Art Manager

The Art Manager is responsible for unifying the artistic vision of their project. They are in charge of both the games visual appearance and quality, directing this vision and communicating it to the project team, client and studio. They are also responsible for the day to day management of the projects art team ensuring they are working at an optimum level and within the specified art style and technical guidelines at all times.
Specific requirements for this role:


DIRECTLY REPORTING TO:


Project Director


EXPECTATIONS:
Below is a non-exhaustive list of the Company's expectations of the Art Manager.

To establish, define and develop the visual style of the project. To translate the visual expectations of both the publisher and studio, incorporating these into a single, consistent vision whilst respecting relevant brands, industry benchmarks and the overall direction of the studio.
To lead and manage an effective and efficient art team, promoting good team morale in an open and creative environment.
To define, prioritise and delegate art tasks, ensuring high quality and consistency with the art style are maintained.
Work with the projects managers and leads to define and communicate technical limitations and guidelines, ensuring these are adhered to whilst ensuring all technical, visual and game-play requirements are met.
Ensure that all art requirements are met for each milestone and corrective action is taken should the project fall behind or take a new direction.
To define and evaluate publisher expectations, entering in all relevant formal and informal communications with the client when required to ensure a strong and mutually beneficial relationship.
To define and oversee an efficient asset creation pipeline keeping a high level of communication with the central Technology Team.


ESSENTIAL QUALITIES:

Art Skills
Appreciation and ability to make good artistic judgements on form, colour and composition.
A good understanding of the basic principles of lighting.
A basic working knowledge and general understanding of human anatomy.
Good natural artistic ability and flair.
Ability to develop and communicate ideas and concepts in a visual manner - both digitally and using traditional media.
A good understanding and working knowledge of the relevant 2D and 3D software packages being used in development.
A good understanding of most art creation processes including modelling, UV layout, texturing, rigging, skinning, animation, performance capture, lighting and surfacing.


Game Development
Full understanding and experience of the entire game production cycle and associated issues.
Managing and supporting client expectations
Working within a ‘shifting goals' features, timescales and budgetary environment.
Full understanding and experience of a games art and animation pipeline and how it connects and crosses over with a games design and functionality. Also including all the major technical limitations associated with the intended target hardware.
Good high level knowledge of the entire game development pipeline, understanding where all content is delivered from creation to the BlitzTech environment and the general flow of this content and data to the projects target hardware.
In order to stay competitive and industry aware, a broad knowledge of current techniques and practices and an awareness of both current and future quality benchmarks being produced throughout the wider industry.


Management & Leadership
Be able to keep team motivation high and enforce discipline.
Ability to communicate clearly, and concisely.
Attention to detail and a commitment to quality are essential ensuring that all tasks must be carried out to the highest possible standard.
High initiative and co-ordination skills.
Ability to schedule tasks in line with the projects milestone structure.
People management skills are essential.
Resilience and strength of character.
Professional attitude and work ethic.
Ability to fit into and lead a dynamic and creative team environment.