Current Vacancies in Artwork & Animation

ANIMATION OUTSOURCE MANAGER

AAA studio are looking for an experienced Animation Outsource Manager who is able to produce outstanding titles on current consoles platform.  All areas of Gameplay and Cinematic Animation are to be managed and outsourced by this exceptional candidate.  This role would suit an animator with lead experience.

Key Duties:

• Be the main contact and oversee of the relationship with our external partners

• Maintain and develop long-term workflows allowing for efficient, flexible and on time delivery of high numbers of high-quality assets

• Liaison with internal team to create high quality template documents for outsourcing

• Work alongside outsource partners/production to establish a schedule and keep to tight deadlines

• Setup internal team reviews and support the distribution of feedback to outsource partners keeping to the specific sign off processes

• Work proactively to manage the logistical side of complex projects with multiple dependencies

• Maintain healthy relationships with outsourcing partners working efficiently and keeping a high aesthetic standard

• Working closely with the Senior Producers and Studio Management keeping track of quality, time and cost

• Be able to identify risks to both the project and outsource pipeline and ensure that all security measures are in place

• Work with the Animation Leads and Directors and keep the final product fitting to the quality briefs that they create

Technical Requirements 

• Good understanding of in-game animation pipelines

• Experience in using Shotgun (Asset Management software)

• Knowledge of 3DSMax and/or Maya is advantageous

• Understanding of Motion Builder is desirable

• Engine experience in Unreal or similar is advantageous

• An understanding of the Motion Capture process is desirable

• Excellent skills in Office i.e. Excel, Word is necessary

Please send your current CV to jane@big-planet.biz quoting the title of the job you are applying for reference 982.  

We are an equal opportunity recruitment agency, value diversity and don’t discriminate.  We are GDPR compliant.

Our client have established themselves as a AAA studio delivering standard-setting action titles. With plans to expand, they are now seeking a seasoned Senior Writer with a specialty in video game narrative to join their Netherlands studio's talent.

What You Do:

• Leveraging your experience in writing for games, take part in all the idea pitching processes for backstories, quests and factions, writing the backstories, dialogues and story outline that defines a gripping AAA experience
• Champion the game's emotional story arc, collaborating across teams to meet narrative needs for quests, activities and major game features
• Disseminate experience and proven methods in mentoring Junior Writing staff

• 4+ years' experience within the games industry as a Writer, with at least one released AAA title credit
• Background and/or training in dramatic writing and story structures with an in-depth knowledge of stories and narrative in games, with an ability to tackle frequent revisions in a feedback-driven, iterative environment
• Passion to become part of- and represent a rich, complex game world and story

Our client has become a major independent player in console games. Developing both original IP and working in tandem with partners to reimagine existing successes. They now have an opportunity for an imaginative and versatile Vehicle Artist to join their team in realising AAA games at their French studio. 


Responsibilities: 

• Working off concepts, models and images to craft fully functioning and flyable works of art; both on exteriors and interiors
• Creation and application of textures and PBR to realise a photorealistic degree of finish, consistent across all assets
• Effectively manage all tasks to navigate the production cycle, maintaining the balance between both quality and technical standards within deadlines

• At least 3 years' experience within the games industry, with at least one AAA studio among experiences
• Command of Photoshop and 3DS Max, advantage for any prior shader experience as well as PBR
• Hard surface modeling experience and a keen eye for Industrial design, ideally with prior experience modelling internal and external components

Our client is a multi-award winning studio that is maintaining a consistently high meta-critic rating. To sustain their steady expansion they are looking for an experienced Technical Animator to realise their next hit AAA title. 

Responsibilities: 

• Creation of game-ready character animations portraying actions and behaviours
• Produce accomplished character concepts, rigs, animations and pipelines
• Set up and manage character behaviour graphs
• Collaborate with developer and design teams to deliver an engaging user experience  

• At least 3 years' industry experience within character technologies (Rigging, Tool Development, Skinning, etc.), ideally with a published AAA PC or Console title
• Strong understanding of animation, animation design, pipeline and procedures, demonstrated in your reel
• Strong scripting skills as well as excellent communication skill, verbal and written across all levels
• Experience using Unreal/Unity and Maya

Our client is one of the most recognised developers in Spain. With a powerful foothold in the Freemium Mobile market, they are now looking for a Lead Artist to inspire their Spanish studio's talent.

Responsibilities:

• Take ownership over all aspects of the game Art, ensuring the Art team delivers quality efficiently at every corner of a -sometimes unpredictable- production cycle
• Establish the look and feel of the game from the very beginning and play a major role in ensuring the vision is shared and solidified across teams through roadmaps, team briefs, accumulating and sharing knowledge
• Challenge methodologies and always look for room to improve them, all while executing the tight-rope balancing act of managing expectations and distributing work-loads effectively

• At least 8 years' games industry experience within an Art Director, Lead Artist or other management-level role
• Experience in negotiation, communication across all levels - a demonstrable ability to connect with and motivate others as well as oneself through a positive attitude
• A meticulous approach to vetting technical and quality aspects of Art through experience with 2D/3D software and artistic fundamentals

Our client is a renowned AAA studio with a varied list of releases, world renowned for its action titles. They now seek to hire their next Senior to Lead Artist to drive their studio's talent in delivering their next generation of hits in their Brighton studio.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and assist the team to adhere with Art Director's vision with applying hands-on approach as required.
• Communicate with internal and external departments to keep all aspects of art within standards and deadlines.
• Mentor junior members and plan tasks efficiently.

• At least 5 years’ games industry art experience, including 1 year in a senior or lead role.
• Full cycle production experience on a published AAA game title with a deep understanding of Game Engines and the technical challenges they present.
• Communication skill; particularly conflict resolution, tact as well as problem-solving ability.

Our client is one of the most recognised developers in Spain. With a powerful foothold in the Freemium Mobile market, they are now looking to add an experienced Motion Graphics Designer to their Spanish studio's talent.


Responsibilities:

• Involvement in all creative aspects from initial stages -brainstorming, storyboarding, animatics and benchmarks- as well as asset creation for fan sites with the 2D Artist
• Play a key role in keeping expectations realistic, building and aligning road maps with Marketing and collaborating with Outsource departments to maintain deliverables within schedule
• Stay up-to-date on all the latest trends and standards with User Acquisition

• At least 4 years' experience within either the games- or advertising industry, ideally bringing prior mobile marketing experience
• Multi-disciplinary skills within art, including Composition, 2D Motion Graphics and Video Editing, Character Animation and general story-telling skill, particularly with Adobe After Effects, -Animate and -Photoshop
• A real passion for communicating stories visually, ideally combined with a knowledge of digital- or traditional advertising methodologies
• Fluency in English with a disciplined, positive approach and effective teamwork, able to motivate oneself and others

A unique opportunity has become available to work at one of the best online games studios in the world based in Guangzhou, China. They are looking for senior or lead 3D environment artists to work on their pillar titles they will bring to western markets.

What you will need to do

Agree with product art director in deciding game environment style and producing environment concept design template and specifications;

• Editing and planning environment using engine editor, organize environment concept artist and producer to carry out the work;

Environment design; review, verify and guide environment designs from outsourcing;

• Control the ultimate game effect of characters
• Share environment design experiences, compile courseware and facilitate new hires, mentor junior artists

Job Requirements:

• Have strong passion for video games, focus on gaming experience, can cooperate with product improvement in gaming experience.
• Bachelor’s degree or above, art related majors, proven and awesome art skills;
• 3+ years’ experience in environment concept designing, it’s better to have experience in managing a team

Strong ability of comprehensive analysis and innovation, precisely understand work demands and can accomplish it expertly;

• Work well with team
• Master necessary software for this position, strong learning ability, take the initiative to research and apply new technology to work.

We are an equal opportunity recruitment agency, value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate. Big Planet is a GDPR compliant agency.

The client is a world-famous multi-platform development studio, now seeking a seasoned Artist to join their talent at their North UK studios at either Senior- or Lead level (depending on experience) in the delivery of core- and casual games experiences across platforms.


Responsibilities: 

• Lead and mentor the art team, with a hands-on approach, creating art and leading by example to drive effective teamwork, providing feedback and guidance
• Plan tasks efficiently, working across disciplines to best determine solutions to any arising issues
• Take ownership of the artwork of the project, keeping up-to-date on trends and deliver memorable experiences within technical constraints 

• At least 5 years' experience within the games industry with at least 1 year in a Senior or Lead role, game production cycles fully worked are greatly advantageous
• Proficient in Photoshop and 3DS Max / Maya or equivalent 3D package, knowledge of shaders, lighting and technical art practices
• Unity experience, ideally with experience leading a small art team and setting up a project, establishing workflows
• Effective communicator across all levels, with a passion for games

Our client, one of the UK's premiere AAA development studios; well-known for the exacting standards of polish displayed on every title they ship. They are now offering an opportunity for a gifted Environment Artist to join their North UK studio's talent at either Senior- or Lead level. 


Responsibilities:

• Collaborating closely with Lead Artists and the Art Director to establish and maintain a distinct and coherent artistic style and mood from inception to release
• Stay in communication with both Design and Technical Art departments to mediate between design objectives and technical constraints, delivering within both quality and performance standards
• Take ownership of the realisation of engaging, visually impressive levels fit for AAA, maintaining a high degree of quality, efficiency and consistency across your work

• At least 3 years' experience (5+ for Lead) within the games industry, with at least one released AAA game
• Confidence in understanding artistic fundamentals such as colour theory and composition, photography and traditional art experience advantageous
• Technical knowledge in the realisation of lighting within game engines such as Unreal, additional understanding of PBR rendering beneficial
• Passion for creating high quality games, confident in communicating across all levels and able to receive and provide feedback, with ability to take part in the R&D of techniques and pipeline implementation highly desirable

Our client, one of the UK's premiere AAA development studios; well-known for the exacting standards of polish displayed on every title they ship. They are now offering an opportunity for a gifted Environment Artist to join their North UK studio's talent at either Experienced- or Senior level. 


Responsibilities:

• Realise 3D assets to the quality standards the studio is known for, taking an active role in opportunities for research and development of cutting-edge techniques and improvements that will set standards for AAA
• Crafting and applying physical based shaders
• Leverage experience, taking part in the mentorship and personal development of junior staff, accumulating and distributing AAA know-how

• At least 5 years' experience within the games industry, with at least one released AAA production cycle worked
• Expertise at both High- and Low-poly modelling, with confidence and a passion using tools -Maya, Photoshop and Zbrush
• Unreal Engine 4 and any animation experience experience greatly beneficial 
• Great understanding of PBR shaders, an effective communicator of ideas and technical concepts

Our client is a multi-award winning studio that has excelled cross-platform, in many genres of games for all age groups, maintaining a consistently high meta-critic rating. To sustain their steady expansion they are looking for a production-focused Art Manager to join their renowned independent studio. Experience in managing the development and creation of Art for AAA titles essential.


Responsibilities:

• Working closely with the Art Director and Dev Director, take an active role in building and maintaining departmental schedules, managing the production of all art and animation, keeping assets consistent across quality standards and within deadlines
• Communicating clearly across departments, adapting to changes in dependencies and informing the Art Director on requirements of the Art department
• Facilitate effective teamwork between external and internal teams, ensuring Art documentation is kept up to date
• Accumulating and disseminating best practices across art teams to review assets and improve workflows

• At least 4 years' experience within the games industry and experience with managing Art team through complete production cycle of at least one released AAA game
• Effective verbal, written and visual communicator across all levels and departments, with scheduling, budgeting and outsourcing experiences
• Deep understanding of 3D art production pipelines, with an ability to effective organise and supervise creative teams

We are AAA racing studio looking for a 2D artist to work on our latest games. You will collaborate daily with other artists and developers and be responsible for crafting a wide variety of digital artwork, ranging from environment and character art, logos and UI elements from concept to final implementation. This is an excellent position for an experienced 2D Artist in the games industry.

Who you are

• All round perfection in design and digital illustration.
• Digital painting
• An ability to generate quick concepts and realize ideas.
• Have a very creative and imaginative mind-set
• Eye for composition and colour.
• Possess a beautiful and up to date 2D art portfolio.
• Examples of self-initiated projects.
• An understanding of multi-platform development.
• Ability to follow existing styles and brand guidelines. Technical Skills
• Adobe creative cloud
• Illustrator
• Photoshop
• Substance Painter and Designer
• Games UI experience a plus
• Texturing
• Strong drawing skills
• 2+ years games industry experience after education

What we offer

Want to work on a AAA title and make your mark in the games industry and receive mentoring and training from top artists? Sounds like your dream job? Then please apply to bonnie@big-planet.biz quoting reference 842.

We are an equal opportunity recruitment agency, value diversity and do not discriminate!

Our client is an independently-owned studio on the outskirts of London, involved in the crafting of engaging AAA multiplayer experiences that garnered over 300 awards and nominations world-wide. They now seek to add a talented Technical Artist to their studio to help deliver the next generation of hits.

Responsibilities:

• Communicate between all disciplines to resolve issues and improve game quality
• Prototype, develop and improve art pipelines
• Optimise run-time performance of our games
• Assist the programming team with implementing art-related tools and features  

• Strong proactive problem-solving attitude
• Experience with Unreal Engine, especially UE4
• Demonstrable knowledge of modern game content creation workflows using Autodesk 3dsmax and/or Autodesk Maya, ideally confident in rigging and run-time performance profiling
• Good application scripting experience (e.g. Python, MAXScript, Javascript), C++ or C# programming advantageous

Our client is one of the most recognised developers in Spain. With a powerful foothold in the Freemium Mobile market, they are now looking to add an experienced VFX Artist to their Spanish studio's talent.


Responsibilities:

• Develop tools and solutions best suited to the Art department's needs 
• Establish and maintain effective Art production pipelines across the entire project, ensuring consistency and addressing any issues as they arise
• Collaborate closely across departments, mediating requirements and making sure assets integrate smoothly
• Accumulate and disseminate proven methods and practices from production pipelines

• At least 2 years' experience within a mobile game development studio within the games industry, experienced with the Unity Engine
• Confident with C# scripting and a deep understanding of optimisation techniques for mobile, ideally experienced with 2D production pipelines
• Efficient and resourceful problem-solver, driven by a passion for games, balacing creative solutions with a methodical approach and effective communication skill, bridging the gap between Art and Programming and integrating into a strong team
• Any additional experience with UI and Unity Canvas or artistic experience with 3D and 2D asset production highly beneficial

Our client is one of the most recognised developers in Spain. With a powerful foothold in the Freemium Mobile market, they are now looking to add an experienced VFX Artist to their Spanish studio's talent.

Responsibilities:

• Active involvement in creative processes and subsequent asset production for campaigns and fan sites, closely collaborating with Marketing Video Artist
• Crating and aligning roadmaps with those of the marketing team, managing expectations and ensuring deliverables are within standard and deadlines
• Involvement with outsource departments depending on requirements, keeping all assets consistent and up-to-date on trends within User Acquisition

• At least 2 years' experience within the games- or advertising industry, ideally with mobile game marketing experience
• Multi-disciplinary artistic skill and proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop in particular), as displayed on a varied portfolio. Any additional experience with 3D modelling software and Unity engine highly beneficial
• Solution- and detail-oriented approach, with good communication skill and fluency in English
• Passionate about visual storytelling, a proactive, self-driven team player that can thrive in a fast-paced dynamic environment

Our client is an award-winning London studio behind critically acclaimed AAA titles. They are currently seeking a Lead Character Artist to head up their Character Art team in the delivery of their next hits. 


Responsibilities:

• Maintain the team’s consistency for asset creation
• Lead, develop and motivate the whole team
• Innovative creativity within established parameters
• High and low poly modelling
• Texture creation and mapping

• 4 years + experience in character modelling
• 2 shipped titles
• Experience of UnReal Engine 3+
• Demonstrable quality in a broad range of artistic disciplines
• Excellent skills in realistic anatomical modelling in 3D
• Proficient at rigging and skinning assets ready for animation
• Experience of character pipelines and efficient memory management of UVs, textures and vertices
• Management proficiency in verbal and written English

Our client is an award-winning London studio behind critically acclaimed AAA titles. They are currently seeking a Senior Animator to join their animation team in the delivery of their next hits on a two-year contract. 


Responsibilities:

• Creation of industry-leading, high-quality character animations in support of narrative and gameplay, working closely with Animation Director and -Lead in ensuring assets meet all standards for consistency
• Join an ambitious team of animators in ensuring all pipelines and tools developed are suited for purpose department-wide
• Display dedication and decision-making in the development of excellence in all assets, encouraging non-Senior members to excel

• At least 3 years' relevant experience within the games industry, with AAA games experience, and at least one AAA title worked and shipped
• Proficiency in 3DS Max or Maya, MotionBuilder and knowledge of Unreal Engine, exposure to MoCap processes advantageous
• A deep understanding of the principles of animation and animation pipeline, from conceptualisation to implementation with outstanding keyframe animation skill, as displayed on portfolio / reel
• A real passion for games, strong self-management- and organisational skill, able to work in a team within a dynamic environment, providing and receiving feedback

Our client is an award-winning London studio behind critically acclaimed AAA titles. They are currently seeking a Lead Animator to head up their animation team in the delivery of their next hits. 


Responsibilities:

• Working alongside the production team, creating roadmaps and schedules to ensure deliveries across the life-cycle, running outsource plans and quality control as required
• Collaborating with the Animation Director, aid the Animation department in realising the AAA standards the studio is known for
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of accurate department documentation and take part in the interview and hiring process during re-staffing and development plans
• Contribute to any part of the production cycle as required, accumulating and distributing improvements across departments

• At least 7 years' experience within the games industry, at least 3 years at an equivalent Senior or Lead role, with at least 2 AAA titles worked and shipped
• Exceptional eye for detail, UE4 experience, MotionBuilder and working knowledge of 3DSMax or Maya, as displayed within a strong portfolio
• Meticulous approach to work, with outstanding communication and leadership skill across departments and levels, ability to maintain motivation and morale, ideally prior experience with outsource management
• Ambitious and eager to develop new techniques, an interest in pushing standards for Facial Animation highly advantageous

Our client is one of the UK's best-known studios in photorealistic graphics. Excelling in PC and console platforms, they are looking to add a Technical Animator to their talent in their South-East UK studio. 


Responsibilities:

• Collaborate closely with Art leads, Production and Design departments to craft animations within technical scope and artistic vision, performing both Rigging and Skinning
• Quickly prototype animation systems with state machines and blend spaces for use in the ideation processes
• Applying animation principles, create high-quality character and vehicle animations within technical constraints, able to input creative solutions to gameplay problems
• Manage and maintain animation libraries, developing pipelines to continuously improve character rigs and their delivery rate

Our client is a multi-award winning studio that has excelled cross-platform, in many genres of games for all age groups, maintaining a consistently high meta-critic rating. To sustain their steady expansion they are looking for an experienced UI/UX Designer to realise their next hit AAA title. 


Responsibilities: 

• Lead a team of Concept Artists via a hands-on approach, working closely with- and supporting the development teams across the design process
• Co-ordinate across departments to ensure the art production is in line with the Design objectives, technical constraints and schedule
• Through effective planning of tasks and keeping up-to-date on trends and techniques, work with diverse disciplines to overcome any issues arising during production and realise art assets to a high degree of polish

• At least 3 years' experience within the games industry and at least 1 year at a Senior or Lead role, ideally having completed the production cycle of at least one published game
• Demonstrable proficiency in artistic aspects; environments, characters, 2D and UI assets and animations as displayed on portfolio, traditional arts training beneficial
• Proficiency with Photoshop, 3DS Max / Maya, knowledge of ZBrush, After Effects, Illustrator and video editing advantageous
• Self-motivated, passionate for games, able to communicate and collaborate across disciplines, conversant across both technical- and non-technical departments 

Our client is a multi-award winning studio that has excelled cross-platform, in many genres of games for all age groups, maintaining a consistently high meta-critic rating. To sustain their steady expansion they are looking for an experienced Lead Artist to realise their next hit AAA title. 


Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor the art team, with a hands-on approach, creating art and leading by example to drive effective teamwork, providing feedback and guidance
• Plan tasks efficiently, working across disciplines to best determine solutions to any arising issues
• Take ownership of the artwork of the project, keeping up-to-date on trends and deliver memorable experiences within technical constraints 

• At least 3 years' experience within the games industry with at least 1 year in a Senior or Lead role, game production cycles fully worked are greatly advantageous
• Proficient in Photoshop and 3DS Max / Maya or equivalent 3D package, knowledge of shaders, lighting and technical art practices
• Portfolio demonstrating prowess in 3D modelling, texturing, lighting, realistic environments, vehicles and original concepts, traditional arts experience beneficial
• Effective communicator across all levels, with a passion for games

Our client is a AAA studio, well-known for delivering high standards of polish with all the titles they release. With an ambitious new project and future expansion on the horizon, they are now seeking an Associate-level Art Director to join their Midlands UK studio's talent.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Art Director in guiding the implementation of all content according to the defined style and scope, working across multiple disciplines to ensure stunning AAA visuals are delivered throughout
• Leveraging prior experience, actively seek and identify risks and opportunities of improvement across teams
• Maintain the same level of polish and AAA standard across each title worked that the studio is known for

• At least 5 years' experience within the games industry, with at least one released AAA title, passionate for games
• Deep understanding of Art principles, 2D and 3D art, shape, composition, chiaroscuro and lighting, as displayed on portfolio
• Highly motivated and able to motivate others, detail-oriented and an effective verbal and written communicator across all levels

Our client have established themselves as a AAA studio delivering standard-setting action titles. With plans to expand, they are now seeking multiple gifted 3D Artists with a specialty in Hard Surfaces to join their Netherlands studio's talent.

Senior / Principal level
Responsibilities:

• Reporting to the Art Director and collaborating with the Technical Team, model texture machines and weapons to a high standard, implementing long-term art asset production pipelines, remaining involved in on-going R&D to continuously improve techniques and workflows while retaining quality
• Guide and oversee asset creation of outsource and contract artists, performing in-engine implementation review and trouble-shooting issues arising to maintain a universally high asset quality throughout
• Make own contributions to any part of the hard surface art pipeline where necessary

• An understanding of the nature of materials and PBR, accomplished sculpts and models, with a wide range of styles -realistic, expressive, hard surface and organic- as shown on portfolio
• Understanding of technical and artistic principles to create assets from 2D concept references
• Expertise in Zbrush, Maya with experience in Substance Painter/Designer
• Deep understanding of clean topology and edge flow for effective modelling in games, animation and deformation and expertise in producing high quality materials and textures to specification
• Good communication skill and command of English, embracing feedback, self-motivated to meet deadlines, manage time and pressure, keeping up with the latest toold and techniques 

• Model and texture machines and weapons to a high standard and ensure their effective integration to the game engine for review
• Take part in guidance and review of contractor and outsource artists, troubleshooting any issues that arise upon integration to maintain consistent quality across assets
• Make contributions to any portion of the hard surface asset pipeline necessary

• An understanding of the nature of materials and PBR, accomplished sculpts and models, with a wide range of styles -realistic, expressive, hard surface and organic- as shown on portfolio
• Understanding of technical and artistic principles to create assets from 2D concept references
• Expertise in Zbrush, Maya with experience in Substance Painter/Designer
• Deep understanding of clean topology and edge flow for effective modelling in games, animation and deformation and expertise in producing high quality materials and textures to specification
• Good communication skill and command of English, embracing feedback, self-motivated to meet deadlines, manage time and pressure, keeping up with the latest toold and techniques 

Our client is a AAA studio, well-known for delivering high standards of polish with all the titles they release. With an ambitious new project and future expansion on the horizon, they are now seeking a Senior Environment Artist to join their Midlands UK studio's talent.

Responsibilities:

• Working closely with creative leads, envision, pitch to stakeholders, then deliver the key areas of a game's presentation and UI that set a new bar for releases
• Maintaining close ties with Design and Engineering departments, continually improve flow and functionality across the project lifecycle to ensure engaging, seamless user experiences are met

• At least 3 years' experience within the games industry, with at least one AAA project worked in a UI capacity
• Understanding of UI / UX design principles, Typography and Motion Graphics skill and current trends in art style, as demonstrated in portfolio
• Excellent communicator and presenter, both verbal and written, across all levels with a true passion for creating games experiences

• Build studio art processes, implementing asset pipeline in collaboration with Creative, Tools and Rendering teams
• Take a pro-active role in resolving issues that arise during production and provide technical support where necessary 

• At least 3 years' experience within the games industry, ideally with involvement in at least one shipped AAA title
• Experienced using 3DS Max, Maya with relevant scripts and plug-ins
• C++ or C# scripting and exposure to Houdini
• Experience of working on published consoles and titles
• Confident with Shader creation and PBR material workflows
• Confident in implementing asset pipelines, exporting and automation of processes
• Good communicator in English at all levels, passionate for video games and a team player, able to thrive in a dynamic environment

Our client is an acclaimed AAA developer seeking to add a Lead Character Artist to head up the talent at their Midlands-based studio for their upcoming open world fantasy action game. Experience developing RPG games on current consoles desirable.

Responsibilities:

• Experience in the technical aspects of the craft -materials, asset optimisation and the creation of meshes with clean and functional topology, while communicating with technical departments.
• Overseeing the Character group, working in conjunction with the Art Director to plan ahead, then maintain the project within quality and delivery expectations from start to finish.
• Excellent human anatomy knowledge, married with an understanding of standard methodologies to suit animation and engine requirements.

• A strong portfolio demonstrating your in-game character artwork to very high standards.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience of working on published AAA titles on current-gen consoles.
• Deep understanding of current generation production workflows in relation to character art production.

Our client is a AAA studio, well-known for delivering high standards of polish with all the titles they release. With an ambitious new project and future expansion on the horizon, they are now seeking a Senior Environment Artist to join their Midlands UK studio's talent.


Responsibilities: 

• Creation of 3D consistently high quality assets within specifications
• Rapidly learn new concepts and tools required and take an active role in R&D of techniques and improvements in production pipelines
• Leverage experience to take part in mentorship and personal development of junior staff, accumulating and distributing best practices, remaining keyed-in on latest production techniques as they emerge in the industry

• At least 5 years relevant games industry experience, with at least one AAA console title shipped 
• Strong portfolio with 3D assets, detailed realistically modelled environments and traditional artistic skills on display with a broad range
• An understanding of technical aspects and limitations of environment development
• Keen for development as a manager, while still retaining a hands-on approach

Our client is an independent developer with a vision to deliver console-standard, core gaming experiences on mobile platforms. They are now seeking a visionary Concept Artist to join their Czech studio's talent.


Responsibilities:

• Involvement in the design and implementation of all aspects of UI within applications (wireframes, user flows, menus, HUDs, icons, etc)
• Collaborate across different departments of Design, Programming and QA to pro-actively identify areas of improvement to drive user engagement
• Stay up-to-date on industry trends and techniques to ensure titles ship with intuitive and engaging user interfaces

• At least 2 years' relevant games industry experience within mobile games, basic scripting skill and a passion for games
• Aptitude to rapidly design, iterate and integrate layouts to shifting requirements and a portfolio displaying a range of UI and HUD designs
• Proficiency in 2D and texture tools (Photoshop, Illustrator) and ideally experienced with Unity3D, an understanding of animation basics and their relation to UI are a major advantage
• Experience working with text and fonts for design and impeccable verbal and written English, a true team-player

Our client is an independent developer with a vision to deliver console-standard, core gaming experiences on mobile platforms. They are now seeking a visionary Concept Artist to join their Czech studio's talent.


Responsibilities: 

• Together with the Lead Artist, take a major role in designing and defining the characters and environments of titles
• Collaborate with 3D art teams to create key art and mood paintings, establishing tone, mechanics and narrative points as required, assisting with paint- and sculpt-overs as necessary
• Involvement in key art and other graphics for marketing and promotional materials, as needed 

• At least 5 years' concept art experience within the games industry and experience with Science Fiction settings
• A keen eye for form, silhouette and structure in developing characters and environments, with an understanding of both human- and creature anatomy and costume design, as displayed on portfolio
• Passionate for games, an effective communicator verbally and visually across departments, able to thrive in a team-driven environment

Our client have established themselves as a AAA studio delivering standard-setting action titles. With plans to expand, they are now seeking a visionary Concept Artist with a specialty in Realistic characters to join their Netherlands studio's talent.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Art Director and a team of 2D and 3D artists to establish the direction for character designs, designing and reviewing individual characters to achieve a consistent style at a high quality output and in line with narrative
• Collaborate with 3D art teams to create key art and mood paintings, establishing tone, mechanics and narrative points as required, assisting with paint- and sculpt-overs as necessary
• Involvement in key art and other graphics for marketing and promotional materials, as needed 

• At least 5 years' experience in the games industry within a similar role, ideally involvement in the production cycle of at least one released AAA title in a concept art role
• Positive and self-motivated team-player, an effective communicator across all levels and visuals that thrives in a dynamic environment, receiving and providing feedback
• Proficiency in 2D digital content tools such as Photoshop, Painter, and reasonable understanding of 3D tools as well such as zBrush
• Ability to draw from diverse, eclectic and sometimes unconventional influences than can be quickly and easily adapted to stylistic guides, generating high quality designs that are both innovative and stylistically outspoken
• Traditional arts foundations, an expertise in gestures, composition, colour theory, anatomy, values, shape language, silhouettes and form, as displayed on your portfolio

Our client is a long-standing independent Mobile Games Studio, now seeking a talented UI / 2D Artist to get involved in all aspects of UIs and HUDs at their Midlands UK studio.


Responsibilities: 

• Create all in game HUD and UI assets,
• Assist marketing department with feature banners and advertising assets. Creation of interface concepts to icon iterations.
• Participate in art reviews and respond professionally to creative feedback
• Concept/implement 2D visual assets using Photoshop and Illustrator

• Traditional arts training, as shown in a polished and varied portfolio
• Experience in creating 2D in-game graphics, animation and User Interfaces
• Unity Experience with an extensive knowledge of Android and iOS Interfaces and -requirements
• Involvement in development cycle of at least 2 released titles

Our client is a long-standing independent Mobile Games Studio, now seeking an Art Director to head up their latest projects at their Midlands UK studio.


Responsibilities: 

• Take ownership of the complete look and feel of the game's art style
• Working within a multi-disciplenary team, supervise and review all art assets produced in reference to the design bible throughout the project lifecycle
• Effectively prioritise tasks to shifting needs and mentor junior members as required

• At least 7 years' experience within the games industry, with 3 years in lead roles
• An extensive knowledge of Android and iOS interfaces and technical limitations
• Strong working knowledge of Unity 3D and a strong portfolio of varied art
• Good communication skill across the board and an effective task prioritisation and delegation

Our client is one of the largest development studios for online multiplayer games in all of China. With a bold plan to break into Western markets, they now seek a talented Technical Artist to lead their Technical Art Department and help deliver experiences from the ground up for a Western audience.


Job Responsibilities:

• Research and and develop tools for use in the art production pipeline
• Study and build up a high familiarity with the game engine used in studio, ultimately able to edit and maintain game engine features according to requirements
• Assess requirements of different departments, identify potential problem areas and provide technical support where necessary, ensuring technical documents are up to date
• Provide technical support in establishing and improving the art production pipelines and take part in training new Art employees
• Drive innovation and technical improvements to push the boundaries of art and effects while adapting to shifting needs or technical requirements, maintaining pipelines, and tools throughout

Our client is a leading mobile games studio in Shanghai.

What will you do?

• Implement and maintain art pipeline and tools to improve the work efficiency
• Educate artists in the use of technologies, and help them to hit visual targets
• Create stunning material effects
• Profile and optimize assets, optimize lighting, texture maps, etc 

• A passion for developing high-quality mobile games
• At minimum 3 years working experience in game development with at least one shipped title
• Strong shading skills;
• Ability to profile assets and environments, recommending optimization targets and techniques.
• Knowledge of modern game engines and rendering techniques.
• Experience with Unity3D or UE4 Engine is a plus;

Our client is one of the largest development studios for online multiplayer games in all of China. With a bold plan to break into Western markets, they now seek a talented Animator to lead their Animation Department and help deliver experiences from the ground up for a Western audience.


Responsibilities:

• Define the look and feel of all animation, establishing the design bible
• Taking an active part in the animation design process, oversee and review the work of both in-house and outsource animators to maintain deliverables within scope and deadline
• Compile and distribute best practices via training handouts and take part in on-boarding of new hires and mentoring junior team members
• VFX experience greatly advantageous

• At least 5 years’ experience in animation within the games industry, ideally leadership experience as well
• Passionate for video games, familiar with gaming experiences, with ability to pro-actively collaborate to drive gaming experience improvements
• Traditional arts training, with Bachelor’s degree or above, and majors in suitable art fields, and a proficiency in any relevant animation software, as evidenced in a strong animation reel
• A keen eye for detail, problem-solving ability and efficient task prioritisation
• Responsible, self-motivated, an effective communicator, able to motivate teams to achieve deliverables and maintain morale
• Ability to learn on the job, pro-actively research improvements and apply new technologies and processes

Our client is one of the largest development studios for online multiplayer games in all of China. With a bold plan to break into Western markets, they now seek a talented VFX Artist to lead their VFX Department and help deliver experiences from the ground up for a Western audience.


Responsibilities:

• Design and define the style of all VFX, developing visual templates as part of the design bible
• Take active part in the VFX design process, reviewing and guiding the work of both in-house and outsource teams
• Compile best practices within VFX design and production, distribute via training handouts and take part in new hire on-boarding and junior member mentorship

• At least 5 years’ experience in realtime VFX design and production within the games industry, ideally with leadership experience
• Passionate for video games, familiar with gaming experiences, with ability to pro-actively collaborate to drive gaming experience improvements
• Traditional arts training, with Bachelor’s degree or above, with majors in suitable art fields, and a proficiency in any relevant software, as evidenced in strong portfolio of diverse VFX
• A keen eye for detail, problem-solving ability and efficient task prioritisation
• Responsible, self-motivated, an effective communicator, able to motivate teams to achieve deliverables and maintain morale
• Ability to learn on the job, pro-actively research improvements and apply new technologies and processes

Our client is one of the largest development studios for online multiplayer games in all of China. With a bold plan to break into Western markets, they now seek a talented Concept Artist to lead their Character Concept Department and help deliver experiences from the ground up for a Western audience.

Responsibilities:

• Take ownership over the environment's art style, taking part in creating the design bible
• Design, then assemble the environment using tools provided, then organise both Environment Concept Artists and 3D Artists to perform duties for delivery
• Participate in and oversee the creative process of the environments, including reviewing in-house and outsource work to ensure it is kept within vision and scope
• Compile and distribute best practices via training handouts and take active part in new hire on-boarding, mentoring junior team members

• At least 5 years’ experience in environment concept art, ideally with leadership experience as well
• Passion for video games, an understanding of gaming experiences and ability to collaborate with other departments to drive improvements in gaming experiences
• Traditional arts training, with Bachelor's or above, with related Majors and a strong portfolio with a good range of environment concepts
• Keen eye for detail, ability to identify areas of improvement and efficiently manage tasks
• Responsible, self-motivated, an effective communicator, able to motivate teams to achieve deliverables and maintain morale
• Ability to learn on the job, pro-actively research improvements and apply new technologies and processes

Our client is one of the largest development studios for online multiplayer games in all of China. With a bold plan to break into Western markets, they now seek a talented Concept Artist to lead their Character Concept Department and help deliver experiences from the ground up for a Western audience.


Responsibilities:

• Define the look and feel of all character art, establishing the design bible
• Inform, organise and oversee the concept artists and 3d artists both in-house and outsource throughout the project, maintaining regular reviews over the design process
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure correct asset generation and implementation
• Compile and distribute best practices via training handouts and take part in on-boarding of new hires

• At least 5 years’ experience in character concept design, preferably with leadership experience
• Passionate for video games, familiar with gaming experiences, with ability to pro-actively collaborate to drive gaming experience improvements
• Traditional arts training, with Bachelor’s degree or above, with majors in suitable art fields, and a proficiency in any relevant software, as evidenced in strong portfolio of diverse concept art
• A keen eye for detail, problem-solving ability and efficient task prioritisation
• Responsible, self-motivated, an effective communicator, able to motivate teams to achieve deliverables and maintain morale
• Ability to learn on the job, pro-actively research improvements and apply new technologies and processes

Our client is one of the largest development studios for online multiplayer games in all of China. With a bold plan to break into Western markets, they now seek to add a visionary Art Director to head up their efforts and deliver experiences from the ground up for a Western audience.


Responsibilities:

• Responsible over the Art department, across the full life-cycle of mobile projects, maintaining quality and art standards as well as deliverables within specification and deadlines.
• Create and maintain the coherent art style of the mobile project,  validating art assets throughout.
• Independently undertake design tasks, creating the design bible for the characters and environments of mobile projects.
• Keep in constant communication with Design and Programming departments. Address issues as they arise within Art and work out effective plans according to shifting needs.

• At least 5 years' experience in a comparable Art role within the games industry, with at least 2 mobile project life-cycles fully worked and shipped.
• Solid foundation of art skills and experience in designing. Excellent eye for art, with applicability for games. Proficiency in relevant design software.
• Keyed-in on current and emerging trends within the game industry and their impact on art in game development process, coupled with an understanding of workflows within Design and Programming to enable efficient cross-departmental management.
• Excellent attention to detail, ability to motivate oneself and others, maintaining morale and team spirit.
• Great communication skill across all levels and departments, with a keen problem-solving ability. 

This AAA online RPG games studio based on the Coast of China not far from Hong Kong is looking for a Lead UI/UX Designer.What will you do?

1. Complete the game graphic interactive interface design;
2. Based on product design and user interface design plan, look deeply into product and users’ characteristics, design and realize the game graphic interactive interface;
3. Plan interface resources, optimize working tools, and improve working quality and efficiency.
4. Design visual interface style of games;
5. Complete the continuous design of all levels according to the established interface prototype standards;
6. Complete the design and drawing of interface related signs, icons and pixel;
7. Complete the dynamic and animation design;
8. Follow up the design realization effect in a product, and ensure the consistency of design quality and realization quality;
9. Effectively manage interface resources, optimize the interface editor and other tools.

Our client is a leading independent games developer with a well-established roster of genre-defining franchises. They are now looking to add a talented UI/UX Designer to their Netherlands studio.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for all aspects of game menus and interactive HUD elements, collaborating with UX Lead and other Designers to ensure interfaces are easy to use
• Apply and maintain a consistent art style throughout the project's entire interface
• Champion good design throughout the organization 
• Create documentation that clearly defines design intent and implementation details throughout the entire process

• At least 2 years' experience with UI Design for video games
• Excellent eye for detail, a thorough understanding of good screen layout, composition of information, use of color, typography and iconography
• Self-motivated, solution-oriented and an excellent verbal and written communicator across all levels


To be considered, please submit your CV's in .doc or .docx, complete with portfolio to attila@big-planet.biz citing Ref. 893 today.
We are an equal opportunity recruitment agency who value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Big Planet is a GDPR compliant agency. Please refer to our new and updated GDPR Privacy Statement at http://www.big-planet.biz/news.php?d=27

Our client is a leading development studio of strategy and action games with an emphasis on social engagement, with games engaging more than 50 million people all over the world and are consistently in the top ranking titles on iOS and Android. They are now seeking to add a Technical Animator for Unity to their Spanish studio's talent.

Responsibilities:

• Production character rigs and animation pipelines
• Collaboration across teams to ensure delivery of animations that are engaging and encompass the creative vision of the title
• Engagement in providing and receiving feedback and junior member mentorship

• At least 4 years' experience in animation roles within the games industry, with experience in rigging
• Excellent working knowledge of the Unity Engine and Spine2D, 3DS Max and CAT experience beneficial
• Excellent attention to detail, with both technical and creative orientation, combined with organisational and communication skill across all levels
• Verbal and written English proficiency

Our client is a multi-award winning studio that has excelled cross-platform, in many genres of games for all age groups, maintaining a consistently high meta-critic rating. To sustain their steady expansion they are looking for a production-focused Art Manager to join their renowned independent studio.  Experience in managing the development and creation of Art for AAA titles essential.

What will you do?

Manage the production and delivery of all art and animation on a AAA title

• Manage the schedules and backlog for Art and Animation pipelines, providing guidance to the Art Director
• Work with all teams, internally and externally, communicating and prioritising dependencies, and organise sprint tasks
• Present best practices to art teams, critiquing problematic assets and workflowsIterate and archive documentation
• Know how to manage an Art team through the complete lifecycle of a AAA project
• A broad understanding of contemporary processes, 3D pipelines, asset management and engine technology
• Significant scheduling, budgeting and outsourcing experience
• Excellent English

We are an equal opportunities recruitment agency and don't discriminate.

This world renowned online games studio based in on the coast of China near Hong Kong are looking for a lead 3D character artist.

What are your responsibilities

1. Design game character art style, develop character production template and specifications;
2. Be capable of 3D character modeling/sculpting/lighting/compositing/texturing, and etc., manage a team of character concept artists and 3d artists
3. Participate in specific character production; review and guide outsourcing character production;
4. Participate in the character production review process;
5. Control the ultimate game effect of characters by using engine editor;
6. Accumulate and share character production experiences, compile courseware and facilitate new hires, share design experiences.

Who are you?

1. Have strong real passion for video games, pay attention to gaming experience, can cooperate with product developers in improving the overall game experience
2. Bachelor’s degree or above, art related majors, proven and awesome art skills;
3. 5+ years’ experiences in 3D character game art production, with lead experience
4. Strong ability of comprehensive analysis and innovation, precisely understand work demands and can accomplish it expertly;
5. Strong sense of responsibility, high dedication to work, good partnership spirit with team members to achieve goals;
6. Master necessary software for this position, strong learning ability, take the initiative to research and apply new technologies to work.

To be considered please email me your CV as a Word document and include a 3D character art portfolio link with a range of styles including realistic characters.  Please quote reference 872.

We are an equal opportunity recruitment agency and don't discriminate.

Our client is an exciting game development studio working on casino games. They are looking for a Lead Artist working predominantly in 2D.  

Responsibilities 
Lead, coordinate and mentor the art team 
Liaise across departments to deliver within defined timescales 
Great all round artist from concept to final rendering
Anticipate complications and diminish the impact of snags to the schedule as they occur 
Articulate and archive workflow pipelines internally and externally 
Maintain consistent quality for the whole department  

Requirements 
At least 10 years relevant experience 
Evident skills in traditional, vector graphics and 2D game art expertise
Expertise in shaders, lighting, conceptualising and rendering tools 
Demonstrable ability to: resolve problems, lead a team, prioritise workflows  
Adobe Software including Photoshop, Illustrator...
Zbrush

A plus:
3D art skills and packages including Substance Painter and Designer, Quixel


Please reply with CV in English in .doc or .docx format with a 2D game art portfolio link illustrating a variety of styles and creative experience to bonnie@big-planet.biz quoting reference 871.

We are an equal opportunities recruitment agency and do not discriminate.

Our client is a renowned developer of licensed AAA titles across all platforms. With future growth ahead, they now are now seeking a Technical Artist to join their North UK studio's talent.

Responsibilities:

• Define tech requirements across projects
  
• Keep up-to-date on technical trends, partaking in training and improvement development and implementation
  
• Bridge knowledge gaps between creative and tech teams, pro-actively addressing technical issues as they arise
  
• Archive and iterate upon technical documentation for the art team

Requirements:

• Knowledgeable of industry development software
  
• Proficient utilizing Maya, Z Brush and Photoshop, as demonstrated in portfolio
  
• Meticulous solution provider
  
• Good communicator in English
  

To be considered, please submit CV's in .doc or .docx format, complete with portfolio link to attila@big-planet.biz today, citing Ref. 432.

We are an equal opportunity recruitment agency who value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Big Planet is a GDPR compliant agency. Please refer to our new and updated GDPR Privacy Statement at http://www.big-planet.biz/news.php?d=27

Mid/Senior Technical Artist - London, UK - (Ref 516)

Overview:
Our client is an independently-owned studio on the outskirts of London, and all about crafting engaging AAA multiplayer experiences. With over 300 awards and nominations world-wide.  

The Role
By setting great examples and helping to mentor more junior developers, you will lead the team in planning and implementing solutions to support all aspects of game development. 
You will maintain a consistently high standard of support across all disciplines on the project, and work with other Technical Artists in the studio to improve general development practises. 
You should have a pragmatic and practical approach to working with technology, with experience of pushing the technical limits and ensuring the Art team can work efficiently and comfortably. 
 
What will you do?

• Develop procedural tools for asset creation & scripts for 3rd party software (Max, Houdini, substance) and standalone in-house tools..
• Daily support for Art and Tech teams.
• Problem solving for key production issues.
• Recognising inefficiencies and pipeline issues and identifying solutions.
• Constantly improve and advocate for best in class content creation and production practices.
• Creation & maintenance of documentation for Technical Art features and tools to provide for the team.
• Liaise between Art and Engine programming teams on a daily basis to facilitate production needs.
• Regularly profile scenes and highlight/address issues with relevant individuals.

• 2+ years of experience as a mid/senior Technical Artist on shipped titles 
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
  
• Strong proactive problem-solving attitude 
  
• Demonstrable knowledge of modern game content creation workflows 
  
• Extensive application scripting experience (e.g. Python, MAXScript, C++ or Javascript) 
  
• Solid understanding of real-time physically-based materials & rendering (PBR) 
  
• Passion for games and game development  
  

Our client is a AAA developer known for their standard-setting graphical fidelity in games that push the envelope for console and PC. With an ambitious new Open World RPG project in the works, they now seek a AAA-seasoned Lead Technical Artist to head up their Midlands UK studio's talent.

Responsibilities:

• Leading the Technical Art team, collaborate with Tools and Rendering teams to implement pipelines and maintain all internal art processes
  
• Investigate run-time performance and propose solutions
  

• 5 years' experience within the games industry, with Lead role on at least one shipped current-gen AAA console or PC title
  
• 3DS Max or Maya scripting, PBR shader creation and a good range of techniques across specialist scripts and plug-ins, as demonstrated in your portfolio
  
• Understanding of art creation pipelines, asset export and process automation
  
• Passion for games and driving visual fidelity within them
  
• Strong problem-solving and creative thinking skills, good communication skill across all levels
  

Our client is a leading AAA presence in their area, creating the games across platforms that make them a truly recognised global development studio. They now seek to add a Mid-level and a Senior VFX Artist to their Netherlands-based studio's talent.

Responsibilities:

• A driving force within the visual effects team, responsible for the creation and implementation of real-time particle and shader effects across a wide range of environments, weapons and characters
• Collaborate closely with Design and Art Departments while ensuring Effects are to standard and within technical specification
• Heavy involvement in in-house scripting tools (similar to Unreal Blueprint) to set up the logic that drives your effects to become the AAA standard the studio is known for

• At least 1 year's experience as VFX artist in the games industry or applicable real-time environment, ideally with at least one title shipped
• Strong proficiency in Maya (or equivalent node-based shader builder tools), as demonstrated in portfolio
• Good understanding of particle systems (Houdini, Popcorn FX, Cascade, etc.) and visual scripting languages, with fluid simulation experience a major benefit (FumeFX, Realfow, etc.)
• Self-motivated, pro-active and can thrive in a fast-paced team environment