Special Effects Artist

Job Description

As the Special Effects Artist, you will be responsible for the design, creation and implementation of basic special effects, while respecting all technological limitations, deadlines, and following the artistic direction of the production.

The daily life of a Special Effects Artist

• Become familiar with game design documents, and identify special effects opportunities and needs;
• Check with programmers to see if the intended effects are viable in the engine, and propose alternative solutions and / or developments where needed;
• Assist with the development of effects tools or other improvements to the effects pipeline;
• Gather reference images / videos matching desired effects, to be approved by the Artistic Director;
• Design, create and implement custom and re-usable “real-time” particle effects for gameplay, cinematics and scripted events;
• Create simulations / animations to be used for gameplay elements;
• Create textures for particles effects and related decals;
• Create effects that respect budget and engine constraints;
• Model special effects elements as needed;
• Place level / character-specific effects;
• Check effect quality once imported into the game, and make improvements where needed;
• Obtain feedback / approval of created effects from the Artistic Director, and make improvements where needed;
• Communicate closely and regularly with the Artistic Director, Production Manager, and other departments to ensure a smooth effects pipeline;
• Complete tasks in a timely manner;
• Maintain a clear, methodical system of data storage and retrieval of effects;
• Address bugs identified by testers or other technicians;
• Log effects-related bugs;
• Carry out all other related tasks.

Qualifications

What it takes to make it

And this, not a dealbreaker but nice to have