Studio: Intrepid Studios
Job Opening: Senior Environment Artist
Location: San Diego, CA, US
Type: Full Time
Responsibilities:
- Collaborating with artists, designers, and other disciplines to create engaging and appealing gameplay environments for our upcoming Ashes of Creation MMO franchise
- Create AAA game environment quality assets and textures in a grounded high fantasy style inline with the project’s visual aesthetic and technical direction (references, documents, project meetings, etc.)
- Integrate assets and textures created into the game engine’s pipeline, as well as using the in game engine tools to support these assets in production. (Shader Tool, Asset Composer, World Outliner, Gaia, Collision setups, Performance Tools, etc)
- Assist in environment concept and design
- Investigate, research, and implement the latest techniques and practices
- Help mentor the internal environment team through verbal and written feedback
- Verify the quality of their work once imported into the game, and make improvements when necessary
- Use specific project tools and relevant content creation software to achieve best results and meet specified scheduling deadlines
- Take constructive feedback and integrate those changes effectively
- Iterating on game assets and environments with fellow artists via paint overs, studies, and group critiques to improve the look and gameplay
- Efficiently use current game development methodologies, (texture space optimization, texel density, appropriate polygon counts, mindful of object placement draw calls, and general game optimization practices, etc.)
- Work with environment lead to determine the environment’s assets required based on pre created concepts, project lead’s direction, design team input, and adjust the work accordingly to fit the story and gameplay provided by Game Design documentation
- Able to come up to speed quickly on technical constraints of platform, engine and software
- Show initiative for problem solving
- Schedule and detail oriented
- Additional duties as assigned
Qualifications & Skills:
- 4+ years experience creating environments for video games
- Shipped at least one AAA quality game title
- Expert level proficiency with Maya, 3ds Max, ZBrush, Substance, Photoshop or equivalent 3D and 2D software
- Demonstrated ability to create high quality work in a realistic / high fantasy style within technical constraints
- Ability to create PBR materials and all associated maps for new or existing assets
- Strong design instincts and ability to create environments that support and enhance gameplay
- Artistic ability to visualize entire levels and detail with minimal concept art and direction if needed
- Strong understanding of color, form, shape, structure, and silhouette
- Can model and texture from supplied concept art
- Can work without concept if necessary, within the art style of the project
- Exceptional eye for proportion, scale, surface properties and lighting
- Self-motivated, driven, with excellent communication skills and a team-player attitude
- BA or BS degree in art or equivalent work experience
Additional Considerations (Pluses):
- Solid foundation in traditional art, drawing, painting, illustration and/or concept art
- Strong technical ability and willingness to learn new tools, techniques and workflows
- Basic proficiency creating environmental VFX and/or environmental animations
- Experience with aesthetics for fantasy themes and visual stylings
- Unreal Engine, Shader and Blueprint Experience
- Conceptual Art skills always a plus
