Character Artist (7-month contract)

About the position Blackbird Interactive is a creative-fueled, future-driven, independent game studio where the best talent in the industry can find long-term careers to help grow their abilities while working on a wide range of projects, which encompass world-class IPs as well as our own creations across multiple genres. Our studio operates as a remote-first workplace, offering flexible work arrangements. At this time, we are only able to hire candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada and reside within Canada.

Responsibilities

• Handle the complete workflow from asset creation to implementation; which includes 3D modelling, sculpting, retopo, creating clean UV-Layouts, baking-maps, texturing, basic skinning and finally exporting and implementing the asset in engine.
• Work under the direction of Art Leadership to maintain strict adherence to artistic direction, established metrics, and asset creation practices with an eye towards speed and efficiency.
• Collaborate with technical artists, animators, and designers to ensure assets function correctly within the game engine.
• Actively participate in art reviews by incorporating feedback to refine models, while also sharing ideas and workflows that enhance both the production process and final product.
• Employ creative re-use of existing assets, textures and materials to create new assets from expansive libraries.
• Establish and maintain a cohesive character style, with an eye towards detail and an understanding of technical requirements and limitations.

Requirements

• 4+ years of experience in the game industry, specifically in character art for PC or console platforms.
• Strong portfolio showcasing realistic human anatomy, clothing and armor design.
• Essential expertise includes organic 3D sculpting (ZBrush/3D-Coat), proficiency in 3D modeling (Maya/Blender), and strong hard-surface modeling skills.
• Solid grasp of Map-Baking, PBR workflows and Material definition using Substance Painter and Photoshop.
• Experience working within proprietary engines, with strong technical execution and problem solving skills.
• Desire to be highly collaborative and eager to take constructive feedback

Nice-to-haves

• Passion for grounded, immersive science fiction
• Knowledge of Marvelous Designer
• Basic knowledge of Character-Skinning and Rigging
• Familiarity with 3ds Max
• Familiarity with using Proprietary Engines