Lead Character Artist

Job Title:  Lead Character Artist

Summary: Responsible for leading and inspiring a team of Character Artists to deliver exceptional quality character content to the high visual standard and project style as defined by the Art Director. Manages up to 4 direct reports, ensuring their creative output meets director goals and project timelines, while maintaining quality standards and well-being. Manages offsite contractors and vendors to ensure project deadlines are upheld to the appropriate standard.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following: 

• Manages a small team of direct reports (typically no more than 4 artists), which includes regular 1 on 1s, constructing performance reviews, goals, and managing their career growth and well-being.
• Collaborates with the Art Director to establish the visual style and quality bar, ensuring alignment with the overall tone and vision of the assigned project.
• Communicates the visual design and development of characters through art specifications, style guides, and reference material while ensuring quality is maintained.
• Collaborates with the Character Art Manager and Project Management to develop and maintain an asset schedule that aligns with overall production timelines.
• Evaluates the Character Art team’s Jira queues in consultation with Project Managers.
• Identifies assets for External Development and reviews and approves ExDev asset briefs and final products.
• Collaborates with Design, Animation and Visual Effects departments to meet the highest visual quality and gameplay standards.
• Contributes with direct asset creation as needed, demonstrating hands-on leadership and technical proficiency.
• Implements new production methods to improve the performance and efficiency of the Character Art team.
• Maintains a strong understanding of the needs of Rigging, Animation, and Design to ensure assets are passed cleanly through the pipeline.
• Represents the project Character Art team in appropriate inter and intra-department meetings.
• Stays informed of all project-specific updates and can answer any necessary questions from Character Artists.
• Continuously explores and introduces the latest advancements in asset creation technology, fostering a culture of innovation and learning within the team.
• Ensures a professional and respectful work environment by addressing concerns swiftly and fostering a culture of respect and safety.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include maintaining 1 to 4 direct reports, interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Computer Skills: Strong knowledge of Painter, Photoshop, Maya, 3D Studio Max, Mudbox, and ZBrush (or equivalent). Advanced understanding of generating normal maps from high poly models. Understanding of complex node-based shader networks such as those used in Unreal Editor, Designer, etc. Basic understanding of GgFX, HLSL, or Cg from a technical artist’s perspective. Experience with Perforce or other source control software. Experience with project management software such as Jira and ShotGrid (preferred).

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