Lead Character Artist

Lead Character Artist

Sheffield Full-Time 42000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead character art creation, manage a team, and ensure high-quality production.
  • Company: Join SCI, a passionate team creating the first major boxing video game in over a decade.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, 23 days leave, private healthcare, and a dog-friendly office.
  • Why this job: Be part of an innovative team pushing gaming boundaries while developing your artistic skills.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in games as a Lead Character Artist with experience in team management.
  • Other info: Work in a vibrant Sheffield studio with free snacks and a supportive culture.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.

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

Supporting the Head of Art, the Lead Character Artist is responsible for delivering all character-based artwork. This encompasses R&D, technical investigation, evaluation, establishing workflows and processes, and delivery of content at scale during the full production cycle. They are responsible for defining the overall quality of characters, pushing the levels of fidelity so it’s indicative of industry-leading quality and constantly exploring new methodology to push next-gen boundaries. Ensures all character work is planned effectively, clearly communicated and includes strategic planning for efficiencies and cross-discipline dependencies like rigging, animation and cinematics. Will have a good degree of experience with managing teams and having direct line reports. Will hold regular 1:1s with artists to mentor, coach and develop their skills for them to succeed in their role and future career ambitions. Alongside the Head of Art, the Lead Character Artist will communicate updates for their specific craft. Presents with confidence, gravitas and persuasion within the team and wider organisation. Alongside the Head of Art, they can effectively define and articulate the art vision goals and pillars for the project in a way that is clearly understandable to different audiences. Will work closely with external development teams to instruct and review work deliverables.

Responsibilities

  • Alongside the Head of Art, they share responsibility to champion the high-level vision and direction of the game and franchise.
  • Oversees all aspects of character production and works closely with the production team to support and deliver content aligned to the roadmap.
  • Leads a team of character artists and oversees their personal development.
  • Demonstrate a strong understanding of colour theory and lighting fundamentals and how that applies to 3D Character creation.
  • Inspires peers to push limits of what could be achieved through the delivery of benchmark Character models and textures.
  • Will use character-based software like Maya, ZBrush, Unreal.
  • Outside the box thinking to bring in new potential art features related to their craft; effectively working with talent in and outside the studio.
  • Works with external agencies to deliver content at volume.
  • Assess and communicate issues and risk within reasonable timescales.
  • Have a keen eye for quality, identifying areas that could be improved, ensuring their area of expertise meets the highest standards.
  • Helps to mentor and coach colleagues in their artistic development.

Experience

  • At least 5 years in the games industry as a Lead Character Artist managing a team of artists.
  • Shipped at least one game, where you were heavily involved in the delivery of character-based content.
  • Proficient in standard 3D Art software and game engines.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Be able 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, Private Healthcare which includes Optical & Dental.
  • 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, Access to 24/7 doctors, Employee Assistance Programme, £300 wellbeing stipend every January.
  • Learning support: Learning days, 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, Discretionary Bonus.
  • Connection and perks: Wrap parties & company paid outings, Individual entertainment budget to cover team events.

To apply contact stig.strand@amiqus.com - Exclusive recruitment Partner to SCI.

Lead Character Artist employer: Steel City Interactive

At SCI, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that champions creativity and collaboration. Located in Sheffield, our dog-friendly studio offers a healthy work-life balance with generous leave policies, flexible hours, and a focus on employee wellbeing, including private healthcare and mental health support. With ample opportunities for professional growth through learning days and access to courses, we empower our team to push the boundaries of game development while enjoying a supportive environment filled with camaraderie and fun.
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Contact Detail:

Steel City Interactive Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Character Artist

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in character art and game design. Follow industry leaders on social media and engage with their content to stay updated on new techniques and tools that can enhance your portfolio.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the gaming industry, especially those who have experience in character art. Attend gaming conventions or online webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about their experiences at companies like SCI.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any past experiences where you mentored or managed a team. Highlight how you helped others grow in their roles, as this is crucial for the Lead Character Artist position.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your vision for character art in video games during interviews. Think about how you would push the boundaries of fidelity and innovation, and be ready to articulate your ideas clearly to different audiences.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Character Artist

3D Modelling
Character Design
Team Management
Art Direction
Colour Theory
Lighting Fundamentals
Maya
ZBrush
Unreal Engine
Communication Skills
Mentoring and Coaching
Problem-Solving
Workflow Establishment
Cross-Discipline Collaboration
Creative Thinking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a Lead Character Artist, focusing on your management skills and any games you've shipped. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver character-based content.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for video games and boxing. Discuss how your vision aligns with SCI's ambition to create an authentic boxing game and mention your experience in leading teams and pushing artistic boundaries.

Showcase Your Portfolio: Include a link to your portfolio that showcases your best character art. Make sure it demonstrates your proficiency in 3D art software like Maya and ZBrush, and highlights your understanding of colour theory and lighting fundamentals.

Prepare for Communication: Since the role requires excellent verbal and written communication skills, be ready to articulate your artistic vision and how you can contribute to the team. Practice discussing your past projects and how you mentored other artists.

How to prepare for a job interview at Steel City Interactive

✨Showcase Your Portfolio

Make sure to bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best character art. Include a variety of styles and techniques, showcasing your proficiency in software like Maya and ZBrush. Be prepared to discuss the thought process behind each piece.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As a Lead Character Artist, you'll need to show your ability to manage and mentor a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led projects or developed junior artists in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you foster collaboration.

✨Understand the Game Vision

Research SCI and their game 'Undisputed' thoroughly. Understand their vision for the game and be ready to discuss how your artistic direction aligns with their goals. This shows your genuine interest and commitment to the project.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect questions about your technical knowledge, especially regarding character production workflows and cross-discipline dependencies. Brush up on your understanding of colour theory, lighting fundamentals, and how they apply to 3D character creation.

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