Sr 3D Artist ExDev

Senior 3D Artist - Santa Monica Studio

About Santa Monica Studio

Santa Monica Studio, a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment, is a world-renowned game development studio celebrated for creating critically acclaimed titles like God of War.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior 3D Artist to join our talented team. In this role, you will play a crucial part in bringing our game worlds to life by creating high-quality props and assets.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with development teams to ensure props and assets align with the artistic vision and quality standards.
• Take ownership of specific prop categories or asset sets, managing requests and seamlessly integrating assets into the game engine.
• Mentor and guide junior and mid-level artists, providing constructive feedback and directing their work.
• Effectively manage time, prioritize tasks, and meet project deadlines and schedules.
• Maintain clear communication with team members and managers, providing regular updates and promptly addressing any concerns.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in 3D art, environment art, and prop creation.
• Demonstrated proficiency in ZBrush, UV layout, and game engine implementation.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills.
• Excellent collaborative skills and the ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication and mentoring skills.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, 3D Art, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of professional experience in 3D art, specifically in environment art and prop creation for video games.
• Proven ability to create high-quality, game-ready assets within established style guides and technical specifications.
• Proficiency in industry-standard 3D modeling software (ZBrush, Maya, 3ds Max) and texturing tools (Substance Painter, Mari).
• Strong understanding of UV mapping, optimization techniques, and game engine integration (Unreal Engine or similar).
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working on AAA console titles.
• Familiarity with scripting languages (Python, C#) for asset automation.
• Portfolio demonstrating a strong understanding of art direction, composition, and storytelling through 3D assets.
• Passion for gaming and the ability to contribute to a creative and collaborative team environment.

Production

• Develop high-quality 3D assets, including props and environments, adhering to the game's artistic direction and technical specifications.
• Implement assets into the game engine, ensuring proper functionality and integration.
• Collaborate with designers, engineers, and other artists to refine asset details and achieve the desired visual style.

Teamwork & Leadership

• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level artists, fostering their growth and development.
• Actively participate in team discussions, offering creative input and technical expertise.
• Effectively communicate progress, challenges, and solutions to team members and management.

Project Management

• Manage time efficiently, prioritizing tasks to meet project deadlines and milestones.
• Stay organized and maintain accurate documentation of asset creation and implementation.
• Proactively identify and address potential roadblocks, ensuring smooth workflow and project completion.

Applicants for the Sr 3D Artist position at Santa Monica Studio will first submit their resume and portfolio for review. A shortlist of candidates will then be invited for a phone interview to discuss their experience and technical skills.

Those who successfully navigate the phone interview will participate in a virtual or in-person interview with the hiring manager and other team members. This stage will focus on assessing the candidate's artistic vision, collaborative abilities, and understanding of game development workflows.

Finalists may be asked to complete a practical test, demonstrating their 3D modeling and texturing skills within a specific game engine. The hiring team will then make a decision based on the candidate's overall qualifications, portfolio, and interview performance.

Santa Monica Studio, a renowned subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment, is a world-class game development studio dedicated to crafting immersive and unforgettable gaming experiences. With a legacy of critically acclaimed titles, including the award-winning God of War franchise, the studio is driven by a passion for innovation and storytelling. Santa Monica Studio fosters a collaborative and creative environment where talented individuals can push the boundaries of interactive entertainment and contribute to groundbreaking projects that captivate players worldwide.