Sumo Newcastle has an exciting opportunity for an Art Director.  Having just announced our new IP Hood: Outlaws and Legends, we are now looking for someone who is passionate and supportive to guide and direct the art for an unannounced project at the studio. 

The successful applicant will be responsible for defining the art style, maintaining the visual quality standards within the new project , and actively involved in the day to day art production pipeline. This includes the design and development of artwork and supervision over environment, character, visual effects and animation. It is the Art Director’s responsibility to work in conjunction with the other directors and discipline leads to set the quality standards for the game using in-depth knowledge of techniques and technical limitation requirements. They will be working on an exciting AAA project within a highly experienced team with a proven record of delivering quality products.

The ideal candidate should have a strong history demonstrating an exceptional eye for detail, creative flair and the ability to outwardly convey the artistic vision to a team. They should have solid communication skills along with sound mentorship to help the art team to learn and develop skills enabling them to deliver high quality art work throughout the project.

Knowledge Requirements:

• 7 years experience in game development, plus 3 shipped titles
• 3 or more years experience in a leading art role
• Excellent Knowledge of current game art production pipelines and practices.
• Gain and maintain an excellent Knowledge of all the latest games that are in direct competition with the products that are being developed at the studio to ensure quality levels of art is maintained. 
• A deep understanding of all art software packages used in studio. 
• Excellent Knowledge of colour theory, composition and staging techniques.
• Knowledge of possible future software packages that may help during production and the ability to bring them into the current workflow.
• Working knowledge of engine and tool sets required to generate assets.

Demonstrated Ability To:

• Produce finished art of an exceptional quality
• Provide effective solutions 
• Work effectively with no guidance
• Take initiative 
• Remain knowledgeable on current software 
• Clearly and effectively communicate (written and oral)
• Define and maintain art production pipelines for efficiency and state of the art assets.