Concept Artist

Netherrealm Studios, a division of WB Games Inc., seeks a Concept Artist who will be responsible for creating prop, character, and environment concepts of the highest quality. This person will work closely with the Art Director and leads to create and push the quality of concept art for the game and ensure that the aesthetic goals are met.

Job Responsibilities / Typical Day in the Role

• Create concept art for props, characters, creatures, weapons, etc. that is clear and easy to understand and can be used by other artists – 60%
• Guide and give feedback on content generated from internal and external artists – 10%
• Participate in departmental meetings and share personal ideas with the team to improve overall workflow, quality, and establish best practices – 10%
• Seek and apply regular feedback from leads, directors, and other collaborators – 20%

Must Have Skills / Requirements

1. Unreal Engine Experience.
2. At Least a 2-year 2D/3D art degree or equivalent experience.
3. Ability to make decisions on assets.

Nice to Have Skills / Preferred Requirements

1. BFA is preferred.

Soft Skills

1. Well versed in look development and visual design processes
2. Able to create a variety of production-quality concept art including turnarounds, speeds
3. Knowledge of fundamentals of design and familiarity with emerging industry tools/workflows
4. Keen eye for design solutions that convey visual storytelling with striking proportions
5. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
6. Ability to work well under pressure and deadlines
7. Receptive to direction and performs well within a team environment

Education / Certifications

1. At Least a 2-year 2D/3D art degree or equivalent
2. Students still in school for a degree may still apply.

Interview Process / Next Steps

1. 1 round Panel Interview with HM (Art Development Director), Senior Producer, Senior Concept Artist, Senior Character Artist

Additional Notes

• Sourcing in Chicago – US.

Daily Responsibilities:
• Create concept art for props, characters, creatures, weapons, etc. that is clear and easy to understand and can be used by other artists – 60%
• Guide and give feedback on content generated from internal and external artists – 10%
• Participate in departmental meetings and share personal ideas with the team to improve overall workflow, quality, and establish best practices – 10%
• Seek and apply regular feedback from leads, directors, and other collaborators – 20%

Technology requirements:
• Proficiency with Physically Based Shading
• Experience with Unreal Engine

Degree or certifications required:
• At Least a 2-year 2D/3D art degree or equivalent
• Students still in school for a degree may still apply.

Years experience:
• No – Junior role

Required background/ Skillsets:
• Well versed in look development and visual design processes
• Able to create a variety of production-quality concept art including turnarounds, speeds
• Knowledge of fundamentals of design and familiarity with emerging industry tools/workflows
• Keen eye for design solutions that convey visual storytelling with striking proportions
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and deadlines
• Receptive to direction and performs well within a team environment
Candidate Requirements (3-5 hard skills)
Skill: Unreal Engine Experience
Application: 1-3 years of experience; Well versed in look development and visual design processes, Proficiency with Physically Based Shading; Able to create a variety of production-quality concept art; Portfolio or Demo Reel – please include any engines or systems used when presenting on Portfolio or Demo Reel
Skill: At Least a 2-year 2D/3D art degree or equivalent experience.
Application: 2-4 years of experience; Education or Work Experience is valid.
Skill: Ability to make decisions on assets
Application: 1-3 years of experience; Must be able to judge quality, color, shape, function and the general "fit” of the assets based on concept art, verbal direction, or existing reference content.

• Hybrid role – Tuesday-Thursday
• If possible, please have candidates include within Portfolios or Demo Reels which systems were used to create their assets being presented.