3D Artist

We are Grinding Gear Games, creators of the award-winning dark fantasy Action RPG Path of Exile. We're a world-class studio of more than 200 developers based in Auckland, New Zealand and we're currently expanding the Path of Exile development team.

We are seeking a 3D Artist primarily focused in outsource coordination to help create and handle art assets in Path of Exile. This is a role that could benefit a graduate or junior 3D Artist looking to explore the pipeline of outsource to implementation. Location: On-site in Henderson, Auckland, New Zealand *Relocation assistance (for the right candidate if needed) Full-time position - 40 hours a week

The position includes the following duties:

• Work with 3d artists, internal departments, freelancers and outsource studios to create the highest quality artwork and maintain artistic consistency and expectations set by the studio
• Critique, manage and prepare other artists’ work to ensure functionality with our in-house tools and pipeline.
• Secondarily: Create, improve and maintain the aesthetic of objects, characters and creatures for Path of Exile
• As a central 3d role, help communicate information, and facilitate needs between various departments, i.e. concept art, rigging, effects, animation, producers, game design

We are seeking someone with:

• Good general knowledge of Maya when it comes to modelling, texturing and basic rigging
• Experience analyzing historical/ancient reference, and natural history, for sculptural and material details
• Good understanding of import/export processes using .obj/.fbx file formats
• Confidence and curiosity while learning from others, complex, proprietary engine tools, and systems
• Proficiency in Zbrush, Substance painter, Maya and Photoshop
• Experience using one or more game engines
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to evaluate time requirements
• Proactive and self-reliant
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills
• Fluent in art and design language, ability to communicate this verbally and visually
• Ability to work within a team environment
• Experience creatively reusing assets efficiently, and planning/designing modular, versatile assets

Portfolio, and also examples/demonstration of non-artistic, technical and\or communication skills relating to asset production required. For example: annotated paintovers, articulate artistic/technical feedback/critique, planning modular assets, kitbash. Must be willing to complete a test if requested to do so.

Pluses:

• A deep understanding of our games, Path of Exile
• Experience working in the game industry
• Personal projects related to 3d modeling
• Experience scripting in maya, or code/text editors, eg. python or mel
• Experience with node graph based materials
• Experience rendering 3d to 2d, ie Keyshot, Marmoset toolbag etc