Principal Concept Artist

About Steel City Interactive

SCI was born out of passion for video games and boxing, with the ambition to create an authentic and exciting boxing game that does justice to the sport we love. What started as a fun prototype has grown into ‘Undisputed’, the first major boxing video game in over a decade. SCI is a welcoming place for expression and open communication, where everyone has a voice. We’re a diverse bunch, consisting of people with decades of games industry experience, graduates and talented individuals who come from other industries. We all bring knowledge and learn from each other. Together we are driven by ambition to bring the world of boxing into a video game like never before.

The Role

Alongside the Head of Art, the Principal Concept Artist delivers Concept Art and Visual Direction across the UNDISPUTED Franchise. This work encompasses the production of concept art to support the game’s vision at all stages of development from pre-dev to live-ops. Manages the quality of concept and rendered artwork used to influence and promote the franchise using the centralised team as well as external vendors and proven workflows. Ensures all concept art is of industry leading quality and constantly explores new styles and methodology for creating evoking artwork. Ensures all concept planning is effective, clearly communicated and includes strategic planning for efficiencies and cross discipline dependencies. Alongside the Head of Art, the Principal Concept Artist drives Concept art communication for the project. Presents with confidence, gravitas and persuasion within the team and wider organisation. Alongside the Head of Art, they can effectively define and articulate all the art vision goals and visual rules/reasoning for the project in a way that is clearly understandable to different audiences.

Responsibilities

• Alongside the Head of Art, they share responsibility for the high level visual direction of the game and franchise.
• Produce a broad spectrum of concept and rendered artwork that helps define the overall Art direction based on the Head of Art's requirements.
• Provides world leading artwork that can be utilized for Marketing/UA purposes.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of color theory and lighting fundamentals and how that applies to both character and environment concept art.
• Inspires peers to push limits of what could be achieved through the delivery of detailed concept art techniques.
• Outside the box thinking to bring in new potential art features; effectively working with talent in and outside the studio to green light concepts.
• Take ownership of concept delivery and work closely with production to support the roadmap.
• Works closely with marketing to support and explore artwork as released content.
• Working with other Artists to ensure that concept feature progress is shared.
• Assess and communicate issues and risks within reasonable timescales.
• Have a keen eye for quality, identifying areas that could be improved, ensuring the game is meeting the highest standards.
• Helps to mentor and coach colleagues in their artistic development.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• At least 5 years in the games industry as a Principal Concept / Render Artist.
• Shipped at least one game, where you were heavily involved and contributed to the artistic direction of the game.
• Proficient in standard 3D Art software and game engines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Based in the UK.

What we offer

• Healthy work-life balance: 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), that increases 1 day per year of service.
• Christmas shut down.
• Holiday exchange programme.
• Flexible working hours.
• Support for family life: Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay.
• Option to add children to our Healthcare Cash Plan.
• Great office environment: A dog friendly studio based in Sheffield, with free snacks, fruit and drinks!
• Free parking.
• Health & wellbeing support: Company sick pay.
• 2 days paid Mental Health leave per year.
• Healthcare Cash Plan which includes optical and dental.
• Access to 24/7 doctors.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• £300 wellbeing stipend every January.
• Learning support: Career progression path.
• 5 Learning days per year.
• Unlimited access to Udemy courses.
• Additional financial support: Technology scheme (up to £750).
• Discount Club at over 350 high street stores.
• Discretionary Cost of Living Payments.
• Relocation benefits.
• Electric Car Vehicle Scheme.
• Connection and perks: Wrap parties & company paid outings.
• Individual entertainment budget to cover team events.

Steel City Interactive is an equal opportunity employer. We’re committed to building a diverse team and welcome all applications, considering them without regard to race, religion, belief, age, gender, gender expression, gender identity, gender reassignment, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, sex or sexual orientation. If you’re excited about this role and believe you would add value to our team, but don’t meet every single requirement, we would still like to hear from you – please let us know about the value you would bring in your application.