Principal Artist

Role summary

The Principal Artist will support the IP Director, Art Director and Associate Art Director in delivery of the artistic and creative vision of the studio titles. They will be responsible for all aspects of world creation, including setting the quality standards through all phases of development. This role will be responsible for creating high quality Concept Art and 3D Environments, working closely with Design to ensure both the game design and art mesh together.

Key responsibilities

• Create concepts and illustration work for both pre-production and production phases, across characters and environments
• Work with Art Direction to develop high quality key art pieces
• Able to generate 2D illustrations for animated sequences to be used in the game
• Support Art Direction through the use of paint-overs, previs and reference material
• Contribute to and aid look development using both 2D and 3D workflows
• Provide conceptual guidance for the creation of VFX
• Knowledge in production and optmisation rules to meet scope and performance needs, whilst maintaining the desired level of quality

Skills & Behavioral Competencies

• Initiative and autonomy: You take responsibility for your work and are able to work autonomously. You show initiative and determine when issues should be escalated.

• Clear, consistent and proactive communicator: You think about what information people need and convey that information in a transparent, clear and timely manner. You check to see if people have understood or need additional information. You identify when you need more information to do your job and ask for it.

• Problem solving: Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to exercise sound judgement and make decisions based on accurate and timely information.

• Openness to change: You want to learn what works, share ideas, and are willing to try new things out. You are adaptable and prepared to shift direction after discussion about benefits and risks.

• Teamwork: You are willing to assist and support others as required and get on with team members.

• Planning, organisation, and attention to detail: You develop and use systems to organise and keep track of information or work progress. You review and check the accuracy of information. You show an ability to work on and prioritise multiple initiatives at the same time.

Required Qualification/Experience

• You will have a proven track record of proactive problem solving, working in collaboration with other discipline leads (art, design, production, engineers, and QA) and demonstrate an ability to build bridges outside of the team as required.

• Extensive experience in 3D asset creation

• Expert experience with current 3D modelling tools such as 3ds Max, Maya or equivalent

• Expert experience with texture creation/authoring tools

• A strong understanding of art fundamentals.

• You have a good sense of spatial composition and proportions.

• You have a solid understanding of basic architecture.

• You show good judgment and reach conclusions and propose decisions – while offering positive and constructive feedback.

• A minimum of 7 years professional experience as an Artist in the games industry

• A minimum of 4 years as a Senior or Principal Artist in the games industry.

Legal requirement to work in New Zealand

You need to have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand