Senior FX Artist

Spark Unlimited is looking for a Senior FX Artist to join us in making a breakout hit, based on the established console franchise Ninja Gaiden, called Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z. This is an opportunity for you to have a hand in creating a bold new take on 3rd person action slasher with horror elements. The artist should have a thorough knowledge of the creation of effects within a game environment. The ideal candidate is both an outstanding artist and technically proficient in generating game-useable material. The goal in our particle effects is to capture the graphic quality of effects in anime. This look is typified by complex, realistic motion combined with simplified, graphic, sharp edged rendering. Prior working knowledge of Unreal’s Cascade system is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Capture the graphic quality of effects of Anime.
• Create high quality in-game particle systems in the Unreal Engine 3, including simulation driven effects.
• Work with the Art Director to align the look of the effects with the game world.
• Work with the team to create effects for all departments.
• Build efficient particle systems that work within technical constraints.
• Be a proactive problem solver with solid grasp of artistic and design principles.
• Work collaboratively with all levels of the development team, including active participation in Spark’s agile-development process. Cultivate a positive team dynamic, and exhibit a professional attitude by demonstrating a good balance between creativity and practical flexibility.

Requirements

• Comprehensive knowledge of effects and particle systems as demonstrated by a strong portfolio.
• Ability to generate hand drawn sequences of particle effects in an Anime style which can be imported into the game.
• Comfortable using particle emitters to spawn individual particles with the graphic shapes required to hit an anime look.
• Passion for video games and broad knowledge of titles and industry standards.
• Comprehensive knowledge of shaders.
• Previous animation experience.
• Shipped at least two games in the past five years as a full time FX artist.
• Ability to provide realistic time estimates to perform tasks.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Maya and Photoshop.
• Be proactive at fixing issues that are discovered.
• Excellent communication, time-management and organizational skills.

Preferred Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of the Unreal Engine and particles systems (Cascade).
• Strong traditional art background.
• Third person action genre experience.
• Experience working in an Agile/Scrum development environment.
  

• Applicants must be able to work at our Sherman Oaks, California studios.
• Email only. No visits or phone calls, please.
• The Subject line of your email must reference the job title and your name, like this: FX Artist: Last name, First name
• Include your resume as an email attachment, preferably as a PDF or in Word 2003 or later format.
• Include links to online portfolio or send demo reel materials to Spark Unlimited, Attn: Art Dept, 15000 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 202, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403. No drop offs please.
• Make sure your resume also includes your name, address, phone, and email.
• Send email to art-jobC2570@sparkunlimited.com

 

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