Senior Environment Artist (Lead)

From dodgeball in the streets to racetracks in your living room, we've always been more interested in asking "what if?" than following a roadmap. Whether we're dreaming up a chaotic game of hide & seek in the dark or putting a legendary space fox back in the pilot's seat, that inventor's mindset runs through everything we do. We make games for people who appreciate craft and a little bit of magic. If you're curious, you'll be in good company.
We are looking for a Senior level Environment Artist to join our growing team on an unannounced title fantasy Action RPG title. As our Lead Environment Artist on the project, you should have deep knowledge and experience with procedural content generation, enjoy managing and leading a small team. You will be actively collaborating with the Art Director to match the set style of the game and work with those in house and work coming in from outsourcing. If you are a 3D Environment Artist with the passion and curiosity to make amazing, eye-catching visuals, please apply!

What is expected of an Art Lead at Velan Studios?
Lead roles are assigned on a per-project basis and not tied directly to the level of an employee’s position. Leads champion best practices that relate to their area of expertise but also represent all aspects of it in interdisciplinary discussions regarding scope, planning, tools, features and team updates.
As the project matures, leads may also be part of hiring and mentoring of any additional artists that might be needed within their field to accomplish project goals in a timely manner and to a high level of quality. Leads may also be expected to help assess their performance and aid in their career development.

The responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to:
Creating game ready environment assets using both proprietary and commercial procedural systems and workflows.
Using custom engines to create project specific workflows, both internally and with external vendors.
Populate and decorate environments with a strong understanding of composition/layout skills.
Building high definition, game ready models, materials, and world geometry.
Creating hard surface models as well as terrain and foliage.
Collaborate with the Art Director, Art Outsource Manager, and Producers to ensure work is created accurately and on time.
Working with Game Designers and Engineers to ensure art assets are high-quality, support the artistic direction of our projects, and are fully optimized on all target platforms.
Collaborate with the Art Outsource Manager by generating aesthetic and technical feedback for 3D outsource team.
Engage in R&D efforts on new techniques to implement into our production pipeline.
Function autonomously and remain organized for the lifespan of the project.
Receive feedback and modify work based on direction.
Requirements
8+ years of industry experience as an Environment Artist, 2+ years as a lead, or other relevant experience, creating realistic AAA environments.
Expert knowledge in creating procedurally generated assets for games using tools such as Unreal PCG, Houdini or Blender Geometry Nodes.
Expertise in asset creation and level layout.
An expert understanding of art principles and techniques such as lighting, composition, color theory, and staging.
Expert in 3d modeling with Maya (or equivalent 3d modeling software).
Proficiency in both Substance Designer and Painter.
Experience working in custom engines, Unreal, Unity or other AAA Game Development Engines.
Strong communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to train other artists on new techniques.
Self-directed, passionate, and creative with your work.
Able to give and receive feedback at all levels in a clear and concise manner.

This is a hybrid or onsite position. Hybrid is 3 days a week in studio. Our studios is located in Toronto, ON.

The salary for this position is typically within the range specified below* per year. Please note that the actual base pay may vary based on factors such as your qualifications, skills, experience, and other relevant considerations. In addition to your salary, our comprehensive compensation package includes various perks, such as potential annual bonuses (though they are not guaranteed), health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays, and flexible time-off benefits.

Canada Salary Ranges
Senior: $85,000. - $120,000. CAD

Velan Studios is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about a role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to submit a General Application. Velan Studios is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion, diversity, and providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We seek to create a work culture that matches the diversity of our players.