The Lead Technical Artist defines the production techniques used by artists,
and ensures that the art team has all of the relevant tools and workflows
they need to operate at peak efficiency. They also develop the Art Direction
into an optimal CG look, and ensure that all art content in the animated
series is being built to a quality level equal to that of feature films.
• Work with project management and the Technical Director to specify and develop art production tools that meet our artists' needs for creating the highest quality art production with limited time and resources.
• The Technical Artist will need to pioneer cutting edge technology, through mentorship to other Artists in innovative techniques, skill development, and quality standards, and through collaboration with engineering departments.
• Regularly audits and streamlines all art production methods (Including Level Art, Modeling, Character Animation/Motion Capture, Visual Effects and Lighting)
• Assist in developing training programs for artists along with other senior artists and the Group Manager.
• Participate actively in training program and lead training sessions to share knowledge of processes and techniques.
• Provide documentation of art processes and define the art pipeline within the assigned project.
• Work with other senior artists to find ways to innovate in processes and improve quality standards.
• The Technical Artist also participates in professional development through technical art reviews, encouraging postmortem analysis, competitor review analysis, and encouraging artists to share knowledge with peers.
• May be required to have some ³hands on² involvement developing and rendering artwork, modeling, animation, and texturing.
• 2 or more years experience as a technical artist in a games company and/or animation company
• Understanding of platform hardware architecture such as XBOX 360, PS3, and Wii.
• Understanding and proficiency in using 3D graphics software such as 3DSMAX, MAYA, particularly on an advanced scripting level
• Solid technical knowledge of best methods for best results in generating both 2D and 3D art, such as texture file formats and compression methods, modeling methods to achieve quality and performance, and rendering solutions.
• Ability to advise on, research and explore a variety of graphics systems and middleware packages such as Alchemy and Havok to determine both restrictions and capabilities.
• Work to identify ways to increase efficiencies in process and production pipelines and identify risks or flaws in proposed pipelines for the project to which you are assigned. Must have a well-developed creative background and sensitivity to increasing creative control within technical structures
• Must be an excellent and positive communicator
• Must be willing to adapt approach to changing needs within production cycles
• Must have excellent written and verbal skills. Documentation is required.
• Must be proactive and results oriented.
• Must be willing to share knowledge openly. Bachelor's degree in a related field
• Additional background in Film or TV VFX is an advantage.
• Experience in UI design for artists/animators
• Prior experience using Motion Capture
• Ability to work independently and efficiently under deadlines.
Please send cover letter, resume, portfolio and/or demo reel (DVD or website address) to:jobs [at] blockade [dot] com (jobs [at] blockade.com, ATTN:Lead Technical Artist)