your favorite social media platform. Want to hear what it’s like at the studio directly from current employees? Check out our #LifeatSHG developer profiles:  

Your Mission

Your mission is to inspire, mentor, and lead a team of high-caliber artists who create authentic characters that will be enjoyed by millions of gamers across the globe.  Our Lead Artists are role-models that not only manage the team through challenge and change, but they also build up individuals into highly engaged, efficient, and effective teammates.  Above all, we are looking for an innovative and dedicated leader to help tell our story.  

• To shape and build one of the best character art team in the gaming industry.

• Share your passion and knowledge of character art in the films and games industry.

• Collaborate with Art Directors, Producers, Animators, and Tech Artists to deliver realistic characters for world-class player experiences.

• Research subject matter relating to objectives to ensure an authentic experience.

• Be a proactive self-starter that can independently execute high-level direction.

• Be a trusted gatekeeper for performance, efficiency, and quality.

• Define team goals, action plans, and schedules for the project.

• Provide your team with consistent guidance, opportunities, and resources.

• Lead, task, mentor and conduct one-to-one meetings with your Character Artists.

• Work very closely together with Outsource Manager to ensure the vendor asset quality is high.

• Collaborate very closely with Production to maintain the timeline.

• Empower artists to thrive on open and welcome constructive criticism.

• Champion best practices and advocate towards streamlining tools and processes.

• Interface with other teams to ensure art requirements and plans are understood.

• Contribute creative and original ideas towards all aspects of game production and development.

• Pushing the quality of the characters for millions of fans to enjoy.

Player Profile:

Minimum Requirements

• 8+ total years in the games industry working in an art capacity.

• 2+ years as a Lead Character Artist.

• Ability to lead by example echoed through a professional and egoless personality.

• Comprehensive understanding of human anatomy, and clothing and a keen eye towards form, shape, weight, structure, and silhouette in regards to modelling.

• Ability to lead team that is spread across other studio office.

• Strong understanding of creating character art assets in multiple major 3D and 2D packages (Zbrush, 3DS Max , Maya ,Photoshop and Substance) for console hardware (Xbox, PS, PC).

• Excellent understanding of Physically Based Rendering systems and techniques.

• Possesses in-depth understanding of game engines, pipelines, and processes.

• Rock-solid communication across departments and problem-solving skills.

• Proven ability to thrive in a challenging and often ambiguous environment.

• Strong understanding of game art with ability to clearly discuss modern trends.

• Inspiring portfolio demonstrating focus and commitment to realistic characters and current gen 2D/3D asset creation; ideally demonstrating organic and hard surface character, clothing, and equipment/accessory models with high-quality materials and textures.

• Understanding basic rigging and skinning.

Extra Points

• Marmoset Toolbag baking flow.

• Familiarity with photogrammetry process or procedural content creation.

• Strong traditional art foundation.

• History of playing a variety of game genres both digital and physical.