Character Artist (8-month contract)

Blackbird Interactive is a creative-fueled, future-driven, independent game studio where the best talent in the industry can find long-term careers to help grow their abilities while working on a wide range of projects, which encompass world-class IPs as well as our own creations across multiple genres. Our studio operates as a remote-first workplace, offering flexible work arrangements. At this time, we are only able to hire candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada and reside within Canada. Blackbird Interactive is seeking a passionate Character Artist to join our team and continue developing a AAA Sci-fi action title. In this position, you’ll be working under the supervision of an Art Director and Character Art Lead to develop detailed Clothing, Armor and related materials that fit within the IP’s aesthetics. You’ll collaborate closely with art leadership and cross-disciplinary teams to ensure assets are performant, functional, and visually appealing in-engine following best practices. Responsibilities Handle the complete workflow from asset creation to implementation; which includes 3D modelling, sculpting, retopo, creating clean UV-Layouts, baking-maps, texturing, basic skinning and finally exporting and implementing the asset in engine. Work under the direction of Art Leadership to maintain strict adherence to artistic direction, established metrics, and asset creation practices with an eye towards speed and efficiency. Collaborate with technical artists, animators, and designers to ensure assets function correctly within the game engine. Actively participate in art reviews by incorporating feedback to refine models, while also sharing ideas and workflows that enhance both the production process and final product. Employ creative re-use of existing assets, textures and materials to create new assets from expansive libraries. Establish and maintain a cohesive character style, with an eye towards detail and an understanding of technical requirements and limitations. Requirements 4+ years of experience in the game industry, specifically in character art for PC or console platforms. Strong portfolio showcasing realistic human anatomy, clothing and armor design. Essential expertise includes organic 3D sculpting (ZBrush/3D-Coat), proficiency in 3D modeling (Maya/Blender), and strong hard-surface modeling skills. Solid grasp of Map-Baking, PBR workflows and Material definition using Substance Painter and Photoshop. Experience working within proprietary engines, with strong technical execution and problem solving skills. Desire to be highly collaborative and eager to take constructive feedback Pluses Passion for grounded, immersive science fiction Knowledge of Marvelous Designer Basic knowledge of Character-Skinning and Rigging Familiarity with 3ds Max Familiarity with using Proprietary Engines