Senior 3D Environment Artist

Schell Games is a highly talented group of artists, programmers, producers, and game designers led by game industry veteran Jesse Schell.  We like creating family-friendly games that are transformational and fun.  Presently, we focus on creating a wide variety of innovative gaming experiences including theme park installations, web-based MMOs, next-generation consoles, social games, and mobile platforms.  

Do you believe games can be fun and emotionally engaging?  Would you agree that games can positively affect people?

If you answered "YES!" to both questions, you might be a fit for our studio! 

SENIOR 3D ENVIRONMENT ARTIST POSITION

Our artists honor the unique aesthetic vision of each project and work to make all aspects of the experience beautiful. The team is comprised of 2D/conceptual artists, 3D modelers, technical and effects artists, and animators.  We are seeking a talented Senior 3D Artist to work on projects ranging from online worlds and handheld games to virtual reality experiences and themed interactive attractions.  Our ideal candidate would have experience with and possess an excellent eye for inventive world-building for a variety of styles of 3D environments for integration in both the Unity and Unreal game engines.

You must demonstrate the ability to collaborate well with a multi­disciplined team, communicating constructively, both verbally and writing, in order to create engaging and visually compelling game assets.  The ideal candidate will have to be self-motivated and a collaborative team player who is able to work closely with the Art Director to be responsible for large sections of the game.  You may often be in a position of guiding additional level artists to consistent and quality work.

Our ideal candidate will have the ability to handle both technical and artistic issues during game development, as well as be able to work quickly in a team atmosphere with schedules and reliable milestone delivery, all while demonstrating the ability to respond professionally to feedback and art direction.   

You should be able to address many aspects of the 3D pipeline for our games - including basic lighting, VFX, shader applications, and efficient world-building practices.  Passion for precise visual design and the ability to work in a wide range of styles within the media is crucial.  We’re looking for someone excited about cross­-disciplined collaboration and making great games with us! 

Expectations of Senior level roles at Schell Games: 

You are an expert in your discipline and share your knowledge with the studio. You have formed strong relationships inside and outside of the studio that allow you to leverage your expertise for the greatest impact. You think strategically about your craft and contribute heavily to your discipline community. You can be relied upon by your Vice President to represent your craft discipline.

You consistently build highly productive relationships by respecting your team members and clients, while effectively giving and addressing feedback. You set a high bar for delivery and hold others accountable, leveling up your team. You do this by demonstrating humility and empathy, building others' trust in you, and defaulting to trusting others. You maintain composure in the face of change and challenges.

You are deeply familiar with development methodologies and best practices. You identify and help improve faulty processes. You help solve problems. You drive consensus and move your projects toward their goals. You recognize and build off others' contributions.

Others consistently look to you as a leader (whether or not you are formally in that role). You quickly resolve conflicts, involving yourself or among others. You use empathy to seek understanding and common ground. You are a prime example to others of what a member of your discipline should be, and you actively promote those values. You respect and empathize with your colleagues and clients.

 Requirements:

• 6+ years experience in a game development team atmosphere as an environment artist, level designer, or similar artistic role
• Portfolio of work must be available for review, displaying examples of various elements of environment design and prop work 
• Understanding of optimization limitations and methodology 
• Expert knowledge of sculpting in ZBrush and high to low poly process 
• Expert knowledge of Substance Designer / Painter
• Expert knowledge of Maya
• Flexibility with the adoption of art styles and direction is critical 
• Demonstrated ability and experience mentoring and/or managing other junior 3D artists
• In-engine capabilities for effective world-building (Unreal, Unity, or otherwise) 

Desired Skills:

• 2D texture mapping of 3D models 
• Advanced lighting and rendering experience 
• Scripting, rigging, and/or artist tool creation
• Shader writing and VFX experience

Educational Background Preferred: 

•  BS/BA/BFA degree in fine arts, animation, visual communication, or similar  

Our studio is committed to providing an equitable and inclusive work environment that ensures that all applicants and team members are treated with dignity and respect.  We will not tolerate any type of discrimination or harassment directed at any applicant or employee because of their gender, race, religion, age, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, veteran, family or parental status or any other protected group characteristic.  This equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.

Prohibiting discrimination and harassment is only one part of the equation. “Diversity makes us strong” is more than just something we say.  We value diversity in all forms because it is essential to our success, and we want every member of our team to feel their best creative self.  Our development environment and social culture are based on welcoming, respecting, and celebrating differences among our team members and our players.  We rely on each person to add their own unique skills and perspective to our culture.  Every member of our team is responsible for making the studio as inclusive and equitable as possible.

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The candidate selected for this position will be subject to standard employment verification and criminal background check upon offer of contingent employment.