At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and refine 3D VR-ready characters for an immersive dance art experience.
- Company: Join EmbodyXR®, a pioneering VR project focused on mental health awareness.
- Benefits: Freelance role with flexible hours and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Collaborate with a dynamic team passionate about dance and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Combine creativity and technology to shape the future of immersive storytelling.
- Qualifications: Experience in 3D character creation, rigging, and Unity integration required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking a freelance 3D Character Technical Artist to support the development of VR game characters for EmbodyXR®.
Your Role
- Create 5 x 3D VR ready human characters from our concept designs.
- The role focuses on the creation, rigging, optimisation, and technical preparation of stylised digital characters and avatars for use within the low poly VR environment of EmbodyXR®.
- Create and refine 3D character avatars for immersive XR experiences.
We are looking for someone who is equally comfortable working creatively on character aesthetics, can fit to an existing style, and technically on rigging, deformation, and Unity integration workflows.
Ideal Profile
- You are a creatively driven and technically confident character artist with experience building expressive, animation-ready avatars for immersive or realtime environments.
- You enjoy collaborating across performance, animation, and XR production workflows.
Responsibilities
- Create and refine 3D character avatars for immersive XR experiences.
- Develop clean, efficient character topology suitable for animation in VR.
- Rig characters for motion capture retargeting and animation workflows with blend shapes, facial systems, and secondary deformation where required.
- Skin and weight characters for stable deformation and expressive movement.
- Prepare avatars for integration into Unity.
- Optimise character assets for XR performance and deployment.
- Export and organise production-ready assets and documentation.
- Work collaboratively with creative, technical, and performance teams.
Skills
- Strong experience creating and rigging 3D characters or avatars for low poly VR games.
- Advanced knowledge of: Autodesk Maya and/or Blender; character rigging workflows; skinning and weight painting; humanoid skeleton systems.
- Experience preparing character assets for Unity.
- Strong understanding of: deformation systems; animation-ready topology; FBX export workflows; realtime optimisation.
- Ability to balance visual quality with technical performance requirements.
- Strong portfolio demonstrating character creation and rigging work.
- Interest in performance, movement, theatre, dance, or embodied interaction.
- Familiarity with motion capture retargeting pipelines.
3D Character Technical Artist employer: Mercurial Dance Limited
At Mercurial Dance, we are dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation in the realm of immersive experiences, making us an exceptional employer for a 3D Character Technical Artist. Our collaborative work culture encourages artistic expression while providing opportunities for professional growth within the exciting field of VR development. Located in a vibrant community focused on mental health awareness through dance, you will be part of a meaningful project that not only enhances your skills but also contributes positively to society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 3D Character Technical Artist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow artists, join online forums, and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream gig.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a killer portfolio showcasing your best 3D character work. Make sure to include examples of rigging and animation-ready avatars, as this will grab the attention of potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about applying! We encourage you to submit your application through our website. Tailor your approach to highlight how your skills align with the immersive storytelling and technical requirements of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of Unity and character rigging workflows. Be ready to discuss your creative process and how you collaborate with teams to bring characters to life in VR.
We think you need these skills to ace 3D Character Technical Artist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure your portfolio is front and centre! We want to see your best 3D character creations, especially those that highlight your rigging and animation skills. Tailor your examples to show how you can create expressive avatars for immersive experiences.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application our way! We love it when applicants take the time to align their experience with what we’re looking for in a 3D Character Technical Artist. Mention specific projects or skills that relate directly to the role.
Be Creative and Technical:We’re after someone who can balance creativity with technical know-how. In your application, share how you’ve tackled both aspects in past projects. This could be anything from character aesthetics to rigging challenges you've overcome.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mercurial Dance Limited
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Make sure to bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best 3D character work. Include examples of characters you've created, rigged, and optimised for VR environments. This will give the interviewers a clear idea of your skills and style.
✨Understand the Project's Vision
Familiarise yourself with EmbodyXR® and its mission to raise mental health awareness through immersive experiences. Be prepared to discuss how your work can contribute to this vision and how you can creatively enhance the storytelling aspect of the project.
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Since the role requires strong technical knowledge, review your skills in Autodesk Maya or Blender, especially in rigging and skinning. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used in past projects, particularly those related to low poly VR games.
✨Collaborative Mindset
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with creative and technical teams. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous projects, especially in performance or animation workflows, as this will be crucial for the role.
