Blind Squirrel Games Looking for Associate Art Director | NZ at Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Full Time

Blind Squirrel Games (BSG) is a proud, independent studio that joins forces with developers and publishers seeking an innovative partner in creating quality games. At BSG, people are our purpose, so we prioritize an inquisitive, proactive, and collaborative work environment for all our squirrels. We operate as a hybrid-remote studio, allowing our developers the flexibility to crush milestone goals at the studio or within the comfort of their own home. We currently have studio locations in Irvine, California; Austin, Texas; and Auckland, New Zealand.

Skills and experience are highly valued at BSG, but we recognize that talent is a product of hard-work, resilience, and a growth-mindset. We champion individuals who have demonstrated they have the grit necessary to overcome challenges and subscribe to the notion that inclusion breeds synergy and innovation. To us, diversity isn’t a metric—it’s a must!

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTORS AT BSG…

You’ve left no stone unturned when it comes to game art and know that the secret to creating great games is by nurturing the talent behind them. As an industry veteran, you are credited in multiple AAA titles in senior roles or above and have a proven track record of building successful foundations and strategies. You are one of the department’s top decision-makers when it comes to the creation and amendment of a project’s art pipeline and the studio looks to your direction to mitigate risks.

Your level of accountability goes beyond feedback and design as you are also responsible for orienting your department’s resources, staff, and tools to perform optimally. You are accustomed to maintaining schedules and budgets; keeping yourself abreast of project status, industry trends, and emerging technology; and managing overall team health.

Role And Responsibilities

Blind Squirrel Games (BSG) is looking for an Associate Art Director to join us in creating an Action Puzzle Platformer game for PC and console.

Supported by the Studio Art Director and project Leads, the Associate Art Director will oversee talented artists across all art specializations and is accountable for the project’s artistic vision and fostering an enriching environment for creativity and development through inspirational leadership.

Your responsibilities in this role will also extend to partnering with internal and external stakeholders to communicate and maintain the product vision and delivering verbal and visual feedback to art staff.

The ideal candidate for this role is credited on multiple AAA titles, has experience in numerous genres and art styles, and can translate a thorough understanding of concept, modeling, environment, characters, lighting, VFX, and UI/UX into productive, iterative feedback that meets project expectations and deadlines.

This is a full-time position available to work a hybrid schedule based out of our Auckland, NZ studio. Therefore, only Auckland-residents will be considered for this role.

The salary range being considered for this role is $120,000 – $140,000 NZD.

Responsibilities

• Craft and promote a visual direction that aligns with creative and performance goals
• Collaborate with the art team, design, and production to ensure timely delivery of high-level assets
• Oversee the development of the art team through inspirational leadership and mentorship
• Provide constructive, actionable feedback to artists that hone their skill sets and strengths
• Partner with the Studio Art Director, Leads, Technical Artists, and Engineering to refine workflows
• Accountable for helping set creative direction for the project and developing and ensuring quality assurance protocols for artwork
• Responsible for managing staff of artists and art leads, as well as reviewing and approving artists’ work
• Actively manage team health by spearheading 15-five for the art department
• Help organize social events and team bonding excursions for the art department

Qualifications And Education Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in game development
• Previous experience as an Art Director, or multiple years as a Lead Artist, with at least two shipped AAA titles
• Portfolio of work which demonstrates a high-quality bar and compelling vision

Preferred Skills

• Experienced in working with team partners to create content plans
• Accomplished in leading, inspiring and advocating for teams of artists from pre-production on
• Broad knowledge and understanding of all aspects of contemporary game development
• Able to give effective critiques and take feedback and criticism
• Strong sense for visual storytelling, lighting, composition, form, and palette
• Experienced in establishing and pitching ideas and guidelines

PLUSES

• A passion for video games and video game development
• Solid understanding of popular games and artistic styles
• Extensive knowledge of UE4/UE5

Blind Squirrel Entertainment, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Eligibility to participate in benefits and perks may vary depending on position term and location.

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