COMPANY OVERVIEW 

Atomhawk is a world leading art and design studio. Our key goal is to provide world class design and digital art production services to leading clients across games, film and digital media. 

To date we have worked on movies such as Thor II, Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers II, games including the Mortal Kombat series, Injustice: Gods Among Us, Killzone, Project Spark and Dead Island, plus extensive work on the Harry Potter franchise with Pottermore and Sony’s Book of Spells and Book of Potions. 

  

Role overview

Senior Concept Artists work directly with the Principal artists (team leads) and are responsible for creating concepts in a broad range of styles in accordance with the requirements of each project/client. The role involves creating artwork and design at all stages of the development cycle, including concept and idea generation, fast sketching (including storyboards), colour/ light studies and polished illustration work. Typical projects often require the visualisation of various subjects, including environments, vehicles, characters and props. Adaptability is therefore a key skill. Candidates must have a broad range of styles and be able to demonstrate a good spread of realistic, fantasy, sci-fi and stylised work. 

 

Hierarchy and reporting lines 

Reporting to the Associate Art Manager, supported by the Lead Artist and Art Director. 

  

Functional Responsibilities 

·         Creating concept art for characters, environments, objects to various levels of finish and time constraints 

·         Creating illustrations for key frames, box art and other marketing purposes 

·         Speed paintings of Composition, Mood 

·         Visual storytelling, ensuring that the image captivates the viewer’s imagination 

·         Environment design - Ability to create inspirational environments in an array of styles, always with close attention to composition, lighting and perspective 

·         Architecture – Strong understanding of the layout and special proportions a range of buildings, both realistic and imaginary. A good knowledge of architectural styles would be advantageous 

·         Mechanical design – Knowledge of industrial design principals and their application to fictional vehicles, machines, weapons etc 

·         Character design – Creative, unique and interesting characters in a range of styles 

·         May be called upon to give feedback on projects and mentor team members 

·         Review documentation briefs and visual targets for multiple projects. 

·         Able to work directly with Clients. 

·         Able to represent the company in PR and events. 

·         Actively propose mitigation plans for identified risks and problems. 

 

BENEFITS 

Atomhawk offer a number of schemes to full time members of the team, including pension, childcare vouchers and cycle-to-work. We also have a structured approach to training and development. 

The role requires the successful candidate to relocate to the North East to work in our Gateshead studio.  

Skills Required 

·         Fluent with Photoshop, and a high capacity to learn new tools 

·         Strong art background in traditional art skills 

·         Anatomical knowledge 

·         Architectural knowledge 

·         Mechanical design knowledge 

·         Good sense of light, form, tone, palette 

·         Must be able to paint/sketch at speed 

 

Skills Considered a Bonus 

·         Experience with 3-D software (Z-Brush, MODO, 3DSMax or Maya etc) a plus 

·         Good knowledge of videogames and films 

·         Experience working within a videogame, agency or film-production environment 

 

Education and Experience 

·         A portfolio that demonstrates a potential to meet industry standard level of art 

·         Professional art training is desirable but not essential 

 

Personal Specification 

In addition to having a good foundation of artistic ability, the role requires working as part of a team and so enthusiasm and good communication skills are needed. We are looking for a grounded and pragmatic team player. Confident without being arrogant, this person will want to play an active role in building an awesome culture within the studio.