Lead Animator

The Lead Animator will lead the animation style and direct a team of artists to develop animation for social and mobile games. They will work with the Art Director and other Lead Artists in establishing the look and feel for games.
This position will be a core member of the studio's staff and a positive presence in the office. As a lead position, there is an expectation that this candidate's work will be outstanding and delivered in a timely fashion. Additionally, this person will be expected to take on greater responsibilities for the benefit of the art team and for the company as a whole. The Lead Animator should not have any zombie, peg or jewel allergies.
Responsibilities:

• Develops, and leads the creation of storyboards, animation, visual effects and artwork to meet design goals and support the animation style
• Works with the Art Director and art team to develop and communicate the animation style of games
• Manages Artists - including training, keeping track of tasks, creating guidelines and ensuring that Artists have what they need to get their work done.
• Specs out art tasks and generates time estimates when needed
• Mentors individuals to guide them to better practices and methods
• Contributes to game design, implementation and other non-art needs
• Anticipates issues and is proactive in developing solutions
• Utilizes internal tools and procedures and works with engineering to meet technical requirements
• Has the flexibility to work on multiple titles and platforms simultaneously
• Maintains flexibility to assist with special projects, as needed

Required Skills/Personal Requirements:

• At least 5 years experience as an Animator in a high-tech environment, including some experience in games
• At least 1 year experience in a leadership role
• Experienced with all aspects of 3D animation: modeling, rigging, lighting, texturing, animation
• Experience in 2D animation/motion design preferred
• Must be a strong artist/illustrator
• Has a positive attitude and enjoys working on a team
• Ability to give concise and constructive critiques of other Artists' work
• Ability to receive and respond appropriately to critiques from all members of the development team
• Challenges one's self to raise the bar on his/her own work and that of the company
• Strong ability to communicate ideas visually and in writing
• Experience reanimating the dead is preferred

Education and/or Certifications:

• High school diploma, or equivalent, required.
• College degree in Art, Animation, Design, or related field preferred.
• Continued design classes and/or certification a plus.

PopCap Games (www.popcap.com) is the worldwide leader in casual video games: fun, easy-to-learn, captivating games that appeal to everyone from age 6 to 106 and are available anytime, anywhere. Based in Seattle, Washington, PopCap was founded in 2000 and has a worldwide staff of more than 500 people in Seattle, San Francisco, Vancouver, B.C., Dublin, Seoul, and Shanghai. Its games have been downloaded over 1.5 billion times by consumers worldwide, and its flagship title, Bejeweled, has sold more than 50 million units across all platforms. Constantly acclaimed by consumers and critics, PopCap's games are played on the Web, social platforms, desktop computers, myriad mobile devices (cell phones, smartphones, PDAs, Pocket PCs, iPod, iPhone, iPad and more), popular game consoles (such as Xbox and DS), and in-flight entertainment systems. PopCap has been one of the most innovative companies in the video game industry since its inception a decade ago. Pioneering new game mechanics, sales models, and platforms ranging from mobile devices to online and location-based games of chance, PopCap is the only video game provider in the world with leading market share across the entire spectrum.