Outsource Benchmark Character Artist

Frontier is seeking an Outsource Benchmark Character Artist to set quality standards for external partners by creating benchmark assets. This role involves defining visual character quality for game projects, requiring artistic expertise, strong communication, and the ability to provide clear feedback to align outsourcing efforts with game vision and standards.

Must Have

• Oversee and create high-quality benchmark assets for external vendors
• Assist in delivering models on budget, on time, and in the appropriate art style
• Actively participate in team meetings and contribute to development
• Cultivate strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners
• Facilitate clear and efficient communication between vendors and in-house Character Artists
• Estimate asset requirements accurately, including geometry, texture, and time allocations
• Draft detailed briefs, specifications, and outsource packages
• Deliver comprehensive and consistent asset feedback
• Previous industry experience with a track record of exceptional art creation
• Good coordination skills with exceptional verbal and written communication
• Experience with translating 2D concepts or reference into 3D character models
• Proven ability across all aspects of character modelling (anatomical, cloth, hard-surface)
• Proficient in 3D industry standard software like Zbrush, Maya/Max or Blender
• Familiarity with the entire real-time character creation pipeline
• Awareness of the importance of mesh topology for animation

Good to Have

• Maya preferred among 3D software options
• Adaptable attitude to working across a breadth of art styles

Perks & Benefits

• Work with talented and passionate people
• Creative, collaborative and inclusive environment
• Wellbeing focus and activities
• Healthy work/life balance
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Success-based annual bonus
• Share option schemes
• Life assurance
• Private family healthcare
• Flexitime working hours
• Enhanced maternity/paternity leave
• In-house subsidised catering
• Relocation support package
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Free bike servicing
• Social activities and events

Frontier is an independent video game developer and publisher, crafting immersive gaming experiences with fun gameplay and unparalleled artistic quality. Renowned for its iconic creative management simulation games, Frontier captivates players worldwide with immersive and authentic game worlds. The modern studio is located in the vibrant technology hub of Cambridge (UK). The talented team at Frontier are dedicated to nurturing our existing portfolio and delivering our exciting future roadmap.

This role is offered on a full in-studio basis or a hybrid basis (minimum 3 days per week in the studio). We can provide a comprehensive relocation support package as part of any offer, should you need to relocate.

WHAT’S THE ROLE?

The Outsource Benchmark Character Artist will assist in setting the quality standards for our external partners by helping to create benchmark assets that inspire and define the visual character quality for various game projects. This role requires a blend of artistic expertise, clear communication skills, and the ability to give clear feedback to ensure that our outsourcing efforts align perfectly with the vision and standards of our games.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Oversee and help create high-quality benchmark assets that serve as the standard for external vendors.
• Assist delivering models on budget, on time, and in the appropriate art style.
• Actively participate in team meetings and contribute to the overall development process.
• Cultivate strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners to promote an environment of excellence.
• Facilitate clear and efficient channels of communication between vendors and our in-house Character Artists.
• Estimate asset requirements accurately, including geometry, texture, and time allocations for outsourced work.
• Draft detailed briefs, specifications, and outsource packages to guide external vendors, with the support of the Outsource Producers and Art Directors.
• Deliver comprehensive and consistent asset feedback to ensure alignment with project goals.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Previous industry experience with a track record of exceptional art creation.
• Good coordination skills with exceptional verbal and written communication, and ability to share a vision by creating clear briefs for work and provide realistic estimates for each task.
• Experience with translating 2D concepts or reference into 3D character models.
• Making artistic decisions to troubleshoot the transformative process and refine the final 3D design.
• Proven ability across all aspect of character modelling, including anatomical, cloth and hard-surface modelling.
• Proficient in 3D industry standard software like Zbrush, Maya/Max or Blender (Maya preferred).
• Familiarity with the entire real-time character creation pipeline: high-poly sculpting, retopology, UV mapping, texture baking, texture creation, setting up and exporting to game.
• Awareness of the importance of mesh topology, to ensure that character models deform well when animated.
• Adaptable attitude to working across a breadth of art styles, from high-detail realism to cartoon stylisation.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

You will work with talented and passionate people to support, develop or publish our sophisticated and enduring games, in a creative, collaborative and inclusive environment. We love what we do, and we work hard to provide outstanding experiences for our players.

Wellbeing is a big focus at Frontier, and we are continually evolving how we can support our people. We encourage a healthy work/life balance and provide a range of wellbeing activities, initiatives and sessions to support both mental and physical health.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes a success-based annual bonus, share option schemes, life assurance, private family healthcare, flexitime working hours, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, in-house subsidised catering, support with relocation, a Cycle to Work scheme, free bike servicing, and social activities and events.

We strive to create an environment where everyone can fully demonstrate their capability and potential. If you therefore need any reasonable adjustments to support you during the recruitment process, please speak to your Talent Acquisition representative.

For queries, please email: recruitment@frontier.co.uk