Would you like to work on some of the greatest franchises in gaming history? What about working on our new original IP? Certain Affinity is the largest independent developer in Texas, based out of Austin, and a growing presence in Toronto, Canada. Our culture reflects the values and the vibrant nature of the cities we call home. This includes ​a commitment to evolution, diversity, excellence, and work-life balance. We're best known for co-developing numerous AAA FPS games, though now we are creating compelling new games. We're always on the lookout for amazing talent to join our team.

As the Director of Environment Art, you will provide leadership for the environment department across the studio. This department consists of artists skilled in various disciplines, including material, worldbuilding, props, lighting, and foliage. This role requires a proactive communicator that can work with the project leads to realizing the vision, being a consistent source of direction and qualitative feedback for the projects, as well as the external voice of the environment team to partners. If you thrive on new challenges and can define and communicate clear and compelling direction and feedback, we’d like to hear from you.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with Project leadership teams to understand the Environment Art needs of the project and create roadmaps for the project. 
• Working with the Art Director helps set the standard for a visually consistent and highly immersive world that runs within performance guidelines.
• Proactively seek out new software, pipelines, and tools to evolve the team’s creation pipeline and demonstrated that research with the team through written, verbal and recorded documentation.
• Sets the visual bar for projects and communicates the intent to others on the projects even when the projects are in early development.
• Breaks down the elements of an environment into content that other artists can work on
• When needed, help define content that can be distributed to external developers.
• Participate in art reviews and can critique big picture elements as well as individual assets in gate reviews.
• Can be asked to represent the Environment Art team to external business partners
• Mentor more junior environment artists as well as cross discipline

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• 10+ years experience in the game industry, specifically modeling and texturing environments
• 5+ years experience in an expert content creation or leadership role
• Experience with several projects from the concept and preproduction phase through shipping.
• Experience using Unreal or proprietary editors, software and tools
• Experience establishing and driving new workflows for content creation
• Either lead multiple teams or provide “Subject Matter” Expertise in multiple areas of environment art creation.
• Understanding of visual art with a focus on environments, composition, and critique.

• Shipped 1+ AAA title in last 3 years

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Exceptional core art skills such as general composition, color theory, architectural fundamentals, and natural/outdoor principles will set the standard for a believable world.
• Solid understanding of what makes a game level fun and engaging
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills between art, design, and tech.
• Ability to work within a style and effectively communicate to the rest of the team
• Expert-level knowledge of MAX, Maya, or other 3D software packages
• Proficient with Z-Brush or other high-resolution sculpting tools
• Experience using proprietary editors, software and tools or other similar experience with Unreal, Radiant, Source Engine, etc.
• Solid grasp of performance requirements and constraints of current generation console and PC development
• Understanding of the construction and application of PBR materials and material software such as Substance Designer
• Excellent understanding of art pipelines and workflow
• Must be punctual, diligent, articulate, and organized
• Demonstrates ability to prioritize within time constraints and manage multiple efforts.
• Can initiate visual direction without specific concept or design
• Suggest.