Sinn Studio Careers
Art Director (Gaming)
Description
Sinn Studio Inc. is leading the charge in VR combat games! Our debut game, Swordsman, is a physics-based combat game where you can slash your way through medieval earth to become the ultimate Swordsman. Having won multiple and been nominated for awards like Game of the Year in 2022, Best Swordfighting Game in 2020 and more. Swordsman also boasts top best seller in Quest and PSVR/2 platforms.
Sinn Studio is looking for an Art Director to join our team! We are looking for someone to set the bar for dynamic, visual styles in XR while solving design issues through their artistic strategy. Working in a collaborative environment, this role acts as a subject matter leader to help drive how art can be realized in our initiatives. This person crafts the visual identity in all facets via novel and innovative ideas that resonate. They tether their active imagination to the language and big picture of art to ultimately bring worlds alive, consistently enhancing player experience.
Responsibilities
- Lead and inspire the converging artistic roadmap with the studio team, with a hands-on approach, guiding them to manifest the game's unique style and vision through collaborative efforts that ensure coherence and alignment.
- Contribute creative insights and refine the artistic style, meticulously crafted to resonate harmoniously with the overarching vision of the game.
- Actively refine and fine-tune artistic elements based on invaluable insights gleaned from playtest sessions, prioritizing quality and enhancing user experience
- Streamline and meticulously organize external art assets, facilitating accessibility and supporting the ongoing demands of the development process.
- Develop comprehensive art roadmaps and guidelines, providing the team with clear direction and maintaining consistency throughout the creative process.
- Oversee multiple projects concurrently, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives while maintaining unwavering quality standards.
- Provide management, constructive feedback and guidance to external vendors, ensuring the delivery of high-quality art assets that seamlessly integrate into the game's aesthetic.
- Spearhead the creation and implementation of artistic guidelines, streamlining workflow processes and fostering effective collaboration.
- Effectively manage artists, budgets, and workflows to optimize production efficiency and resource allocation, ensuring smooth project execution.
- Remain vigilant and informed about industry trends, leveraging insights to continuously refine and elevate the game's artistic direction.
- Recurrently play games and XR content for up-to-date market analysis.
- Champion a culture of innovation, driving continuous improvement to enhance the visual allure and immersive impact of each project.
- Participate in recruitment processes for related openings
- Other related duties as required
Qualifications
If the following sounds like you, and you’re interested in joining a growing start-up, we want to hear from you! Not sure that you meet all qualifications? Cast those doubts away - we strongly welcome you to apply. We love to hear from people who are ecstatic about working in the XR industry and where it will evolve to.
- 8-10+ years of hands-on artistic experience in gaming and entertainment, including 3-5+ years of direct or indirect leadership.
- 3+ years of experience in artistic direction and strategy, with expertise in various content assets like 3D art, VFX, concept art, characters, and environments.
- Strong understanding of art fundamentals, color theory, and design principles, adaptable to project needs and proficient in iterative mockup designs.
- Proven ability in visual storytelling and creating compelling visuals, informed by historical and design contexts.
- Excellent understanding of project scopes, dependencies, and experience in managing art outsourcing providers.
- Up-to-date knowledge of artistic trends and workflows, with a passion for sharing techniques and enhancing efficiency aligned with business needs.
- Passionate leader with strong problem-solving skills, adept at providing feedback and fostering collaboration.
- Self-motivated team player with effective communication skills, responsive to feedback, and demonstrated interpersonal and presentation skills.
- Proficiency in software packages and tools like 3DS Max, Maya, Zbrush, and Photoshop.
- Understanding of game design and its relationship with artistic presentation, proactive in maintaining visual standards and collaborating with technical functions.
- Experience with industry standard engines such as Unreal.
- Focus on play-enhancing visuals within project parameters, with a strong work ethic and ability to prioritize tasks to meet production milestones.
Added Advantages:
- Experience with VR / MR.
- Good understanding of other related disciplines: animation, technical art, etc.
- An understanding of world-building.
- Post-secondary education in Fine Arts, Illustration, other related fields or relevant experience.
- An authentic understanding and passion about games / working in the industry.
What to send in your application
Beyond a resume, please also include a portfolio demonstrating your highlights and successes in Art related to this position. Check out the recommended guide here.
Additional Information
Salary Range: $115,000 -135,000 CAD annually + 3 weeks vacation, sick days, employer paid benefits (except LTD), Employee Assistance Program, wellness days, birthday day off, a Group Retirement Savings Plan (GRSP), Employee Stock Options (ESOP) [coming in 2024], and more.
As of the time of this posting, Sinn Studio lists the projected base salary range in good faith. A salary offered will be determined upon several factors such as: relevant experience, skillset, geographic location, and organizational critical needs.
Office Location: Liberty Village, Toronto
Work Structure: Preference will be given to local candidates or those who are willing to relocate to the Greater Toronto Area to work in a hybrid model with two days in office collaborating with local team members and our founders.
Sinn Studio is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusion and diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability or any other basis forbidden under federal, provincial, or local law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment process. If you require accommodation, or if you have any additional questions about the role, please contact us at talent@sinnstudio.com.
The Sinn Studio Talent team will communicate with you only through official email addresses and connected Linkedin profiles. We do not use WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc. Our team will not ask you to send us money or technology through our processes.
No agencies or external recruiters please.
Compensation
$115,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year