Senior Terrain Artist

Description

Intrepid Studios is looking for a highly skilled, experienced Senior Terrain Artist to join our team of talented developers working on the Ashes of Creation MMO franchise! If you are a self-driven, passionate developer, looking for a highly collaborative and creative environment, this position is for you!

Responsibilities:

• Crafting realistic landscape terrain for next-gen game environments
• Collaborating with artists, designers, and other disciplines to deliver epic world-class environments for our upcoming Ashes of Creation MMO franchise
• Integrate terrain and textures created in terrain creation tools (World Engine, World Creator, houdini or similar package) and import them into the Unreal 4 game engine’s pipeline, as well as using the in-game engine tools to support these assets in production (World Composition, Shader Tool, Asset Composer, World Outliner, Collision setups, Performance Tools, etc).
• Building organized terrain shader networks in Unreal 4 to use in a multi-Biome environment
• Assist in environment concept and design when needed
• Investigate, research and implement the latest techniques and practices
• Help mentor the internal environment team through verbal and written feedback
• Verify the quality of their work once imported into the game, and make improvements when necessary
• Use specific project tools and relevant content creation software to achieve best results and meet specified scheduling deadlines
• Take constructive feedback and integrate those changes effectively
• Iterating on game environments with fellow artists via paint overs, studies, and group critiques to improve the look and gameplay
• Efficiently use current game development methodologies, ( texture space optimization, texel density, appropriate polygon counts, mindful of object placement draw calls, and general game optimization practices, etc.)
• Work with environment lead to determine the environment’s assets required based on pre-created concepts, project lead’s direction, design team input, and adjust the work accordingly to fit the story and gameplay provided by Game Design documentation
• Able to come up to speed quickly on technical constraints of platform, engine and software
• Show initiative for problem solving
• Schedule and detail oriented

Qualifications:

• 4+ years experience creating terrain environments for video games
• Shipped at least one AAA quality game title
• Expert level proficiency with at least one terrain creation software package (World Engine, World Creator, Houdini, etc. ) and general knowledge of Maya/3ds Max, ZBrush, Substance, Photoshop or equivalent 3D and 2D software
• Demonstrated ability to create high quality terrain work in a realistic / high fantasy style within technical constraints
• Ability to create PBR materials and all associated maps for new or existing assets
• Strong terrain design instincts and ability to create environment terrains that support and enhance gameplay
• Artistic ability to visualize entire levels and detail with minimal concept art and direction if needed
• Strong understanding of color, form, shape, structure, and silhouette
• Can translate and execute terrain modeling and texture from supplied concept art
• Can work without concept if necessary within the art style of the project
• Exceptional eye for proportion, scale, surface properties and lighting
• Self-motivated, driven, with excellent communication skills and a team-player attitude
• BA or BS degree in art or equivalent work experience

Additional Considerations (pluses):

• Solid foundation in traditional art, drawing, painting, illustration and/or concept art
• Familiarity with photogrammetry processes, procedural content creation, or PBR workflows.
• Strong technical ability and willingness to learn new tools, techniques and workflows
• Experience with aesthetics for fantasy themes and visual stylings
• Unreal Engine, Shader and Blueprint Experience
• Conceptual Art skills always a plus

Required Application Materials:

• Resume and cover letter
• Portfolio or demo reel demonstrating a high level of skilled and experience in terrain generation and modeling, texturing, and lighting game environments
• An art test may be required