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Join the award-winning team that created God of War
Santa Monica Studio is seeking a Senior Character Artist on our External Development Team to help us build a new unannounced title!
As a Senior Character Artist on the Ex-Dev Team, you will help document, guide, and review the execution of Outsourced Character Art from an artistic and technical standpoint. You will be the liaison between SMS and our External Partners. Additionally, you'll help bridge communication and provide visibility with our internal Character Art Team through meetings, knowledge share, and team reviews. As time and schedule permits, you may also help support the internal Character Art Team by taking on your own tasks to help achieve Santa Monica Studio's signature quality.
We are looking for you to learn from the industry's premier talent in art and tech while applying your unique knowledge of high poly sculpting, modeling, textures, as well as hair and groom. The ideal candidate has a portfolio demonstrating Senior-level Character Work as well as strong knowledge of game content pipelines, workflow and asset documentation, and experience driving Externally Developed Character Art.
Responsibilities

• Regularly represent the studio in External communication and discussion by mentoring and giving feedback to an external group of Character Artists
• Work with the external development group to maintain strong relationships with external character art studios and ensure their success in working with our team to meet Santa Monica Studio standards
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and broader team to ensure delivered character assets are of high quality and adhere to our project and studio standards
• Oversee and drive quality for all incoming character-related deliveries of content - provide proactive feedback for any early adjustments needed before reviewing with internal stakeholders
• Communicate with external studios on how to develop, verify, and maintain our standards from high poly sculpts, low poly models, texturing, and hair/groom
• Create documentation for character standards, tutorials, examples, delivery expectations and assist in the integration of assets from external studios
• Advise on problem areas and help troubleshoot character asset problems with external partners
• Integrate delivered content directly into the game
• Partner with the production team to help track incoming assets and deliveries
• May serve as an artistic resource for overall product or studio needs - this includes conducting general research, task overflow, testing new systems or tools, techniques, and providing training

Requirements

• 5 Years of experience as a 3D Character Artist
• Shipped AAA game(s) from start to finish
• Strong Traditional Fine Art Skills with an emphasis on scale, anatomy, composition, color theory, 2D/3D design
• Advanced Understanding of Industry Standard Software such as Maya, Photoshop, ZBrush, and Texture Creation/Material Editing (Substance Painter/Designer)
• Capable of resolving a range of complex artistic development issues for both artists as well as other members
• Familiarity with video game development including, but not limited to workflow, tools, lighting, high and low poly modeling, texture painting, PBR material setup, UV layout, and engine parameters/optimizations
• Interest in overcoming various challenges of working with multiple external partners
• Possess strong time management and prioritization skills
• Good communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills

Preferred Experience

• Experience working with Outsourcing

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At SIE, we consider several factors when setting each role's base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location.
Please note that the base pay range may vary in line with our hybrid working policy and individual base pay will be determined based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.
In addition, this role is eligible for SIE's top-tier benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), paid time off, wellness program and coveted employee discounts for Sony products. This role also may be eligible for a bonus package. Click here to learn more.
The estimated base pay range for this role is listed below.
$115,900-$173,900 USD
Equal Opportunity Statement:
Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.
We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.
PlayStation is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.