Lead Multiplayer Artist

Spark Unlimited is looking for an excited and energized artist to lead the MP art team by example in technical proficiency, creative vision and execution. This person will also be responsible for overseeing the art creation of all multiplayer level environment. This is not just a management job, as we need your talents as an artist to shine throughout the production as well! You will play a key role in defining the world for a high profile next-generation property currently greenlit for full production development for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC markets.

Responsibilities

• Work with Design and Art Director to prove out spaces that are fun – where the art harmonizes with game objectives.
• Translate and evaluate visual style of art direction into from the single player into the multiplayer design.
• As a "working" lead, create environment pipeline in UE3 for level layout, lighting, level meshing, model creation, texture creation, shader creation, and destructible objects.
• Create environment pipeline in UE3 for level layout, lighting, level meshing, model creation, texture creation, shader creation, and destructible objects.
• Create detailed templates of assets for outsourcing.
• Manage a team of artists to insure delivery of milestones and levels. Work with the Art Manager and outsourcing department to define expectations and review created materials from outsourcing studios for art quality within the game parameters.
• Optimize levels for performance.
  

Requirements

• Expert knowledge of Unreal 3, lighting, level building, and shader creation.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Maya, Photoshop, and Z-brush or Mudbox.
• Shipped at least two games in the past five years as a full time environment artist.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to take and give critiques without defensiveness.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with designers and programmers.
• Expert modeling, texturing, and UV mapping ability.
• Proven ability to work within the technical and memory constraints of a game.
• Strong understanding of form and composition, color and lighting.
• Easily forecast the amount of time a common task will take to complete and consistently meet your own forecasted deadlines.
  

Preferred Skills

• Previous credit as a lead artist.
• Working knowledge of particles, and post processing effects in Unreal.
• Experience working with outsourcing, including generating templates and approving workbook layouts for proper aesthetic values and correct standardization.
• Experience working with an Art Director to develop a unique style for environments.
• Strong traditional art background (B.F.A. or equivalent degree).
• 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:
  Lead 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-jobB3400@sparkunlimited.com

 

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