Lead Character Artist - Stylized

About the Role

Our client, a highly creative studio known for its distinctive art style and memorable characters, is seeking an accomplished Lead Character Artist specializing in stylized aesthetics to join their vibrant team in Liverpool . This role is paramount in establishing and guiding the artistic direction for characters, ensuring they are visually appealing, technically sound, and align perfectly with the project's unique artistic vision. You will lead a team of talented artists, fostering a collaborative environment where creativity flourishes and high-quality characters are brought to life, contributing significantly to the player's immersion and connection with our game worlds.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the creation of stylized character models , including sculpting, retopology, UV mapping, texturing, and PBR material setup.
• Mentor and guide a team of character artists, providing constructive feedback and ensuring adherence to artistic style and quality standards.
• Collaborate closely with the art director and 3D animators to ensure characters are designed for animation and performance.
• Develop and maintain the character art pipeline, establishing best practices for asset creation and integration.
• Oversee the optimization of character assets for real-time rendering engines, managing polycounts and texture budgets.
• Contribute to character design conceptualization, ensuring visual appeal and narrative consistency.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in 3D character art , with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Proven expertise in creating stylized character models with a strong understanding of anatomy, form, and proportion.
• Proficiency in industry-standard software such as ZBrush, Maya, Substance Painter, and Photoshop.
• Strong knowledge of PBR texturing workflows and real-time rendering engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
• A portfolio that showcases exceptional stylized character art and successful leadership experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and performance incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and flexible working hours.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry events.
• A creative and supportive studio environment committed to artistic excellence.