Senior 3D Character Artist - Battle Arena

ZYNGA is searching for a world-class Senior 3D Character Artist to join a hardworking innovative prototype team. If you love to make high quality characters that push boundaries and encourage players then this is the position for you.

We are looking for someone with a strong understanding of artistic fundamentals in both 2D and 3D. Familiarity with Maya, Zbrush, Substance Painter, Photoshop are required and Unity knowledge is a bonus.

We are looking for an artist that never sacrifices quality and pushes to maintain the highest quality visual bar, an artist that is interested in consistently improving. We are looking for a team member that pushes the look and feel beyond expectations to deliver industry defining characters that become icons loved worldwide.

If this is something you connect with then you will be flawless!

All applicants must apply with a portfolio of their work. (Portfolios must contain examples of wireframes, unwraps with wireframes, poly count, texture counts etc.)

Main Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Art Director to bring characters to life in 3D
• Build high quality 3D character models and textures quickly and optimally using Zbrush and Maya and Substance Painter
• Interpret specs and direction both from design and the Art Director
• Identify inconsistencies and opportunities for improvement within the creative process
• Accurately cost 3D Character art requests
• Take an active role in maintaining, and refining the Art Director’s vision
• Guide and mentor other team members where needed
• Research, explore, and communicate best practices in art
• Help build and maintain documentation on the 3D character art pipeline
• Contribute to formal and informal critique, and provide effective feedback to other artists

Desired Skills and Experience

• 7+ years of professional experience with several shipped titles as a 3D Character Artist
• Deep understanding of the following software packages as they relate to 3D Character creation: Maya, Zbrush, Substance Painter, Photoshop
• Highly skilled at every aspect of 3D Character creation:
• PBR workflow
• High-poly, organic modeling in zbrush
• High-poly, hard surface modeling in Zbrush/Maya
• Low-poly modeling 3D Character in Maya (mobile ready)
• UV unwrapping
• Texture baking in Substance Painter or Marmoset
• Substance Painter and Photoshop for texture creation
• Material setup in Unity
• Proven understanding of anatomy, design fundamentals, color theory and composition
• Adept at working with outsourcing and marketing teams, tutoring and documentation
• Expertise in art/design, and a demonstrated ability to mentor and improve the efforts of fellow artists
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
• Highly organized with a strong attention to detail
• Ability to reverse engineer and problem solve
• Excellent grammatical skills and the ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing

Nice to Haves Skills

• Knowledge of skinning in Maya for mobile
• Knowledge of basic rigging in Maya
• Experience rendering and look dev in Marmoset/Unity a plus
• Experience crafting 3D characters for mobile titles

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $90, 000 and $136, 000 per year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

We are an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to building a diverse and talented workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, colour, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, disability, or any other class or characteristic protected by applicable law. We welcome job-seekers,