Art Lead, Characters

Description

SUMMARY OF POSITION

For over 20 years Monolith has been obsessed with delivering unique gaming experiences for our fans. Combining innovative gameplay, cutting edge technology and AI, inventive narratives and stunning visuals to create award winning and best-selling games. Starting with our first game, Blood through to our most recent title, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor which has been awarded with numerous Game of the Year Awards, including Gamespot, Joystiq and IGN as well as Best Action/Adventure Game at the 2014 Game Awards.

We are dedicated to ensuring that our next game is our best yet, and to achieve that we need the best and brightest talent the industry has to offer.

The Lead Character Artist is responsible for leading a team of character artists in the creation and implementation of the highest quality characters and creatures. This person will work directly with the Director of Art, Director of Technical Art, Design Leadership, and Animation Lead to help create and define the character style, define best practices, and maintain the highest artistic standards and proper technical requirements for AAA industry leading products. The Lead Character Artist is responsible for creating exceptional character/creature art while providing clear direction, feedback and mentorship to the character team, ensuring that production goals are met.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create highly-original, highly realistic next-gen characters and creatures
• Help design, construct, document, and enforce pipeline procedures to deliver competitive, cutting edge assets.
• Coordinate and update production assignments for the character team.
• Motivate, mentor and inspire animation team, guiding them through various stages of production with clear direction.
• Assist TAD and Graphic Engineers in R&D efforts for tools enhancements and prototyping of new technology to increase efficiency and quality level of studio character art
• Ensure that the high-quality bar established by the Art Director is achieved.
• Accountable for character art team deliverables, ensuring that they meet the defined objectives, and scheduled requirements.

• BA in art or related field or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of progressively complex related experience in the industry.
• At least 3 published games including one Xbox One or PS4 title.
• At least 5+ years of Zbrush and/or other sculpting digital tools.
• At least 8+ years experience with Photoshop and/or Painter.
• At least 8+ years experience with industry standard 3-D package (3D Studio Max and Maya).
• Industry leading character and creature sculpting skills with an ability to create highly realistic AAA quality content.
• Industry leading understanding of human and animal anatomy.
• Strong understanding of the history of costume design with an ability to execute a variety of designs from varied time periods.
• Strong understanding of color theory with an ability to balance content within a range of lighting scenarios.
• Strong understanding of internal and external silhouette and its impact on perception of content.
• Strong understanding of current gen shader technology with an ability to create a wide range of highly realistic materials.
• Solid experience and understanding of art pipelines on Xbox One and/or PS4, and an interest in finding ways to evolve and improve the character art creation pipeline.
• Ability to adapt rapidly to new or changing technology.
• Solid organization skills with adherence to file structures, naming conventions and other established protocols.
• Diligence with individual and team tasks, schedule and adherence to budget limitations.
• Effective management and motivation of team members.
• Must be able to work well within a team. Willingness to provide and accept direction, and the ability to embrace change. Ability to collaborate productively with others.
• Must be able to buy into the established art vision of the game and ensure it is delivered in its entirety at the end of the project.
• Passion for making and playing great games, with an awareness of current titles and industry trends.
• Portfolio/website demonstrating your art skills, design sensibilities, and attention to detail.