Character Artist (Associate / Mid-Level)

At Rockstar Games, we create the games we would want to play ourselves. A career at Rockstar is about being part of a team working on some of the most creatively rewarding, large-scale projects to be found in any entertainment medium. You would be welcomed to a friendly, inclusive environment where you can learn, and collaborate with some of the most talented people in the industry. Rockstar New England is on the lookout for a talented Character Artist (Associate / Mid-Level) who will have a passion for creating humans, clothing, and accessories to the very highest standard. This is a full-time permanent position based out of Rockstar’s unique game development studio in Andover, MA.  

This is a full-time, in-office position based out of Rockstar’s game development studio in Andover, MA.  

WHAT WE DO

• We design, create, and populate the world with the people and creatures that bring the story and play to life, for both our story-driven and online game worlds.
• Our characters are the embodiment of the player’s experiences and their interactions when they play – how they look, feel, and interact with other living things.
• We design in-depth customization and functionality to character assets or the game’s specific needs.
• We work with a broad range of digital tools for sculpting, modelling, and texture painting, with fundamental basis in observational art creation and an explicit attention to detail.
• We use other technical tools for cloth simulation, photogrammetry, and physically based shader pipelines to help us create believable characters.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work within Character Art asset production for all our global titles.
• Work with Art Direction and Lead Artists to complete tasks and production goals whilst working under own initiative.
• Work with the Character and Technical Art teams to create balanced, pragmatic, and timely solutions to all related technical and aesthetic issues,
• Work with a global team, setting high standards across all of our projects, and have an exacting production focus and an obsession for getting the minutiae right.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A comprehensive modelling and texturing portfolio showing 3D character art to a very high standard, with specific ability in the representation of realistic human anatomy and garments/drapery.

SKILLS

• Extensive experience using industry standard 3D modelling packages,  such as 3DStudio Max, Maya, and Modo, as well as Substance Painter for texturing.
• Exceptional sculpting ability in ZBrush and deep knowledge of Marvellous Designer workflows for digital clothing production.
• A full understanding of all current generation production workflows as they pertain to character art asset production - including an understanding of PBR pipelines.
• A keen understanding of the human body and facial anatomy; form, structure, and silhouette, as well as being respectful of economical and appropriate modelling considerations for game target assets and polycounts.
• A detail-obsessed eye for creating and manipulating texture maps and surface patterns, and excellent understanding of the value of UV space.
• Positive, solution-oriented individual with a sense of humor and passion for making great game art in a team setting.
• Ability to work with bespoke engine toolsets, defined asset workflows, and contribute to overall character department goals and working practices.
• Self-motivated and flexible, with excellent communication skills.
• Consistent delivery of high-quality art: on-spec and on-time.

PLUSES

Please note that these are desirable skills and are not required to apply for the position.

• Previous development experience, ideally having shipped console titles as a character artist.
• An inherent appreciation and understanding of fashion and street style.
• Strong problem-solving skills. Ability to work in a self-directed manner
  and to make timely, well-thought-out decisions.
• Great interpersonal skills. Must be able to work closely in a team setting and with other dependent departments.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply with a CV and cover-letter demonstrating how you meet the skills above.  If we would like to move forward with your application, a Rockstar recruiter will reach out to you to explain next steps and guide you through the process.

Rockstar is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to hiring, promoting, and compensating employees based on their qualifications and demonstrated ability to perform job responsibilities.

If you’ve got the right skills for the job, we want to hear from you. We encourage applications from all suitable candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief, or race.

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