This job listing expired on May 23, 2021
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Blizzard Entertainment is seeking an exceptional Lead VFX artist to join us on an unannounced mobile project. As a Lead VFX artist, you will help bring Blizzard’s signature style to mobile audiences, and your charge is to maintain the artistic vision as set forth by the Art Director. This will include creating benchmark assets, workflows, and giving direction to external partners on outsourced VFX Animation assets, while staying on schedule. This person will have top-notch VFX Animation skills and be able to translate the Art Director’s vision into actionable feedback for the team.

The ideal candidate for this role has direct experience with in-game animation and working with outsourced teams. You should have an ability to provide clear paint-over and verbal feedback to others, both internally and with external partners.

COVID-19 Hiring Update: We’ve transitioned to a work-from-home model and we’re continuing to interview and hire during this time. This role is expected to begin as a remote position. We understand each person’s circumstances may be unique and will work with you to explore possible interim options.

DAY-TO-DAY TASKS

  • Own the quality control over incoming VFX assets, providing detailed feedback (visually and verbally) and approvals to the vendor to deliver quality assets to the development team.
  • Create benchmark animation assets and best practice guides.
  • Help with concepting VFX and paint textures from scratch to match an established, hand-crafted art style.
  • Partner with art leadership to help define and realize the art vision.
  • Lead the team in art discussions, critiques, and reviews.
  • Partner with the production team to ensure schedules and plans meet business and project needs.

YOUR BACKGROUND

  • 5+ years of experience as a lead VFX artist and/or Animation Outsource Supervisor.
  • Experience crafting impressive, stylized, real-time VFX assets for characters, environments, and UI elements.
  • Experience with mobile game development.
  • Solid understanding of animation principles, with a keen sense of timing.
  • Organized, great follow-through, self-driven, and a team player.
  • Has worked closely with game design teams, ensuring that the game’s art enhances the player experience.
  • Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and people skills.
  • Understands the visual style of Blizzard games and has ambition to push it to the next level.
  • Has a genuine passion for film, animation, and (of course) video games.

PLUSES

  • Artistic skills: storyboarding, gesture drawing, 2D animation, composition.
  • Technical skills: rigging, scripting, and an understanding of the pipeline.

Required Application Materials

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Recent reel demonstrating animation skills
  • Only online artwork submissions will be accepted (e.g. website, blog, or online album).
  • An art test may be required.