Concept Artist (Unannounced Internal IP)

Job Description

We are developing our first original internal IP and are looking for a Concept Artist to help shape the creative and visual direction of the game.

You will be responsible for concepting characters, creatures, locations, and the overall visual style of the game. You will help explore different ideas and visual directions, develop concepts from initial sketches through to more polished artwork, and establish a strong visual foundation for the wider art team to work from.

The role will involve working closely with the Art Lead and wider development team to iterate on ideas, respond to feedback, and create clear visual references that can guide the production of 3D assets. We are looking for someone with a strong eye for proportion and design who is comfortable working across different visual styles and can adapt their approach to suit the needs of the project.

This is a full-time contract position, with a strong preference for candidates who can work on-site at our Auckland office. For the right candidate, we may be able to support remote work within New Zealand. Please note, 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.

Immediate Start Available

Contract Rate: NZD $34 – $43.50 / hr

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with our Art Lead to help define and develop the visual direction of the game.
• Create concept art to explore characters, designs, ideas, and visual styles during early-stage development.
• Develop strong character concepts with a focus on proportion, silhouette, form, and visual appeal.
• Explore and iterate on different artistic directions to help establish the visual look of the game.
• Translate high-level creative ideas into clear and compelling visual concepts.
• Collaborate with design and other members of the development team to support gameplay and worldbuilding.
• Produce concept artwork that can be used as a visual reference by 3D artists and other members of the production team.
• Iterate quickly based on feedback and contribute to an open and collaborative creative process.
• Help establish and maintain visual consistency as the project’s art direction develops.

Job Requirements

• Proven experience working as a Concept Artist or in a similar art role.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating high-quality character art and concept development.
• Excellent understanding of proportions, form, anatomy, and silhouette.
• Strong visual communication and the ability to develop ideas from rough concepts through to polished artwork.
• Ability to work confidently across different artistic styles.
• Strong understanding of composition, colour, shape, and visual storytelling.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to take direction, respond to feedback, and iterate quickly.

Additional Valuable Skills:

The following skills are not required for success in this role, but experience in these areas may provide additional opportunities to contribute and help shape the project and studio.

• Experience with 3D modelling or other 3D workflows.
• Experience working in graphic design.
• Previous experience working in game development.
• Experience with UI design.
• Familiarity with Unreal Engine.