Senior 3D Character/Environmental artist (THQ)
About THQ
THQ Inc. (Nasdaq: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com and www.thqwireless.com.
About Helixe
Helixe specializes in game development for the handheld Nintendo DS and other Nintendo gaming platforms. The studio is a wholly-owned division of THQ, the best-selling 2nd-party game publisher for Nintendo handhelds. Helixe's 31 employees work in a creative environment more common to small and autonomous studios, while enjoying the financial stability and corporate support that a large multi-platform game publisher can provide.
Helixe is currently developing high profile 2007-release games for the Nintendo DS and the GameBoy Advance based on the upcoming Pixar film, Ratatouille. Since the studio's inception in July of 2000, Helixe has produced 15 game titles with total sales toppping well over 4 million units. These titles include top-selling Pixar's The Incredibles and Pixar's Cars, licensed properties for Star Wars and Scooby Doo, and numerous Nickelodeon titles. Development plans include new and unique titles, games for the Nintendo Wii, and a continues focus on games for the fast-growing Nintendo DS
www.helixe.com
Senior 3D Character/Environmental artist
Job Purpose:
Conceptualize and create character/environment models and textures, under the direction of the Studio Art Director and Project Lead Artist, which meet the aesthetic, creative and technical quality standards of Helixe. This position requires a leader that can direct a team of artists to ensure that the team is moving forward efficiently and that good practices are being followed. This person will help determine what these good practices are and also assist the Art Lead with determining and achieving the art style of the project.
Candidate must be able to use one of the major 3D Polygon modeling packages. We currently use 3D Studio Max here at Helixe. You should also be able to demonstrate the ability to draw and paint with a strong emphasis on paint/texturing skill. It is also important that the candidate be able to work and effectively communicate in a team environment.
Candidates need to be versatile enough to create environments and characters. The position needs an artist that needs to be a jack of all trades 3D. Molding, texturing, rigging characters, and understanding animators needs well enough to properly rig characters.
Experience/Skills:
* 2-5 years of relevant development experience
* Candidate should have at least one shipped title to their credit
* low and high poly modeling
* Must be fluent in 3ds MAX and Photoshop CS. Knowledge in Maya is a plus
* Understanding of real-time modeling and texturing constraints, and the ability to work within them
* Ability to translate concept and reference artwork into 3D game assets, efficiently and within game engine specifications
* Able to work within a schedule and adapt quickly to changes
* Traditional art skills and conceptual abilities are a plus
* Collaborate effectively with other art leads and participate in art review sessions to achieve an overall high quality of art.
* Act as a mentor and example to less experienced artists, providing them with support, guidance and instruction in areas that provide artistic and professional development.
* Actively participate in team / department meetings.
Sample art work required:
* A portfolio or real demonstrating outstanding 3D modeling / texturing skills. Candidates work must clearly demonstrate exceptional artistic ability and solid technical skills.
* Samples of artwork online, CD, DVD or printed portfolio
* Traditional artwork and concepts are a plus
* 3D models should show wireframe examples as well as final textured assets
* Texture samples at final resolution (printed or digital)
* All artwork should explain clearly what you did and what you were responsible for if part of a collaborative project
How to Submit an Application
Send Resumes and Cover Letters to: jobs@helixe.com and include the title of the job you are applying for in the subject line of the email.
Please send a tape, a cd, a portfolio or a URL to a portfolio web site.
Helixe/THQ
Attn: Jobs
131 Middlesex Turnpike
Burlington, MA 01803