Job Search Findings

1. Blizzard Entertainment

Office: Irvine, California, United States

Games they work with - Diablo, World of War Craft, Star Craft

A. Environment Artist, In-Game Cinematics

Blizzard Entertainment is looking for an exceptionally skilled 3D environment artist to join its in-game cinematics team. The ideal candidate has extensive experience designing, modeling, and texturing a diverse visual range of environments and props. This individual should have a solid grasp of form, color, and lighting for both 2D and 3D art assets. The 3d environment artist must also have a skill in another art task as well (illustration, modeling, texturing, animation, or concept drawing), and be well-versed in related tools -- Maya, Mudbox, Photoshop, etc.

B. Requirements

• A minimum of 2 years experience in game development, modeling, and texturing environments using Maya and Photoshop (or equivalent 3D and 2D programs)
• An exceptional understanding of form, shape, structure, and silhouette in regard to modeling
• Superior eye for light, shade, color, and detail in creating texture maps of different material types
• Self-motivation, good communications skills, and a great team-player attitude
• Skill in one or more of the related creation tasks -- illustration, modeling, texturing, animation, or concept drawing
• Understanding of Blizzard Entertainment's visual style and a passion to push it to the next level

Pluses

• Have shipped AAA, PC, or console titles as a 3D environment artist
• Experience with Mudbox, ZBrush, (or equivalent modeling programs) and the process of converting high-poly sculpted environments into lower poly game assets
• Experience with the creation of next-generation shaders and materials
• Strong foundation in the traditional arts including, but not limited to figure drawing, and environmental and / or architectural illustration

Blizzard Job Directories - Click here.

2. Rhythm & Hues: Job Listings Here

Past Works : The Wolfman, The A-Team, Knight & Day, and Alvin and the Chipmunks

A. Matte Painter

They are currently hiring experienced Matte Painters to join our strong VFX creative team. The Matte Painter reports to the VFX Supervisor and Art Director and will be responsible for creating matte paintings and concept art for high end VFX feature films. Positions are full time and at our studio in Playa Del Rey, CA. Projects range from 4 weeks to 6-12 months.

Responsibilities:

• Collaboration with Art Director on feature film matte paintings.
• Communicate and interact with other departments.
• Attend dailies and any job related tasks necessary for your painting.
• Must have previous feature film experience.

B. Required Skills:

• Must have high-level photo real painting experience and have the ability to match lighting and photo real characteristics of the plates supplied.
• Strong skill base and experience in Photoshop.
• Experience with 3D packages and projection painting is preferable.
• High skill level in painting, composition, perspective, and color.
• Experience painting mattes and set extensions.
• Must have problem solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Must be self-motivated and self-guided.
• Must know how to work with reference and work efficiently.

They ask for a copy of your resume, cover letter, and weblink to online reel

3. Rhythm & Hue - Texture Painter

Must be capable of a variety of texture styles from photo realistic to painterly for a wide range of commercial, feature and episodic television projects. The ideal candidate will be critical with his or her own work, must follow reference material exactly, must be organized and have the ability to problem solve and be creative.

Responsibilities:

• Deliver digital files with high quality texture finishing to lighters and collaborate in testing and verification as necessary.
• Collaborate and bring creativity to a team with artists, lighters and modelers
• Meet schedules and artistic guidelines under deadline
• The ability to duplicate the reference material onto your model (maps)
• Adhere to any specifics a job defines, i.e. call times etc.
• Innovative problem solver and workflow designer
• Full understanding of map properties in relation to their surface

Required Skills:

• Minimum of 2 years of prior visual effects experience required
• Organic texture experience highly desired
• Excellent work ethic
• Experience with Mudbox, ZBrush, BodyPaint and Photoshop
• Ability to create high quality texture maps, including Bump, and Specular Maps.
• Knowledge of 3D design parameters with an understanding of lighting and modeling
• Excellent artistic and painting skills, and in-depth understanding of color theory and application
• Strong knowledge of 3D animation and interactive entertainment forms
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Ability to rapidly learn and assimilate new technologies
• Demonstrated ability to work with a high degree of self-direction
• Self-managed and self-motivated.
• A history of consistent high-end aesthetic and technical execution

Desired Skills:

• Interest and ability to mentor artists
• Promotes interdepartmental collaboration
• Perspective and design skills

They ask for a copy of your resume, cover letter, and weblink to online reel