3D Model Artist - Props (Independent Contractor: 1-Month Contract)

NO AGENCIES OR EXTERNAL RECRUITERS

Sinn Studio Inc. is leading the charge in XR combat games! Our debut game, Swordsman, is a physics-based combat game where you can slash your way through medieval earth to become the ultimate Swordsman. Having won multiple awards and been nominated for accolades like Game of the Year in 2022 and Best Swordfighting Game in 2020, Swordsman also boasts top best seller status on Quest and PSVR/2 platforms.

Sinn Studio is on the lookout for a dynamic and strategic 3D Model Artist - Props (Independent Contractor) for a 1-month period. This role offers the flexibility to work remotely while leveraging the individual’s expertise in prop model art for one of our exciting games. It is instrumental in crafting immersive assets in real-time engines.

Mandate

PLEASE NOTE: This role is an Independent Contractor role, and will be for a short-term period to support some of our internal initiatives. The individual hired for this position will need to manage their own tax remittances to the CRA, EI and CPP; this short-term project-based position does not include benefits or vacation pay. The contractor is expected to provide their own tools to complete the project work.

Project Details & Expectations:

1. Create stylized 3D models and textures for prop elements, ensuring they align with creative direction and technical specifications.
2. Optimize models for real-time performance, including managing triangle counts, texture memory, and polygonal complexity, ensuring efficient performance within the XR/VR platform.
3. Set up and bake lighting in engine for both static and dynamic assets, ensuring proper lighting and shadow detail for export to the platform.
4. Maintain organized asset files and folders, adhering to established pipeline standards, and ensure smooth integration with the development pipeline.
5. Provide accurate time estimates for tasks and manage workload effectively to meet production deadlines.
6. Continually assess and refine assets for optimized performance across various XR platforms, ensuring smooth gameplay and visual fidelity.
7. Implement 3D assets into Unreal Engine 5, ensuring proper alignment with environment, props, and lighting setup for cohesive XR experiences.
8. Review models and textures to ensure they meet the quality standards of the game, making improvements as necessary to fit both technical and artistic requirements.
9. Work with the technical team to integrate custom shaders or material setups to enhance the visual appeal and performance of assets in the game.
10. Help prototype and test requested new visual elements and concepts to expand the game world and enhance player immersion.
11. Help maintain clear documentation for asset creation and integration processes, contributing to the overall production pipeline.

Competencies & Expertise

We encourage all qualified individuals to apply and help shape the future of the XR industry. We’re looking for the following competencies and expertise as an independent contractor to support this project.

1. 4+ years of experience in 3D modeling, with demonstrated expertise in creating real-time assets (ideally in VR, AR, or simulation environments). At least one shipped VR, AR, or simulation project is preferred.
2. Applied knowledge of Blender, 3DS Max, ZBrush, Substance Painter and Designer, and Photoshop.
3. Strong understanding of real-time workflows, including PBR (Physically Based Rendering), normal and displacement mapping, shader integration, and optimization techniques to achieve both visual fidelity and performance in real-time XR/VR environments.
4. Solid understanding of the game development pipeline, asset integration processes, and how technical constraints (ie. poly counts, texture memory, and performance limitations) impact asset creation in real-time games.
5. A good understanding of industrial design principles and real-world environments, useful for creating prop assets that are both realistic, functional, and fun in a game setting.
6. Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced production environment.
7. Ability to work effectively in a team environment, responding to feedback from both technical and creative team members to improve asset quality and integration.
8. Strong attention to detail in modeling, texturing, and optimization, ensuring assets meet both artistic and technical standards.
9. Strong analytical skills to troubleshoot issues related to asset creation, integration, and optimization.
10. Have access to an XR headset.
11. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex ideas.
12. Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively.
13. Comfortable being in a virtual environment for varying times wearing a VR headset.

Added Advantages:

1. Experience and background with VR / MR / XR.
2. Experience with PC and console games preferred over mobile.
3. Post-secondary education in Graphic Design, 3D Art, Video Game Development, and other related fields or relevant experience.
4. Familiarity with additional tools like nVidia Omniverse, Houdini, or similar is a plus.
5. Authentic understanding and passion about games / working in the industry.

What to send in your application

Beyond a resume, please also include a portfolio/website/profile/reel demonstrating your highlights and successes in 3D prop model art related to this mandate. Check out the recommended guide here.

Additional Information

Hourly Rate Range: ~$31.00-48.00 CAD / hour

Commitment: 1-month project period having variable hours with no guarantee of a contract extension.

We take a no-negotiation approach in our selection process when making contractor offers. Our team has worked hard to develop equitable and fair compensation bands that have been set to support our current and incoming team members. We strive to pay our team fairly for the knowledge and relevant experience that they bring.

Offers made to successful contractors have been carefully considered to meet market rates, support studio equity and are commensurate on experience and skillset as well as critical need for the mandate. These are intended to be our best offer and support our no-negotiation approach.

Sinn Studio is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. All qualified independent contractors are encouraged to apply, and we welcome applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or any other protected status.

Accommodations are available upon request during the exploration process. For questions or accommodation needs, please contact us at talent@sinnstudio.com.

The Sinn Studio Talent team will communicate with you only through official email addresses and connected LinkedIn profiles. We do not use WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc. Our team will not ask you to send us money or technology through our processes.

NO AGENCIES OR EXTERNAL RECRUITERS