Studio: Sinn Studio Inc.
Job Opening: Art Director (Gaming)
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Type: Full-Time
Responsibilities:
- Lead and inspire the converging artistic roadmap with the studio team, with a hands-on approach, guiding them to manifest the game’s unique style and vision through collaborative efforts that ensure coherence and alignment.
- Contribute creative insights and refine the artistic style, meticulously crafted to resonate harmoniously with the overarching vision of the game.
- Actively refine and fine-tune artistic elements based on invaluable insights gleaned from playtest sessions, prioritizing quality and enhancing user experience
- Streamline and meticulously organize external art assets, facilitating accessibility and supporting the ongoing demands of the development process.
- Develop comprehensive art roadmaps and guidelines, providing the team with clear direction and maintaining consistency throughout the creative process.
- Oversee multiple projects concurrently, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives while maintaining unwavering quality standards.
- Provide management, constructive feedback, and guidance to external vendors, ensuring the delivery of high-quality art assets that seamlessly integrate into the game’s aesthetic.
- Spearheaded the creation and implementation of artistic guidelines, streamlining workflow processes and fostering effective collaboration.
- Effectively manage artists, budgets, and workflows to optimize production efficiency and resource allocation, ensuring smooth project execution.
- Remain vigilant and informed about industry trends, leveraging insights to continuously refine and elevate the game’s artistic direction.
- Recurrently play games and XR content for up-to-date market analysis.
- Champion a culture of innovation, driving continuous improvement to enhance the visual allure and immersive impact of each project.
- Participate in recruitment processes for related openings
- Other related duties as required
Qualifications & Skills:
- 8-10+ years of hands-on artistic experience in gaming and entertainment, including 3-5+ years of direct or indirect leadership.
- 3+ years of experience in artistic direction and strategy, with expertise in various content assets like 3D art, VFX, concept art, characters, and environments.
- Strong understanding of art fundamentals, color theory, and design principles, adaptable to project needs, and proficient in iterative mockup designs.
- Proven ability in visual storytelling and creating compelling visuals, informed by historical and design contexts.
- Excellent understanding of project scopes, dependencies, and experience in managing art outsourcing providers.
- Up-to-date knowledge of artistic trends and workflows, with a passion for sharing techniques and enhancing efficiency aligned with business needs.
- A passionate leader with strong problem-solving skills, adept at providing feedback and fostering collaboration.
- Self-motivated team player with effective communication skills, responsiveness to feedback, and demonstrated interpersonal and presentation skills.
- Proficiency in software packages and tools like 3DS Max, Maya, Zbrush, and Photoshop.
- Understanding of game design and its relationship with artistic presentation, proactive in maintaining visual standards, and collaborating with technical functions.
- Experience with industry-standard engines such as Unreal.
- Focus on play-enhancing visuals within project parameters, with a strong work ethic and ability to prioritize tasks to meet production milestones.
Added Advantages:
- Experience with VR / MR.
- Good understanding of other related disciplines: animation, technical art, etc.
- An understanding of world-building.
- Post-secondary education in Fine Arts, Illustration, other related fields, or relevant experience.
- An authentic understanding and passion for games / working in the industry.