At Wizards of the Coast, we connect people around the world through play and imagination. From our genre defining games like Magic: The Gathering® and Dungeons & Dragons® to our growing multiverse, we continue to innovate and build new ways to foster friendship and connection. That's where you come in!
Ever wonder what kind of outfits goblins wear, or what a fortress made by centaurs might look like? We're seeking an experienced Art Lead who thrives in a creative, collaborative team and loves the challenge of imagining and crafting new worlds!
The Art Lead provides artistic vision on the Worldbuilding Team as part of Digital Publishing studio. Our team is a centralized creative resource to provide worldbuilding services to our internal Creative Leads. We need an artistic leader and insightful collaborator who will contribute to project and IP brainstorming sessions, commission outside artists, work with world-renowned concept art studios, and collaborate on thoughtful and detailed World Guides. We believe artistic talent and a collaborative, inclusive approach is the best way to craft outstanding worlds!
What You'll Do:
- Present creative direction, visual targets, and inspiration for art aspects of worldbuilding and visual design across multiple settings for digital games.
- Lead a full spectrum of Artists, across multiple experience levels. Commission plenty of artwork: identify freelance illustrators and studio partners alike, guide artists, partner closely with our Narrative team, and maintain healthy relationships with all our partners.
- Artistic leadership and providing constructive feedback in meetings and stand-up critiques.
- Engage in brainstorming sessions on new concepts, worlds, characters, and creatures and follow up with sketches and artwork.
- This role is a mix of hands-on creation and leadership responsibilities.
- Roll up your sleeves and execute on art pieces and concepts when needed.
What You'll Bring:
- Attention to detail, and excellent understanding of the building blocks of worldbuilding through visual design
- A deep portfolio of concept art demonstrating proficiency in sketches, storyboards, and cover-quality finished art.
- Team leadership experience that shows the ability to frame a vision, pitch to executives, and communicate ideas and expertise across teams and subject areas.
- Ability to demonstrate ownership over both conceptual worldbuilding and commissioned work, and to synthesize game mechanics, brand knowledge, and creative goals into clear and concise direction.
- 4+ years of art direction and visual leadership; you've shipped one AAA title.
- Understanding of 3D videogame art tools and pipelines. Unreal experience is a plus.
- Good foundational knowledge of our core brands.
- BA or BFA in 3D Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, or similar.
We are an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer
The above is intended to describe the general content of and the requirements for satisfactory performance in this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the duties, responsibilities, or requirements of the position.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. If you are selected to move forward in our application process and need to request an accommodation, please let your recruiter or coordinator know.
