At Hinterland, we are world creators. Over the past years, we’ve brought our unique vision for a stunning, wintery Canadian post-apocalypse to life in THE LONG DARK. As we chart the course for the future of this IP, we are looking to add a talented Concept Artist to the team. Your role will be to help us envision the future of what THE LONG DARK is becoming.
In this capacity, you will work under the clear guidance of the project Art Director, where you will help establish the look and feel of future content for THE LONG DARK, covering a wide range of areas from important narrative moments, characters, and locations in our Story Mode, to gameplay systems, regions, and gear items in our Survival Mode. You’ll work to respect the existing style and the history of its evolution, while also supporting the art team’s goal to continue to move the style forward into the future. All the while, you will help ensure all your work fits cohesively within the illustrative and painterly style of the IP.
Specific responsibilities include:
Collaborate closely with the Art Director and studio Creative Director.
Create inspirational environment concepts to help explore and define new game locations and mechanics, paying particular attention to mood and atmosphere.
Create high-quality and functional concept art for characters, paying special attention to how they fit into the world and story of THE LONG DARK. You will work through a variety of ideas and iterations to find the best persona for the character, ultimately providing a range of orthographic shots to be used by the character art team.
Similarly, create useful and effective concept art to visualize wildlife, gear items, interior locations, lighting, colour treatment, and visual effects.
Collaborate with the wider art and design teams to provide feedback and paintovers to help problem solve and push quality throughout the game world.
Produce highly polished key art that can be used for marketing and in game presentation screens.
The ideal candidate will be extremely passionate and motivated to create truly beautiful game worlds that push the boundaries of excellence. Beyond this, specific skills and experience we’re seeking for this role include:
Expert-level capabilities in the use of Photoshop, and broad experience of 3D packages, with an ability to approach concept work in a variety of ways
A strong art background, with a foundation in traditional art skills
An excellent grasp of colour theory, composition, and perspective
A broad understanding of video game processes and budget constraints
A comfort with delivering work in a range of formats: 3D blockouts, thumbnails, loose sketches, tighter and more detailed pieces, etc.
Ability to communicate ideas quickly, effectively and work collaboratively within a team
Strong knowledge of anatomy and character design, specifically muscle structure, facial proportions, hair and clothing
A keen interest in architecture and the natural world, with a particular emphasis on the stunning natural landscapes of Canada
Ability to work briefs and deadlines, adapting their approach to the task in hand
Ability to take and share feedback. Making games is a team effort at Hinterland, so everyone’s opinion counts!
