3D Character Artist (Unannounced Internal IP)

Job Description

We are developing our first original internal IP and are looking for a 3D Character Artist to join the team and help define and develop its characters.

You will be responsible for creating 3D characters for the game, working across the character art pipeline from initial modelling through to game-ready assets. You will work closely with our Art Lead and wider development team to ensure characters fit the visual style of the game and meet the technical requirements of a real-time production environment.

The role will involve working across high and low-poly modelling, UVs, texturing, and preparing assets for use in-engine. We are looking for someone with strong art fundamentals, an excellent eye for human proportions, and a strong understanding of how proportions and shape can be adapted to different visual styles. An ideal candidate will be comfortable working with modern 3D software and texturing tools, with experience creating character assets for games.

This is a contract position, with a strong preference for candidates who can work on-site from 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.

Contract Rate: NZD $32 – $41.50 / hr

Key Responsibilities

• Create high-quality 3D character assets for the game.
• Work across the character art pipeline, including high-poly and low-poly modelling, UVs, and texturing.
• Create characters that fit the game’s visual style and proportions.
• Work closely with the Art Lead to develop and refine character designs and visual direction.
• Create and refine textures using tools such as Substance Painter or Marmoset.
• Work closely with other artists to ensure characters integrate well with the wider art style and asset pipeline.
• Iterate on assets based on feedback from the Art Lead and wider development team.
• Help identify and resolve artistic and technical issues throughout the character creation process.

Job Requirements

• Experience as a 3D Character Artist, ideally within game development.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating high-quality 3D character art.
• Excellent understanding of human proportions and anatomy.
• Strong understanding of style, shape, and stylised proportions.
• Strong art fundamentals.
• Experience creating both high-poly and low-poly character assets.
• Experience with UV creation and optimisation.
• Experience with texturing tools such as Substance Painter or Marmoset.
• Experience with modern 3D software such as Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, or ZBrush.
• Understanding of the requirements of creating game-ready character assets.
• Ability to work collaboratively with artists, designers, and other members of the development team.
• Strong communication skills and an ability to take 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 hand-painted style character art.
• Experience creating 3D assets outside of character art.
• Broader game-ready asset creation experience.
• Understanding of character rigging and setup.
• Experience with weight painting and skinning.