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Lead Character Artist, Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Client: Steel City Interactive
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Job Category: Other
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EU work permit required: Yes
Job Views:
1
Posted:
25.05.2025
Expiry Date:
09.07.2025
Job Description:
SCI was born out of passion for video games and boxing, with the ambition to create an authentic and exciting boxing game that does justice to the sport we love. What started as a fun prototype has grown into ‘Undisputed’, the first major boxing video game in over a decade.
SCI is a welcoming place for expression and open communication, where everyone has a voice. We’re a diverse bunch, consisting of people with decades of games industry experience, graduates, and talented individuals from other industries. We all bring knowledge and learn from each other.
Together we are driven by ambition to bring the world of boxing into a video game like never before.
The Role
Supporting the Head of Art, the Lead Character Artist is responsible for delivering all character-based artwork. This encompasses R&D, technical investigation, evaluation, establishing workflows and processes, and delivering content at scale during the full production cycle.
They are responsible for defining the overall quality of characters, pushing the levels of fidelity so it’s indicative of industry-leading quality, and constantly exploring new methodologies to push next-gen boundaries.
Ensures all character work is planned effectively, clearly communicated, and includes strategic planning for efficiencies and cross-discipline dependencies like rigging, animation, and cinematics.
Will have significant experience managing teams and having direct reports. Will hold regular 1:1s with artists to mentor, coach, and develop their skills for current and future roles.
Alongside the Head of Art, the Lead Character Artist will communicate updates for their specific craft. Presents with confidence, gravitas, and persuasion within the team and wider organization.
Alongside the Head of Art, they can effectively define and articulate the art vision, goals, and pillars for the project in a way that is clearly understandable to different audiences.
Will work closely with external development teams to instruct and review work deliverables.
Responsibilities
* Share responsibility with the Head of Art to champion the high-level vision and direction of the game and franchise.
* Oversee all aspects of character production and collaborate with the production team to support and deliver content aligned with the roadmap.
* Lead a team of character artists and oversee their personal development.
* Demonstrate a strong understanding of colour theory and lighting fundamentals and their application to 3D character creation.
* Inspire peers to push the limits of what can be achieved through the delivery of benchmark character models and textures.
* Use character-based software like Maya, ZBrush, Unreal.
* Think outside the box to bring new potential art features related to their craft; work effectively with talent inside and outside the studio.
* Work with external agencies to deliver content at volume.
* Assess and communicate issues and risks within reasonable timescales.
* Maintain a keen eye for quality, identify areas for improvement, and ensure standards are met.
* Mentor and coach colleagues in their artistic development.
Experience
* At least 5 years in the games industry as a Lead Character Artist managing a team.
* Shipped at least one game with significant character content delivery.
* Proficient in standard 3D art software and game engines.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
* Based in the UK.
What we offer
Healthy work-life balance:
* 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing by 1 day per year of service.
* Christmas shutdown
* Holiday exchange program
Support for family life:
* Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
* Private healthcare including optical and dental
Great office environment:
* A dog-friendly studio in Sheffield with free snacks, fruit, and drinks!
* Free parking
* Company sick pay
* 2 days paid mental health leave per year
* Access to 24/7 doctors
* Employee Assistance Program
* £300 wellbeing stipend every January
Learning support:
* Unlimited Udemy courses access
* Technology scheme up to £750
* Discount club at over 350 stores
* Discretionary cost of living payments
* Electric car scheme
* Discretionary bonus
Connection and perks:
* Wrap parties & company outings
* Team events with individual entertainment budgets
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