Keywords Studios is the ultimate destination for talented individuals
looking to make their mark in the world of AAA game development. With a global
presence and an unrivalled reputation, we are trusted by 24 of the top 25
gaming companies worldwide, making us the go-to collaborator for the
industry's biggest titles.
Joining our team means becoming part of a network of 70+ studios across 26
countries, where over 12,000 experts come together to deliver sector-leading
360° services. From ideation and technical co. development to art,
QA/localization, marketing, and community engagement, we cover every stage of
game development and beyond.
As an integral part of our tightly integrated yet truly global network, you'll
have the opportunity to work alongside industry-leading professionals who
bring best-in-class experience, expertise, and technology to each project. Our
follow-the-sun workflows ensure we can deliver at the speed you need.
At Keywords Studios, we believe in the power of imagination, ambition, and the
desire to succeed. Join our global team and unlock the full potential of your
skills.
About d3t:
d3t is at the forefront of technology and creativity, delivering co-
development video game services to our global triple-A clients. Our successful
studio is continuing to grow and we are looking for an Art Director to join
the expanding Art Team. Our studio, part of the Keywords Studios Group, works
on multiple exciting projects at any one time offering plenty of variety and
involvement. Our studio projects have included Hogwart's Legacy, Vampire: The
Masquerade - Blood Hunt, Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, LEGO Star Wars: The
Skywalker Saga, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Alan Wake Remastered, Mafia II:
Definitive Edition and Assetto Corsa Competizione. Our studio is based near
Runcorn in Cheshire and we offer an amazingly professional, fun and supportive
working environment. We are passionate about what we do and pride ourselves on
our anti-crunch mentality, mentoring ethos and have been awarded ‘Best Places
to Work' multiple times by gamesindustry.biz including 2021 and 2022. In
addition, we recently won ‘Best Creative Service Provider‘ at Develop 2022.
About the role:
We are looking for a skilled and visionary lead artist with a passion for
pushing boundaries, a strong portfolio of innovative work, and a knack for
guiding artistic direction.
Main Responsibilities:
Work with the Art Director to ensure the artists hit the client's
aesthetic targets and that we demonstrate a high bar of craft excellence.
Create high quality benchmark assets to inspire and guide the art team and
demonstrate responsibility for work quality and processes.
Communicate regularly with the client's art team, building relationships
and reassuring them of our ability to hit their goals.
Instigate regular reviews of artwork and provide clear concise feedback,
to ensure high quality and creative cohesion.
Ensure all artists have the appropriate reference and resources to
complete their tasks and support the team with resolving technical issues
and fixing bugs.
Help to establish pipelines, define budgets and document best practices.
Work with technical artists and engineers in streamlining our tools and
processes for increasing art efficiency.
Champion streamlined processes, ensuring artwork meets all technical
targets and frame rate restrictions.
Create concise documentation of all aspects of the art pipeline processes
and provide tutorials and technical guides to improve efficiency.
Ensure all artwork adheres to guidelines regarding naming conventions,
texture layering structures, folders etc.
Self driven, autonomous and confident, inspire colleagues to flourish and
help promote a culture of collaborative innovation.
Keep up to date with industry advancements and technologies and share
knowledge with the art team, actively contributing fresh ideas and
encouraging the team to learn.
Have a full understanding of the scope and complexity of the artwork
required on the project.
Alongside production, help to establish priority of work, schedule the art
workload, monitor output and promptly advise art leads and production of
any resourcing concerns and risks.
Lead, mentor and manage artists, providing coaching and nurturing to
encourage their continued growth.
Carry out inductions and probationary reviews for new starters to ensure
competence in the full range of tasks required in the role and feedback to
the art leadership regarding employee performance for all team members.
Requirements
Excellent artistic ability and meticulous attention to detail.
Highly proficient in Maya/Max/Blender, Substance and Unreal.
Good understanding of fundamental art principles; colour and lighting
theory, composition and staging techniques.
A confident art leader with excellent verbal and written communication
skills, you have the ability to articulate visual ideas with clarity and
conviction and provide clear feedback and guidance.
Practical and methodical approach to both technical and creative problem-
solving and experience of mentoring other artists.
Demonstrate good leadership skills of positivity, enthusiasm, leading by
example & active listening.
Be a collaborative team player, have a professional, flexible and calm
approach and the ability to adapt with change.
Excellent time-management and organisational skills and the ability to
deliver quality work within fixed time constraints.
Passion for staying up to date with latest technology and embracing new
game art techniques.
Benefits
25 days holiday (+ bank holidays + up to 5 days extra for length of
service)
Company Pension Scheme
Flexible working hours
Private Medical Insurance Scheme (including dental) & Eye Care Scheme
Employee Share Scheme
Anti-crunch ethos - an amazingly professional, fun and supportive working
environment!
Income Protection
Annual Bonus – be rewarded for great teamwork!
Free Parking
Tech and Bike Scheme
Company Share Scheme
Company Socials, Project Launch/Wrap Parties + Annual d3t Events
Breakout Areas – filled with perks such as games, BBQ area, complimentary
snacks to suit all dietary preferences etc.
We offer a flexible working policy - this role will ideally be hybrid or
studio based at either d3t (Runcorn, Cheshire) or Coconut Lizard
(Gateshead, Tyne & Wear).
Initial interviews will be help by video call with a second interview held at
the studio. Don't meet every single requirement? Not a problem - please apply.
At d3t we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic
workplace and culture. If this opportunity excites you but your current skills
or past experience don't align perfectly with the job description, we
encourage you to still apply. You may just be the right candidate for this or
other roles within our team