Why Naughty Dog?
For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. We’ve been busy at the Kennel, most recently releasing The Last of Us Part I, a complete and faithful remake of the original game, rebuilt from the ground up and fully optimized for the PlayStation 5 and currently in development for PC. As a part of the Naughty Dog legacy, you’ll be continuing the development of extraordinary and enduring experiences for a broad, global range of audiences.
Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention to detail. We are committed to innovation within our games and as such have curated some of the top creative and technically innovative minds in the industry. We welcome a diverse group of candidates and believe that a broad range of cultural and life experiences contribute to the overall well-being and success of the studio and the titles we craft together.
Naughty Dog is looking for a Senior Character Artist to join our team in creating the next generation of award-winning story telling! You’ll be creating compelling characters who fit seamlessly within the narrative-driven worlds we build. By working alongside other departments and disciplines to inform, inspire, collaborate and develop artistic solutions to technical obstacles, you’ll help ensure our character pipeline is at the forefront of AAA development.
What You Will Do:
Use provided concept art and references to sculpt/model highly detailed outfits, people and animals as needed for a realistic world setting character models and outfits
Create high poly models, UV`s, in game topology and textures to ensure high quality in game characters
Create prototype character / creature models based on concept for early testing to validate designs and identify risks
Work on top of scan data, cleaning, making topology and texturing to make in game assets
Monitor the needs of rigging, animation, and design to ensure clear characters in game
Maintain a clear and consistent workflow under an established schedule
Work closely with lead, senior artists and character TD to create characters that meet artistical and technical requirements
Provide direction/ feedback to associate and mid-level character artists for aesthetic and technical considerations
Work closely with the Tool and Engine Team to develop new or improve upon old techniques to improve character model quality
Work closely with Leads, Principals and Directors to keep high quality and style consistent across all characters
Who We Are Looking For:
5+ years as a Character Artist working with realistic characters with at least one AAA title
Very strong portfolio, showing high quality characters and creatures.
Advanced experience working with PBR materials.
Advanced experience in sculpting, modeling, texturing characters and assets for games
Extensive experience with topology and uvs for real time game characters, creatures, and monsters.
Proficient at sculpting human/creature anatomy, from primary shapes to high frequency skin details
Demonstrated eye for form, lighting, colors and composition.
Advanced knowledge of sculpting clothing in general, especially folds and wrinkles in different types of fabric.
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 color, nationality, ethnic, national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or parental status, 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.
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 may be eligible for bonus and 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. Please note depending on employment type these benefits may vary.
The estimated base pay range for this role is listed below.
$116,200—$174,400 USD
