Lead Character Concept Artist

Thought Pennies Entertainment is a Role-Playing Game studio creating games focused on social storytelling. We celebrate diversity and a people-first approach to game development. We are fully remote.

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The Lead Character Concept Artist has a key role in the visual development of character art and aesthetics for a dark fantasy RPG world. This artist skillfully produces clear and high-quality character art and illustrations. As a partner to the Art Director and Lead Character Artist, they champion the art vision and thread the needle between artistic aims and practical considerations.

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This role requires a solid understanding of dark fantasy aesthetics and current AA and AAA quality art bars, as well as a masterful grip on contemporary visual development techniques, and robust character + costume rendering skills. This is a hands-on position, by which the artist sets an example through the creation of exceptionally memorable character concepts that ignite the artists they lead to creating equally exceptional art. This lead artist not only champions the vision but also shepherds it to ensure in-game appearances satisfy the concepts as intended.

What you do

• Elevate the bar for character art by creating high-quality, memorable character and creature concept art.
• Establish character concept art creation guidelines, processes, and review criteria.
• Lead the character concept team; direct concept creation work, appraise performance, resolve issues.
• Collaborate with artists to translate ideas into mood boards and explorations en route to production-ready modelsheets and polished illustrations.
• Procure, review, and interview art candidates, then train artists into established processes.
• Direct external partners to ensure characters are on-style, at-quality, and on-brand.
• Prep materials for IP partner approval and 3D modelers that are clean, clear, and communicative.
• Take part in broader art development (visual targets, key art, marketing) and art direction.
• Value schedule and logistics, and partner with production to fit aesthetic goals within them.
• Contribute to a studio culture committed to craft, collaboration, and empowerment.

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What you bring

• 7+ years game development experience with a strong focus on character-based games.
• 3+ years proven leadership, organizational, supervisory, and mentoring skills.
• Expert character rendering skills focused on believable tailoring, materials, and styles of wear.
• Prior experience w/ character concept pipelines from blue-sky ideation to production-ready modelsheets.
• Deep knowledge of fantasy aesthetics from armor and weapons to accessories, costumes, &c.
• Good experiences collaborating with external artists and outsourcing.
• You enjoy collaboration, leading with empathy, and the giving and taking of feedback.

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Plus if have it

• Prior experience developing 3rd person action games or RPGs.
• Expertise with advanced techniques, including ZBrush, Marvelous Designer, Substance Designer, &c.
• Familiarity with contemporary real-time 3D character modeling techniques and animation concerns.
• Understanding of game engine (Unreal) capabilities as pertains to artistic vision.
• Wide artistic culture chops - film, fashion, comics, games, fine arts, theater, &c.

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Application Materials

• A portfolio of high-quality character and creature concepts, illustration, and production art.

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