3D Character Artist

Job Description

As a 3D Character Artist at Prismatic Studios, you will work directly with our clients’ Project Management team, overseeing the quality of outsourced character assets while also contributing to the character creation process. You will ensure that character models, textures, and related assets meet artistic and technical standards. Additionally, this role involves reviewing, providing feedback, and refining outsourced assets, requiring strong artistic skills, technical proficiency, and the ability to manage external vendors effectively.

Note: This role requires Chinese language proficiency.

The position is a full-time contract role. This is an onsite position for a studio in Auckland, New Zealand. Please note, that you must have the right to work in New Zealand to be eligible for this position.

We highly value diversity. Regardless of disability, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or any other aspect of your culture or identity, you have an important role to play in our team.

Key Responsibilities

• Create high-quality character assets (models, textures, and materials) that align with project requirements and artistic direction.
• Ensure technical compatibility of character assets within Unreal Engine, optimising models for performance while maintaining visual fidelity.
• Debug character-related effects and assets, working closely with Technical Artists and engineering teams to resolve issues related to shading, rendering, and animation.
• Collaborate with designers, animators, and other teams to ensure character assets function correctly within gameplay and cinematics.
• Review and provide detailed feedback on outsourced character assets, ensuring they meet quality and technical standards before integration.

Job Requirements

• Chinese language proficiency is required to facilitate communication with external vendors and international teams.
• Proficiency in Maya for modeling, UV mapping, and preparing character assets for production.
• Proficiency in Substance Painter for creating high-quality character textures.
• Experience with Unreal Engine (UE) for implementing, optimising, and troubleshooting character-related assets, including shaders, materials, and rig compatibility.
• Solid understanding of art fundamentals, including anatomy, form, proportion, silhouette, and material definition, ensuring visually compelling character designs.
• Proficiency in the PBR workflow, with a strong grasp of real-time rendering techniques and best practices for optimising character assets.
• Familiarity with animation and rigging workflows, understanding how character assets integrate into animation pipelines to avoid common technical issues.
• Good communication skills that support an open and enthusiastic working environment.
• Self-driven with a strong sense of quality and an eye for detail.
• Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback.
• Excellent time management skills.

Additional Valuable Skills

• Proven experience managing external vendors, with the ability to review outsourced assets, provide clear feedback, and ensure quality standards are met.
• Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Jira, TAPD, ClickUp).
• Experience in cross-border or cross-time-zone collaboration.