Principal Character Concept Artist (Stylized Focus)
Long term contract
We are looking for a Principal Character Concept Artist with the artistic range and expertise to craft visually stunning characters across a wide spectrum of styles. From the expressive aesthetics of manga and anime to more grounded and refined stylization, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping character design across our diverse portfolio of projects. The ideal candidate thrives in creating iconic, story-driven characters with a deep understanding of stylized art. As a leader in the team, you will not only produce exceptional work but also mentor artists and elevate the quality bar across the studio.
Key Responsibilities:
Create bold, iconic character concepts that inspire and define the artistic vision for each project.
Explore a broad range of art styles, from manga/anime-inspired designs to grounded, stylized aesthetics, ensuring versatility in your approach to character creation.
Deliver high-quality character turnarounds, exploration sketches, and final presentation pieces that align with narrative and gameplay needs.
Collaborate with art directors, writers, and other disciplines to ensure characters fit seamlessly within their worlds and stories.
Partner closely with 3D artists to ensure character concepts translate effectively into production-ready assets, accounting for topology, rigging, and animation considerations.
Lead by example, providing feedback and guidance to other character concept artists to push the overall quality of the team’s output.
Stay informed on industry trends, art techniques, and emerging tools to ensure the studio remains on the cutting edge of stylized art development.
Act as a creative and cultural leader, helping to cultivate a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative artistic environment.
Qualifications:
Proven professional experience in character concept art for games, animation, or related fields.
A diverse and impressive portfolio showcasing stylized character designs across various styles, including manga/anime influences and more grounded aesthetics.
Strong understanding of anatomy, gesture, proportions, and silhouette design.
Exceptional skills in color theory, rendering, and storytelling through design.
Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Photoshop, Procreate, or equivalent digital art tools.
Experience collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams, including 3D artists, writers, and animators.
Excellent communication and mentorship skills, with a passion for sharing knowledge and developing talent within the team.
Bonus: Experience with visual development for cinematics, animation, or promotional materials.
Why Join Dardo Studios?
Be at the forefront of character design, helping to craft unforgettable characters for global audiences.
Work on a variety of projects that challenge your creative range and push the boundaries of stylized art.
Lead and mentor a team of passionate artists in a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative environment.
Join a studio dedicated to high-quality artistry and storytelling, inspired by the industry's most iconic works.
If you are a visionary artist with a passion for creating characters that captivate and inspire, we’d love to see your portfolio and hear how you can help us shape the future of Dardo Studios. Apply now and help us bring our characters—and worlds—to life!
