Lead Character Concept Artist

That's No Moon is an independent studio of storytellers and game-makers who believe in the power of narrative-driven experiences. With a diverse team of talented developers, from some of the top game studios in the world (Naughty Dog, Infinity Ward, Bungie), our shared vision is to create the future of AAA experiences with a culture of creativity, collaboration, and responsible production practices. Our passionate team of developers help shape our studio, our projects, and our future.

We are seeking a Lead Character Concept artist with a passion for creating realistic, compelling and memorable characters. Working in a collaborative team with story, art direction and gameplay you will have the chance to define a new benchmark for visual excellence in real-time characters. You will lead internal and external concept artists responsible for researching, collecting and crafting a wide range of character visual development from reference and mood boards, costume design and concept art. With your help we will push the industry to new heights of realism, gameplay, and storytelling!

Responsibilities:

• Work with the Art Director and Narrative Team to research, collect, and organize reference material.

• Develop character and costume concept through a series of sketches, color roughs, character studies and detailed breakouts for equipment, weapons, accessories and clothing that fit the game narrative.

• Collaborate with internal and external 3D artists via paint overs, studies, and group critiques.

• Strong understanding of human anatomy with the ability to create compelling realistic characters.

• See concepts from sketches all the way to a rendered color final.

• Ensure deliverables are completed to the target quality in a timely manner.

• Able to take direction and feedback from directors as well as contributing your own ideas in a highly collaborative environment.

Requirements & Skills:

• Minimum of 5 years experience in game or film development focusing on conceptual artwork.

• A strong understanding of human and creature anatomy with a keen eye towards form, shape, structure, and silhouette.

• Keen sense of costume design and construction leveraging functional, visual and emotional story telling.

• Outstanding portfolio demonstrating the ability to create amazing photo realistic characters and costume designs.

• A strong foundation in traditional art theory including drawing, rendering, composition, lighting, color, value, and shape language.

• A passion for designing grounded characters that would function in the real world with international sensibilities in mind.

• Experience with Photoshop and the processes of photo-bashing, painting, and sketching

• (Bonus) An understanding of, and ability to analyze lighting and material properties and their interactions.

• (Bonus) Shipped a AAA game as a lead concept artist. (Bonus) Experience with 3D programs such as Maya, ZBrush, Blender, Marvelous Designer and Substance Painter etc.

• (Bonus) Knowledge, experience, or interest in using photos, scans and 3D assets in the creation of concept art.

• (Bonus) Experience in traditional live action costume design.

Qualities:

• Excellent work ethic, self-motivation, and ability to take and provide constructive feedback. Comfortable prototyping and working with iterative development processes.

• Strong organizational skills and can work effectively with minimal supervision.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment striving for excellence.

• Well versed in costume aesthetics and the technical functionality of the character design process.

• Good communication skills adept at providing and receiving constructive feedback across all departments.

TNM considers a number of factors when determining each role's base pay range, including industry benchmarks, location, experience, and other job specific skills. In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for other incentive compensation including equity and profit share. The estimated base pay range for this role is U.S. only and not applicable for locations outside of the U.S.
TNM offers competitive and comprehensive benefits that include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, unlimited PTO, supplemental life and disability, and more. Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part-time or temporary employees. 

The estimated base pay range for this role is: $159,000 - $218,000

That's No Moon is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ancestry, color, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, legally protected physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.