Environment Artist - AAA Next-gen Gaming Co.
Our client is currently looking for a highly experienced, professional Senior Environment Artist for its development studio. The primary job responsibility is to create highly original game world art. The ideal candidate is able to establish good development practices and assist the lead in evolving our editing tools. The position requires the ability to apply materials, including texture and normal maps, to the models and integrate the models into the game using proprietary editing tools. The ideal candidate has at least 5 years experience creating environmental content such as architectural buildings, terrain, ecosystems and props in Maya with at least 2 years in a senior position on highly regarded, published console titles. The position requires experience and understanding of art pipelines on Xbox 360 and/or PS3, and an interest in finding ways to evolve and improve the environmental art creation pipeline. Since new intellectual property is involved, a clear long-term understanding of the games design vision is needed, and the ideal candidate will understand how to uphold it
through the modeling of the games world space. The ideal candidate has a strong preference for working in a highly creative, innovative, small, intimate development environment.
Responsibilities:
1) Using Maya and our proprietary editing tools, create and integrate gorgeous, innovative, epic and cohesive gameplay-rich
environmental spaces in support of the art direction of the game.
2) Model architectural geometry and props for game environments and place models in game levels.
3) Create clean and organized UV layouts for the terrain and props.
4) Work closely with Material Artists to create and apply advanced shaders to the environments.
5) Assist the Lead Environment Artist to achieve a consistent feel across all environments by participating in visual comparisons and critiques, working within hardware limitations, and meeting deadlines without compromising quality.
6) Generate clean and organized models and UV work.
7) Work closely with design to maintain all technical aspects of the levels, such as collision, path finding, and various
other volumes.
8 ) Optimize rendering and memory footprints for levels as required.
9) Collaborate with game designers and art director to create visually stunning levels that play well.
10) Contribute to the further development of our editing tools.
11) Contribute innovative and original ideas on all aspects of game production and development.
12) Promote best practices among the World Building team.
Requirements:
1) BA in Art or equivalent field or BS/BA in Computer Graphics or Film, or equivalent educational experience. Sculpture or
architecture experience is a plus.
2) At least 5 years of game industry experience with at least 2 published titles.
3) Significant experience developing and working with proprietary processes and tools for creating environments.
4) Fluency in 2D/3D software packages, especially Maya, Zbrush and Photoshop, with strong modeling skills for organic and architectural shapes. Familiarity with Mel scripting and knowledge of rendering packages such as Mental Ray is a plus.
5) Demonstrable experience designing, modeling, mapping and lighting environments. Experience with open world art challenges is a plus.
6) Ability to quickly learn and work with proprietary tools to leverage advanced modeling, material, and lighting effects.
7) Understanding of real-time modeling and texturing constraints and the ability to work within them.
8 ) Ability to translate concept and reference artwork into 3D game assets, efficiently and within game engine specifications.
9) Impressive portfolio demonstrating strong traditional art skills, design sensibilities, and attention to detail.
10) Demonstrated initiative and problem-solving skills.
11) A keen eye for silhouette, form, color and light.
12) Self-driven individual with strong written and verbal communication skills, and excellent interpersonal, organizational and mentorship skills, including the ability to provide relevant art critiques.
13) Willingness to provide and accept direction, and the ability to embrace change. Ability to collaborate productively with others and to work to meet deadlines as necessary.
14) A serious passion for gaming.
15) The ability to work full time in San Diego, California.
Location/Relocation:
This is onsite, fulltime position located in the San Diego, CA. Relocation assistance WILL BE provided for candidates located within the United States.
So, to express your interest:
- Please send your resume to nextgen@ascendientertainment.com
- Please place the text DF-F-EnvAr on the subject line of your email
through the modeling of the games world space. The ideal candidate has a strong preference for working in a highly creative, innovative, small, intimate development environment.
Responsibilities:
1) Using Maya and our proprietary editing tools, create and integrate gorgeous, innovative, epic and cohesive gameplay-rich
environmental spaces in support of the art direction of the game.
2) Model architectural geometry and props for game environments and place models in game levels.
3) Create clean and organized UV layouts for the terrain and props.
4) Work closely with Material Artists to create and apply advanced shaders to the environments.
5) Assist the Lead Environment Artist to achieve a consistent feel across all environments by participating in visual comparisons and critiques, working within hardware limitations, and meeting deadlines without compromising quality.
6) Generate clean and organized models and UV work.
7) Work closely with design to maintain all technical aspects of the levels, such as collision, path finding, and various
other volumes.
8 ) Optimize rendering and memory footprints for levels as required.
9) Collaborate with game designers and art director to create visually stunning levels that play well.
10) Contribute to the further development of our editing tools.
11) Contribute innovative and original ideas on all aspects of game production and development.
12) Promote best practices among the World Building team.
Requirements:
1) BA in Art or equivalent field or BS/BA in Computer Graphics or Film, or equivalent educational experience. Sculpture or
architecture experience is a plus.
2) At least 5 years of game industry experience with at least 2 published titles.
3) Significant experience developing and working with proprietary processes and tools for creating environments.
4) Fluency in 2D/3D software packages, especially Maya, Zbrush and Photoshop, with strong modeling skills for organic and architectural shapes. Familiarity with Mel scripting and knowledge of rendering packages such as Mental Ray is a plus.
5) Demonstrable experience designing, modeling, mapping and lighting environments. Experience with open world art challenges is a plus.
6) Ability to quickly learn and work with proprietary tools to leverage advanced modeling, material, and lighting effects.
7) Understanding of real-time modeling and texturing constraints and the ability to work within them.
8 ) Ability to translate concept and reference artwork into 3D game assets, efficiently and within game engine specifications.
9) Impressive portfolio demonstrating strong traditional art skills, design sensibilities, and attention to detail.
10) Demonstrated initiative and problem-solving skills.
11) A keen eye for silhouette, form, color and light.
12) Self-driven individual with strong written and verbal communication skills, and excellent interpersonal, organizational and mentorship skills, including the ability to provide relevant art critiques.
13) Willingness to provide and accept direction, and the ability to embrace change. Ability to collaborate productively with others and to work to meet deadlines as necessary.
14) A serious passion for gaming.
15) The ability to work full time in San Diego, California.
Location/Relocation:
This is onsite, fulltime position located in the San Diego, CA. Relocation assistance WILL BE provided for candidates located within the United States.
So, to express your interest:
- Please send your resume to nextgen@ascendientertainment.com
- Please place the text DF-F-EnvAr on the subject line of your email