This is a great opportunity to work on an exciting opportunity in South Italy. Our client reqquires a Lead Artist with Next Gen experience.

· Work with lead engineer and lead designer to define the standard for all art asset design, creation and in-game implementation within the production path.

· Create comprehensive art bibles and style guides to ensure continuity for all art assets.

· Mentor and manage junior staff to enable department and company growth.

· Participate in required production related meetings and functions as needed.

· Initiate and direct all art-specific discussions.

· Work with senior management staff to create, track, and adhere to project milestones.

· Formulate strategy for bringing together various characters from existing licensed franchises to create new virtual world.

· Hands-on asset creation of the highest quality.

· Create art assets using industry standard 3D packages as well as proprietary tools. These assets could include skeletal models, along with weapons and props.

· Participate in departmental meetings to share personal ideas and define the look and feel of characters, vehicles, environments, etc.

· Act as communication conduit with code and design.

Requirements:

· Minimum 8 years of character art experience with at least 2 shipped full cycle console projects.

· Minimum 2 years of Lead Artist or Director experience in a console development environment.

· Must possess strong artistic skills and a working knowledge of 2D/3D art production.

· Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, especially with concept art team.

· Must be proficient in Maya or 3D Studio Max.

· Experience with optimized game resolution modelling (5,000-20,000 triangles).

· Experience with high polygon (20,000+ triangles) sculpting in ZBrush or Mudbox is a plus.

· Strong 2D digital painting and/or drawing skills.

· Experience working with optimized game resolution textures (1024x1024 or smaller).

· Strong UV layout skills.

· Robust online portfolio demonstrating wide range of character styles.