Crystal Dynamics is looking for an experienced and talented senior artist to join its staff on an unannounced next-generation title, to perform the role of a lead at its studio in Menlo Park at the heart of northern California’s Silicon Valley.
Title Description
The lead Environment Artist is responsible for the management of the World Art Team. This requires the supervision of the world artists as it relates to task tracking, workflow, etc. This person is also required to implement and maintain the creative and artistic vision as set by the Art Director and Lead Designer.
Essential functions
[ul]
[li]Assisting the Art Director and under his/her direction, the Lead Artist is responsible for creating a comprehensive plan that facilitates and communicates the visual direction, production process, techniques, requirements and risks for his/her area.[/li][li]The Lead Artist must have a thorough understanding of art pipeline processes and be able to discuss in detail other benchmark games and artistic styles, processes and techniques.[/li][li]The Lead Artist demonstrates a technical expertise of the game engine and proprietary tools, their constraints and advantages, and as such works cooperatively with the programming and design departments to R&D, prototype and refine game features.[/li][li]Tracking art resources and the development of art assets; verifying that art assets are completed on-time and meet technical requirements.[/li][li]Maximizing the productivity of the art team by avoiding redundant development, utilizing the specific skills of individuals, and regularly evaluating the performance of the art group.[/li][li]Providing any needed direction, guidance, assistance, and feedback, ensuring that the team members understand their tasks in relation to the overall project.[/li][li]Ensuring that completed art assets are signed-off by the Art Director.[/li][li]Proactively obtaining feedback from the Art Director on matters of look and feel and deferring to the Art Director on suggestions for improvements.[/li][li]Coordinating with the Producer and Art Director to develop accurate time estimates for the schedule.[/li][li]Mentoring and serving as a technical and creative resource for the world art team, assisting in the resolution of complex problems, and helping them grow in their roles.[/li][li]Supporting the Producer and Art Director in the performance review process and completing timely performance reviews.[/li][li]Monitoring consistency of style and quality in all areas within the art group.[/li][li]Work with the other world leads to ensure consistency in vision, flexibility for modification and timeliness for the overall delivery of work and assets.[/li][li]Exceptional problem solving, analytical, organizational, and people management skills[/li][li]Meticulous and organized approach to the tasks, files and storage of the materials.[/li][li]Ability to work cooperatively on a team spanning artists, programmers and designers, and to compromise when necessary to achieve overall best results.[/li][li]Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and supervise a team of artists.[/li][/ul]Preferred skills
[ul]
[li]At least 4 years of experience in the game industry[/li][li]At least 2 years of experience in managing development teams.[/li][li]College degree a plus[/li][li]Next-generation development experience a plus.[/li][li]Ability to quickly master proprietary tools and development processes.[/li][li]Understand shading properties, and effects of shader creation.[/li][li]Understand advanced material properties as it relates to world creation.[/li][li]Possess a thorough understanding color, structural relationship and architecture.[/li][/ul]Please apply through our recruiting site - http://tbe.taleo.net/NA4/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=VAM&cws=1&rid=151, and include a link to your work samples. Alternately, mail samples to our office Attn: Recruiting, Crystal Dynamics, 64 Willow Pl., Menlo Park, CA 94025. Samples can also be emailed to jobs@crystald.com.
Crystal Dynamics has consistently pursued excellence in third-person action adventures, earning critical acclaim for setting new standards in visuals, game design, animation, storytelling, soundscape and character development utilizing internally developed state-of-the-art technology and tools. Successful games developed at Crystal include the Tomb Raider: Legend ([www.tombraider.com)](http://www.tombraider.com%29/), the Legacy of Kain series, Project: Snowblind, Whiplash, Mad Dash Racing and the GEX series. Crystal Dynamics was founded in 1992 and acquired in 1998 by Eidos Interactive ([www.eidos.com)](http://www.eidos.com%29/), the well known publisher of Tomb Raider series, Deus Ex, Thief, and the Hitman series.