Lead Character Artist

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious game development studio recognized globally for its compelling character designs and immersive worlds, is seeking a Lead Character Artist to join their talented team in Bloemfontein, Free State. This senior role requires an exceptional artist with proven leadership capabilities, responsible for overseeing the creation of high-fidelity, compelling character models that define our game's aesthetic. You will guide a team of character artists, ensuring artistic consistency, pushing the boundaries of character creation technology, and collaborating closely with the art director and technical teams. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of anatomy, form, proportion, and advanced sculpting, texturing, and rendering techniques. Join us in Bloemfontein and play a key role in bringing unforgettable characters to life.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of character artists, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.
• Oversee the entire character art production pipeline, from concept to final implementation in the game engine.
• Ensure the artistic quality and technical consistency of all character assets, adhering to established art direction and style guides.
• Create exemplary character models (high and low poly), textures, and materials that meet the highest industry standards.
• Collaborate closely with the art director, game designers, and technical artists to define character requirements and visual targets.
• Establish and maintain best practices for character asset creation, naming conventions, and file management.
• Conduct regular reviews of character art, providing constructive feedback and ensuring adherence to quality standards.
• Stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in character modeling, texturing, and rendering.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges related to character asset implementation.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in 3D character art for video games, with at least 3 shipped AAA titles in a lead or senior role.
• Proven experience leading and mentoring art teams.
• Expert proficiency in 3D modeling software (e.g., Maya, ZBrush), texturing software (e.g., Substance Painter, Photoshop), and game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity).
• Strong understanding of human/creature anatomy, form, silhouette, and color theory.
• Experience with PBR workflows and realistic material creation.
• Knowledge of rigging and skinning principles is a plus.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills required for working within the Bloemfontein, Free State team.
• A portfolio demonstrating exceptional character art and leadership capabilities.
• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, 3D Animation, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive salary, extensive medical and dental benefits, a generous retirement savings plan, performance-based bonuses, and opportunities for professional development.

We offer a creative and supportive work atmosphere in Bloemfontein where artistic talent thrives and innovation is encouraged.