Lead Visual Effects Artist

Insomniac is looking for a new Lead VFX Artist. In this role, the Lead VFX Artist is responsible for managing and developing a visual effects team. Has the knowledge and experience of creating art assets and sets an example for the team by demonstrating a mastery of industry standards and tools, proprietary technology, and departmental production workflows. Has a proven understanding of production schedules and project goals, along with game performance, and technical considerations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Balances hands-on VFX creation with leadership and VFX team artist management.
• Collaborates with Principal VFX Artist to plan, create and test content creation pipelines before deploying to the development team.
• Ensures that external VFX partners are trained properly and performing at quality.
• Works alongside Production Management team to scope, plan, and manage tasks and track bugs for a project
• Works closely with the Art Director to maintain quality and style consistent across all VFX for a project.
• Provides direction to VFX artists for aesthetic and technical considerations
• Provides support in the creation and animation of real-time digital FX elements to meet and enhance art direction, including VFX that reflect physical dynamics of natural phenomena.
• Works closely with the design and gameplay teams to aid in the production of VFX that support gameplay, accessibility, and the user experience.
• Works closely with the Tool and Engine team to aid in the ongoing evolution and enhancements of proprietary tools and engine to improve and enhance VFX fidelity.
• Works closely with cross-disciplinary art teams to aid in the production of spectacle cinematic moments and support game narrative.
• Manages, mentors and grows the interpersonal and technical skills of VFX Artists, including performance reviews.
• Helps implement new production methods to improve performance and efficiency of the team.
• Works with cross-disciplinary departments to ensure that assets are delivered in a timely manner.
• Ensures that all complaints and concerns related to inappropriate or unprofessional conduct in the workplace are addressed immediately to foster a safe work environment.
• Other duties may apply.

Supervisory Duties

This role has supervisor duties.

Supervisory Duties Details

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Computer Skills:

• Advanced level in Houdini and Maya: expert understanding of these DCC visual effects packages, competent working with joints and locators, animation/keyframing, rigid-body and fluid simulations, materials, shaders, lighting and rendering.
• 3d modeling and procedural modeling/UV'ing skills are a must.
• Strong knowledge and experience with modern game engines/editors such as Unreal, Unity, proprietary, etc.
• Proficient with real-time particle-editors and VFX systems such as Unreal's Niagara, PopcornFX, etc.
• Advance understanding of complex node-based shader networks such as those used in Unreal, Unity, etc.
• Familiarity with game scripting and/or node-based systems (e.g. Unreal Blueprint, etc).
• Have strong grasp of technical scripting, programming and expressions pertaining to DCC and graphics: e.g. MEL, Python, Houdini VEX, HLSL Shaders, etc.
• Proficient in Photoshop for painting and editing textures.
• Strong knowledge of procedural texture generation software (e.g. Substance Designer, Filter-Forge, After-Effects, etc).
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of other visual effects or CG software a plus (e.g. Blender, Nuke, etc).

Other Skills:

• Excellent foundations skills, including composition, design, and color theory.
• The ability to work with detailed concept art or reference art/ materials.
• Strong traditional painting skills in both stylized and photorealistic styles.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to find creative solutions for technically challenging tasks.