At a Glance
- Tasks: Bridge art and tech to create stunning visuals in games.
- Company: BAFTA-winning studio focused on innovative play experiences.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for growth and creativity.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on emerging technologies.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and shape the future of gaming.
- Qualifications: Experience in game development, strong artistic and technical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
We’re seeking a versatile Technical Artist to join our team. You’ll serve as the bridge between art and tech, working closely with game designers and artists to bring our creative vision to life. Your expertise will be crucial in developing and implementing shaders, dynamic visual effects, and efficient rigging for characters and assets. Due to the unique nature of this role, there is a requirement on-site, at least 2 days a week at our London Studio.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with artists, designers, and programmers to develop and maintain efficient content creation pipelines.
- Create and optimise art assets (e.g. 3D models, textures, animations) for use in Game Engines, ensuring high visual fidelity while adhering to performance targets.
- Develop custom tools, scripts, and shaders to streamline the artistic workflow.
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to art asset integration, rendering, and performance.
- Work with artists to establish best practices and technical guidelines.
- Provide technical support and training to the art team as needed.
- Research and prototype new techniques and technologies to push the boundaries of visual quality.
- Creating real-time visual effects, authoring both in-game engines and DCC tools such as PopcornFX or EmberGen.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience as a Technical Artist in game development or a related industry.
- Deep expertise with Unreal Engine or Unity and rendering pipelines.
- Hands-on experience integrating assets, shaders and tools directly in-engine.
- Proficiency with industry-standard 3D software such as Maya, Blender, Houdini or Substance Painter.
- Solid understanding of real-time rendering principles, lighting, and shading.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues.
- Proficient with at least one programming language, such as C++, C#, Python, or TypeScript, with the ability to write shaders in CG/HLSL as well as work in node-based editors.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple disciplines.
- A strong portfolio demonstrating a combination of artistic and technical work, including examples of optimised assets, visual effects, or custom tools.
Nice to Have
- Comfortable working within an R&D / prototyping environment.
- Experience with emerging technologies across multiple platforms such as mobile, XR, Web.
- Rigging experience in Autodesk Maya, Blender or other DCC tools.
We are a BAFTA-winning games studio inventing new ways to play for everyone. We harness the power of play to create the experiences of tomorrow. Founded in 2000, PRELOADED believes that play, in all contexts and for all audiences, has the potential to impact our world positively. As a cross-disciplinary team of artists, designers, play specialists, and creative technologists, we are united by this shared mission - what we call Play with Purpose. Together, we craft a diverse range of playful experiences. We help organisations, brands, and institutions engage next-generation audiences and collaborate with technology platforms to imagine the future of play.
Technical Artist (Generalist) in Cardiff employer: Preloaded
At PRELOADED, we pride ourselves on being a BAFTA-winning games studio that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture where creativity thrives. Our London Studio offers a collaborative environment where Technical Artists can grow their skills while working on innovative projects that push the boundaries of play. With opportunities for professional development and a commitment to harnessing the power of play for positive impact, joining our team means being part of a mission-driven organisation dedicated to crafting meaningful experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Artist (Generalist) in Cardiff
✨Show Off Your Skills with a Killer Portfolio
As a graphic designer, your portfolio is your secret weapon! Make sure it's not just a collection of your work but showcases your creative process too. Use platforms like Behance or Dribbble to share your designs and gain visibility within the design community.
✨Get Involved in Design Meetups
Networking is key in the design world! Check out local design meetups or workshops where you can connect with other creatives and potential employers. This is a goldmine for finding unadvertised job openings at companies like Preloaded.
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you’re applying for a full-time role at a creative company like Preloaded, don’t go for a one-size-fits-all approach. Ensure your application highlights specific projects or styles that align with their brand image, showing that you’re a perfect fit for their team.
✨Leverage Social Media
Don't underestimate the power of social media in landing your dream design job! Share your work on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest, and engage with accounts from your desired companies—this could put you on their radar before they start hiring.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Artist (Generalist) in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Portfolio:Your portfolio is your visual CV! Make sure to include a link to your best design projects that showcase your creativity and versatility. Tailor it to include works that relate to the kind of design work Preloaded does, so they can see you in action.
Tailor Your CV for Design:When crafting your CV, highlight your design skills and software proficiencies, like Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch. Mention any relevant experience you have with branding, UI/UX design, or typography, as we want to see how you fit in with the creative team at Preloaded.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your design philosophy and what excites you about working at Preloaded. Let us know how you approach your design projects and any specific campaigns or themes that resonate with you, showing we’re not just a good fit but a perfect match!
Highlight Collaboration Skills:As a graphic designer, you often work with various teams and stakeholders. In your application, mention experiences where you've collaborated with others to bring a project to life, whether it's with clients, writers, or developers. This shows you can thrive in a team environment, which is key at Preloaded.
How to prepare for a job interview at Preloaded
✨Get Your Portfolio Ready
Your portfolio is your secret weapon in graphic design interviews! Make sure it's showing off your best work, with a variety of styles and projects that highlight different skills — from branding to digital illustration. Be prepared to talk through each piece, focusing on your creative process and the tools you used.
✨Know Your Design Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with software like Adobe Creative Suite is a must! Brush up on your skills with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, as interviewers might dive into specific technical questions or ask for your workflow. If you’ve worked with any innovative tools or techniques, don't hesitate to showcase that expertise!
✨Prepare for Design Challenges
Some companies may throw a design challenge your way during the interview! This might involve sketching out ideas or solving a branding issue on the spot. Practising these quick thinking exercises beforehand can help us show off our creativity and adaptability.
✨Passion Counts
For a full-time position, showing genuine enthusiasm for design is key! Talk about your inspirations, the projects you're excited about, and why you're drawn to Preloaded. They want to see not just a skilled designer, but someone who'll bring passion and fresh ideas to the team.
