Threewave is looking for a Technical Art Director

[kgibson]

Technical Art Director

Threewave Software is looking for an extremely talented and proactive Technical Art Director to join our team. The candidate must have at least 6-8 years experience in multimedia entertainment production. We’re looking for individuals who have a deep interest and understanding of what it takes to make great computer generated art. These people would have to easily grasp a concept and be able to see the best way of bringing it into a production environment. Threewave Software's technical artists also drive the best techniques that push current and future computer hardware to do incredible things. We need people with these skills to keep us as one of the foremost developers in the world. In this position the candidate will provide and give direction to the art team, while mentoring the art team members. This person will report to the Director of Product Development and work closely with the Art Director, Lead Programmer, Lead Designer and the Production team to deliver high quality art content in a timely manner.

Main Responsibilities:
• Lead the vision of the studio from a technical artistic standpoint, while assisting the art team in moving towards final products
• Establish the art closely with the Art Director to enhance in the in-game experience
• Offer forward-thinking ability to research new industry developments and art techniques for future projects
• Anticipate pipeline issues and streamline process to improve productivity

Education and Experience:
• BFA from an accredited art or design institution, or equivalent diploma and or equivalent work experience
• At least 4+ years of experience managing an Art Team
• 4+ years in computer generated art, preferably in game development
• Experience in artist recruitment
• Understanding and previous experience working with scripting or programming considered an asset
• Experience in project scheduling, mentorship and management

Required:
• Have the forward-thinking ability to research new industry developments and art techniques for future projects
• Anticipate the needs of the artists so as to streamline their productivity
• Be able to understand the limits dictated by programming staff or project leads
• Will put new ideas/technologies/solutions to the test and help see them to completion
• Be able to teach valuable points of information to anyone who may require it.
• Participate in the critiquing of your work and the work of others.
• Be meticulous and organized in the approach to the tasks, files, and storage of the material.
• Perform other related duties as required
• One or more shipped titles as a Lead Artist, Lead Technical Artist, Shader, CG Supervisor or Technical
Art Director
• Leadership Skills
• The ability to take initiative
• Strong decision making skills
• Strong communication and team skills
• Understand the steps required to make an a great game
• Ability to resolve conflict, should the need arise
• Enthusiastic and good spirited
• Able to familiarize with programs, technical concepts, ideas, and problems very quickly
• In-depth technical knowledge of 3DSMax, Maya or Softimage XSI, and Adobe Photoshop
• Able to work within boundaries to creatively solve art issues

Preferences:
• Understanding of next-generation art techniques.
• Insight into animation pipeline and game engine implementation.
• Knowledgeable of working with outsourced art assets.
• An understanding of character creation (model, texture, rig) and the ability to create high quality character assets.
• Ability to create model and textures for populating 3D environments.
• Passion for FPS.
• Traditional Art Background.

Duties:
• With the Art Director, provides a way to implement the artistic vision into the project
• Ensures that the art is done in a timely manner to the highest quality standard
• Communicates with the other leads to establish the project priorities and anticipate their respective needs
• Trains and mentors the art team
• Creates, maintains and the full art schedule
• Understand cross-company art needs and helps assign best talent to the proper projects
• Assess and evaluates art best practices and attempt to implement new
• Assist in the recruitment of new art team members
• Participates in the performance review of the art team members

Availability: Immediately

Position Status: Full Time, extensive benefits package and stock options.

Application Requirements:
Documentation:
• Cover letter stating your availability
• Current Resume stating the list of credits, titles and platforms

3D portfolio:
All portfolios must contain a detailed shot breakdown of the work. It must be very clear what you, the applicant, are responsible for in your reel, screenshots, scanned pictures, web page portfolio, etc. We’re looking for someone who has a comprehensive portfolio which may incorporate some of the following:
• Examples of various 3D graphics, from models, VFX, to animation
• Character, vehicle, prop / object, and environment designs
• Examples of concept art to full 3D modeling and texturing
• Painting or sketches, either in traditional form or digitally created.
• Technical Drawing in the form of schematics, architectural plans, industrial design, etc…
• The application of scripts or programming for 3D software applications.

Please apply to the attention of Kathy Gibson, Director of Human Resources via jobs@threewavesoftware.com. Special thanks to all applicants for their interest. Due to the volume of applicants, no phone calls please.