About Atomhawk
Atomhawk produces the very best in cutting-edge creative conceptualisation, visualisation, and realisation. Our client list includes major names - Warner Bros, Sony, Microsoft, SEGA, Activision, 2K, EPIC, The Pokémon Company and Blizzard all feature. And we like variety. Every project is different from the last. The spectrum covers gritty, hard-hitting Mortal Kombat, irreverent and stylised Surgeon Simulator 2, comic book superheroes, nostalgic childhood favourites and all things in between. Whichever franchise is on today’s agenda - DC, Halo, Marvel, Mortal Kombat and Warhammer - we move through their worlds with ease and creative curiosity.
The work our team produces is world-class. We’ve celebrated that fact in three artbooks. Each one features concept art, tutorials and professional tips. Volume 3 was created to mark the studio’s 10th anniversary, and was displayed and sold at the Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle, where we held the exhibition Other Worlds: The Art of Atomhawk in 2020. You can take a virtual tour of the exhibition here. Our output hasn’t gone unnoticed. We received Best Companies’ 3 Star Accreditation 2021 and Top Companies North East 2021. We hold the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade, as well as the TIGA Star Award 2021. We were also named Best Art/Animation/Trailer Supplier at the 2021 Develop Star Awards.
Creativity thrives through diversity, not conformity. Every Atomhawk applicant and employee is afforded space and freedom to be their true self, with no fear of prejudice or persecution. During the application process, you won’t be judged on your name, your gender, your sexuality, your ethnicity, your age, your religion, or any other factor unrelated to your ability to do the job.
Atomhawk is part of Sumo Digital Ltd, one of the UK’s leading videogame developers.
Description
Atomhawk is looking for talented concept artists who have a passion for character design (a passion for realistic characters or someone with a wide range across realism and stylised would be advantageous). You’ll be working on a large variety of exciting titles that range from realistic to stylized art on a range of upcoming AAA videogame titles.
As a Senior Character Concept artist, you’ll produce high-quality, storytelling concept art as per Atomhawk quality and client specifications. Designing and develop briefs for a variety of different video game projects (different genres, different art styles) using your creativity to showcase strong idea generation. You’ll also support and mentor Junior Artists with goal setting, defining processes, reviewing progress and ensuring the consistent delivery of AAA artwork alongside the project Lead and Art Director.
We’re looking for personalities who will fit our culture of innovative creativity and collaborative problem-solving. We’re very interested to see initial ideas and sketches along with your final rendering quality. The ability to bring character and personality to your designs is a must for this role, so please include your most creative pieces in your portfolio to show us what you can do! If this interests you, we encourage you to send us your portfolio and show us what you’d bring to our flock.
We look for the following things in people who want to join our team:
• Quality at all stages of the process – Creation of artwork that is well presented and defined from sketch through to final polish.
• Design thinking – Solving creative problems through innovative design, balancing form and function.
• Technical skill – Fluency in Photoshop and an understanding of complimentary software and tools.
• 3D skills - Experience using 3D software such as Core, Mudbox, Blender, 3DsMax, Z-Brush and Maya.
• Art fundamentals – A strong grasp of colour, light, composition, anatomy, perspective and depth.
• Variety and iteration – The ability to provide multiple creative options, then iterate upon them as projects progress.
• Adaptability – Switching quickly and fluidly to new requirements and processes when required.
• Working to a brief – Understanding creative briefs, then considering elements such as context, timescales and creative constraints when solving tasks.
• Time management – Creation of high-quality work within allocated timescales.
• Collaboration – Receptive to taking feedback and working together with team-mates and clients.
Portfolio Requirements
What’s in it for you?
Sumo also offers a highly personable benefits package which has something for everyone, no matter where you are in your career.
Financial: Annual bonus, flexible benefits allowance, salary sacrifice pension, benefits hub, payroll giving, an employee referral scheme (up to £3,000), financial/home buying consultations, workplace ISA and other schemes for tech loans, car loans and bicycles.
Work-life Balance: Flexible working, 21 free choice days holiday (increasing to 25 with service), bank holidays, birthday day off, Christmas shutdown (Christmas Eve to New Year) and options to buy or sell up to a week of annual leave*.
Health and Wellbeing: Dental insurance, income protection, life assurance, BUPA private healthcare*, leading EAP programs (remote GP, mental health, physio, nutrition, lifestyle coaching and medical second opinions), critical illness cover*, health cash plan* and funded flu vaccines/eye tests.
Personal Development: Structured Personal Development tool, regular appraisals, annual salary reviews, access to Udemy learning platform, 8 learning days per annum and award-winning L&D team.
Extra Perks: A variety of in-studio perks, regular care packages, studio days out (family welcome), studio-led social activities (game jams, yoga, quizzes, life drawing and more), sabbaticals (at 10 years service) and annual gaming subscription.
*Opt-in benefits (part of our flexible benefits options).
