Lead Environment Artist

At Velan Studios, we foster a culture of curiosity. Our games embrace diversity and are fueled by the adventurous spirit of our team. We are the creative minds behind titles like Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, Knockout City, Hot Wheels Rift Rally, Midnight Murder Club as well as the VR game Bounce Arcade, and our journey continues! Our studio's mission is to pioneer groundbreaking gaming experiences and reimagine play in new ways. We're committed to pushing the boundaries of traditional gaming, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, and revolutionizing the industry one game at a time. Velan Studios comprises a team of remote, hybrid, and onsite professionals, with hybrid and onsite team members operating from our Troy, NY office.

We are looking for a Senior to Specialist level Environment Artist to join our growing team on an unannounced title. As our Lead Environment Artist on the project, you should enjoy managing and leading a small team of other Environment Artists towards a singular goal. You will be actively collaborating with the Art Director to match the set style of the game and work with those in house and work coming in from outsourcing. If you are a 3D Environment Artist with the passion and curiosity to make amazing, eye-catching visuals, please apply!   

The responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to:  

• Build high definition, game ready models, materials, and world geometry. 

• Populate and decorate environments with props and decals. 

• Collaborate with the Art Director, producers, and game designers to ensure work is created accurately and on time.
• Comfortable and confident working with game designers, and programmers to ensure art assets are high-quality, support the artistic direction of our projects, and are fully optimized on target platforms. 
• Collaborate with the Art Outsource Manager by generating aesthetic and technical feedback for 3D outsource team.

• Engage in R&D efforts on new techniques to implement into our production pipeline. 

• Receive feedback and modify work based on direction. 

• 6+ years of industry experience as an Environment Artist, 2+ years as a lead, or other relevant experience, creating realistic AAA environments.

• Expertise in asset creation and level layout. 

• An expert understanding of art principles and techniques such as lighting, composition, color theory, and staging. 

• Strong understanding of physically-based rendering and NPR shader techniques. 

• Expert in 3d modeling with Maya (or equivalent 3d modeling software). 

• Proficiency in both Substance Designer and Painter. 

• Familiarity with ZBrush (or equivalent sculpting software) 

• Experience working in Unreal, Unity or other AAA Game Development Engines. 

• Strong communication and organizational skills.

• Self-directed, passionate, and creative with your work.

• Able to give and receive feedback at all levels in a clear and concise manner.
  
  
  

Big Plusses:

• Willing to relocate or be onsite in Troy, NY.
• Comfortable creating realistic as well as stylized artwork.
  

The salary for this position is typically within the range specified below* per year. Please note that the actual base pay may vary based on factors such as your qualifications, skills, experience, and other relevant considerations. In addition to your salary, our comprehensive compensation package includes various perks, such as potential annual bonuses (though they are not guaranteed), health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays, and flexible time-off benefits.

 This range covers senior-specialist salary ranges: *$90,000.-$140,000.

We're thrilled that you're considering joining our team. We want to let you know that candidates who can work onsite in our Troy, NY studio are highly preferred. We believe that working together in person can foster better collaboration and creativity, and we're excited about the opportunity to have you right here with us. Velan Studios is made up of a team of remote, hybrid, and onsite employees, with hybrid and onsite team members operating from our Troy, NY office.

Velan Studios is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about a role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to submit a General Application. Velan Studios is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion, diversity, and providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We seek to create a work culture that matches the diversity of our players.