Senior Character Artist
Job Summary
Job Description
Blind Squirrel Games seeks a Senior Character Artist to create compelling character art for an upcoming project. Responsibilities include developing realistic, high-detail character assets and organic elements using industry-standard software (Maya, ZBrush, Substance Suite, etc.). The role involves collaboration with art and design teams, optimizing assets for performance, managing project files, and mentoring junior artists. The ideal candidate possesses 4+ years of experience in game development, a strong portfolio showcasing realistic character creation, and proficiency in relevant software. The position is a full-time hybrid role based in Irvine, CA, requiring three days a week on-site.
Must have:
- 4+ years game dev experience
- 2+ shipped titles as Character Artist
- Proficient in Maya, ZBrush, Substance Suite
- Realistic character modeling & texturing
- Excellent communication & collaboration skills
- High-quality asset creation & optimization
Good to have:
- Experience with Xgen/Hair/Fur
- AAA game experience
- Mentoring experience
13 skills required
Job Details
Description
Blind Squirrel Games (BSG) is a proud, independent studio that joins forces with developers and publishers seeking an innovative partner in creating quality games. At BSG, people are our purpose, so we prioritize an inquisitive, proactive, and collaborative work environment for all our squirrels. We currently have studio locations in Irvine, California; Austin, Texas; and Auckland, New Zealand.
Skills and experience are highly valued at BSG, but we recognize that talent is a product of hard-work, resilience, and a growth-mindset. We champion individuals who have demonstrated they have the grit necessary to overcome challenges and subscribe to the notion that inclusion breeds synergy and innovation. To us, diversity isn't a metric—it's a must!
This is a full-time hybrid position based in Irvine, CA with an onsite requirement of three days per week.
The salary range being considered for this role is $93,000-$110,000. The specified salary range pertains to Southern California, and the actual amounts may differ based on experience, performance, and location. These salary ranges do not apply to locations outside the United States.
Senior Character Artists at BSG…
You have a deep understanding of the character artist pipeline, complemented by a refined skillset, honed through experience on numerous AAA titles. You are recognized as a dependable developer with the insight to know when to seek feedback. You welcome challenges, setting high standards for yourself and delivering high-quality work consistently.
While your influence is vital to the department's success and you provide mentorship to junior developers, modeling characters, creatures, and assets remains your core focus. You excel in independent work but also value collaboration through teamwork.
Role and Responsibilities
Blind Squirrel Games (BSG) is looking for a Senior Character Artist to join us in creating compelling and immersive character art for an upcoming project.
Supported by the Art Director and project Leads, you will help realize the character-centric aesthetic goals of the project and execute high-quality assets for both character design and organic modeling in a collaborative environment.
As a Senior Character Artist at BSG, you will contribute to the project by creating realistic, high-quality character assets, collaborating with the art and design teams to ensure consistency and adherence to the visual style.
The ideal candidate for this role can translate a thorough understanding of industry standard software and methods into detailed, game-ready assets that meet project expectations and deadlines.
Responsibilities
- Develop and oversee the creation of realistic, highly detailed character art and organic assets, terrain and assets using current industry standard software and methods.
- Design and model realistic hair with Xgen/Hair/Fur, optimizing for natural movement and performance.
- Generate clean, animation-ready topology optimized for performance across platforms.
- Collaborate with production to define tasks, set realistic schedules, and ensure timely delivery of assets.
- Optimize character assets for performance, implementing LODs and other techniques.
- Manage and organize character assets within project directories and version control systems.
- Contribute to the development and optimization of the character art pipeline, defining and documenting processes, workflows, and best practices for reference and training purposes.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to achieve visual and functional goals.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to junior artists, helping to elevate the overall quality of the team’s output.
Qualifications and Education Requirements
- 4+ years of industry experience in game development specializing in character art.
- At least two shipped title as a Character Artist.
- Portfolio demonstrating ability to design and craft realistic, highly detailed characters, creatures, and assets.
Preferred Skills
- Extensive experience in character creation and character systems for AAA first and third-person action games.
- Exceptional understanding of human anatomy, proportion, silhouette, and topology.
- Proficiency in industry-standard 3D software such as Maya, ZBrush, Substance Suite, Marvelous Designer, and Photoshop.
- Deep knowledge of shader capabilities and render techniques.
- Solid understanding of texturing, material creation, and PBR workflows.
- Strong problem-solving skills with an ability to identify, troubleshoot, and provide solutions for issues as they relate to the character art pipeline.
- Excellent communication skills necessary to articulate personal creative processes and receive critical feedback in style and technique to ensure project consistency.
- Strong time management and ability to deliver assets within project deadlines with minimal input from senior staff.
- A team player with a strong work ethic and positive attitude.
- Maintain a positive attitude in a highly collaborative and iterative team environment.
- Experience in providing mentorship and feedback to junior artists.
Blind Squirrel Entertainment, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Eligibility to participate in benefits and perks may vary depending on position term and location.
Notice to Job Applicants that certain personal information is collected as a part of this application process and submission of your application is considered your acknowledgment that you have read and understand our policies applicable to such process and consent to the collection and processing of your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy. To review our policies, please visit our [website] and click [“Privacy”].
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About The Company
Blind Squirrel Games is an independent video game studio located in Orange Country, CA; Austin, TX; & Auckland, NZ.
We are a team of passionate and talented game developers dedicated to creating AAA gaming experiences across all platforms. Our high-quality HD remasters have reshaped and reimagined some of the most storied titles in the industry. We build original creations that will become memorable titles for the future.
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