Environment Artist

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!

ENVIRONMENT ARTISTS AT BSG…

You've familiarized yourself with the ins-and-outs of game development through professional and/or independent work and are confident in your understanding of the art pipeline. You have a solid environment art background but are ready to challenge yourself by starting to take on more responsibilities and larger projects within your specialization. You may have worn a couple of different hats during your early years in the industry, but you've narrowed down your focus and are fixed on harnessing what you've learned and what you will learn to launch your career as an Environment Artist.

You are collaborative, open-minded, and have an overall pleasant disposition. You can take direction and feedback, are not afraid to ask questions, and understand the value of autonomous work.

Role and Responsibilities

Blind Squirrel Games (BSG) is looking for an Environment Artist to join us in creating compelling and immersive environment art for an upcoming project.

Supported by the Art Director and project Leads, the Environment Artist is responsible for helping to craft visually stunning 3D environments, working collaboratively within their team to deliver high-quality assets and locations that align with the project’s realistic art style, design requirements and technical parameters.

As an Environment Artist at BSG, you will contribute to the project by crafting high-quality models, textures, and game assets.

The ideal candidate for this role has experience building detailed, realistic environments and assets for action FPS games and can translate a thorough artistic and technical understanding of the environment art pipeline into consistent deliverables that meet project expectations and deadlines.

This is a full-time position available to work based out of our Irvine, CA or Austin, TX studio location. At this time, we are only considering local applicants that can work a hybrid schedule.

The salary range being considered for this role is $69,000 - $86,000. This base pay range is for the U.S. and is not applicable to locations outside of the U.S. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance, and location.

Responsibilities

1. Develop individual assets utilizing traditional modeling and textures methods as well as photogrammetry
2. Build realistic, highly detailed environments, including terrain
3. Thoroughly understand the artistic and technical environment art pipelines
4. Partner with production to identify individual tasks and set realistic schedules
5. Work directly with other artists, designers and engineers to complete beautiful and performant environments
6. Other relevant duties and responsibilities as assigned to help complete company or department objectives

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• 3+ years of industry experience in game development specializing in environment art
• At least one shipped title as an Environment Artist
• Portfolio demonstrating ability to design and craft realistic, highly detailed environments and assets

Preferred Skills

• Familiar with photogrammetry pipelines
• Expertise with PBR, lighting, rendering, and material authoring
• Intimate knowledge of environment art pipelines and dependencies
• Passion for 3D environment art, set dressing, lighting, topology, and texturing
• Advanced understanding of Maya, 3DS Max, Photoshop, Substance Designer/Painter, and Zbrush
• Strong foundational skills, including composition, design, shape, structure, silhouette, and color theory
• Proficient with project management/task tracking software like Jira
• Extensive experience working in UE4, Unity, and other contemporary engines
• Goal-oriented and can receive and implement professional feedback
• Well-organized, self-motivated, and possess strong time-management skills
• Proactive in clearly communicating issues to the team and seeking solutions

Pluses

• Familiarity with Unreal Engine 5
• Additional skills in illustration, animation, visual effects, or technical art

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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