Lead Character Artist

DESCRIPTION

As our Lead Character Artist at BULKHEAD, you will be working with a team of Character Artists to bring personality and life to our games. You will manage and lead our Character Art Team in delivering high-quality character art assets. You will work collaboratively with the Lead Artist, Art Director, and Senior Creative Director to plan and execute character artwork that meets the games technical requirements and high-quality standards.

You will have technical experience in character art creation and optimisation, as well as excellent communication skills, allowing you to work closely with technical departments. You will organise and manage effectively as a Lead, understand when to delegate work, and monitor the output of your team especially when under pressure. You will have an excellent artistic eye for quality and the ability to ensure consistency, with a practical and methodical approach to both technical and creative problem-solving.

This is an in-studio role and this is non-negotiable; however, we can offer bespoke relocation packages.

If you have the skills and passion we are looking for and want to be part of something special, we want to hear from you!

// RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Ensure all character art assets are optimised for performance and meet technical requirements.
2. Strong communication skills and the ability to work in a team.
3. Conduct regular Art Reviews and liaise with External Partners to ensure approved content meets both Project and IP specific requirements.
4. Work closely with Production in coordinating character art resources, schedules, and priorities based on project needs.
5. Ensure a high benchmark is set and retained by the team for artistic results, delivery of milestones, always encouraging effective communication and a professional attitude.
6. Work closely with all departments in the pipeline to ensure efficiency and quality of results, optimised appropriately for intended platforms.
7. Identify and enter relevant issues into JIRA, ensuring sufficient information is given.
8. Provide feedback on tools and work with the programming department to ensure that the tools provided are as accessible and productive as possible.
9. Create efficient pipelines for character art production.

// SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

1. Excellent understanding and proficient use of Zbrush, Maya, Substance Painter, and Unreal Engine 5.
2. Development experience and understanding of the technical requirements and limitations of providing character art for use in an Unreal Engine 5 AAA game.
3. Strong traditional Art skills are a plus.
4. Experience implementing and maintaining development pipelines preferred.
5. Practical and active interest in emerging software and technologies related to meeting the required high quality of Character Art.
6. Scripting capability for pipeline/tools efficiency is a plus.
7. Shipped one AAA title as a Lead or Senior.
8. 8+ years’ experience.
9. Working knowledge and developing expertise in Unreal Engine 5 desirable.