Here at Deviant Art – Community Management, we’re being stalked by a head-hunter who wants us to pass along this information about an exciting opportunity!



So…the head-hunter guy, Michael, Vice President at Idealpeople; tracked us to here because he wanted to tell us all about a potentially life changing career opportunity, in Shanghai.



Michael explains: “We’re representing an award winning video-game company based in Shanghai, who produce a persistent sci-fi universe, which provides the setting for player-led/community-led storylines involving rogue factions, space pirates, trading and a whole new take on the leveling-up system” Sounds like one for the Sci-Fi obsessed hard-core “Trekkies” only? “Not at all, this game’s appeal is strongly linked to it’s open-worlds, and the visually stunning art” says Michael. “You don’t need to be a space-fiction fan to appreciate it”


“This game… (Michael refers to it constantly as an ‘Interactive Entertainment Medium) “This represents a new frontier in Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing, and has people enthralled, even those with zero prior interest in sci-fi. One of the biggest draws is it’s aesthetic beauty and artistic style. The team who create this amazing universe believe that if it looks good, it is good, and given the record number of subscribers logging in right now to play, it’s the art that not only draws people in, but the Art that keeps them there”
“So we’re looking for a hands-on Art Director, not so much a person to do the HR, Budget, and Operations stuff, more a person who can articulate the stylistic vision for a whole new chapter within this amazing persistent universe – we need a person who has great skills and portfolio of works in either 3D, Environment Art, or Concept Art and ideally a passion for Science Fiction. This will be a gutsy two-year project, and require a person who can really *feel* art, create a style bible, establish consistent themes, and provide art which serves as the perfect compliment to the wizardry of the software architecture that underpins the game-play mechanics”

“We of course do need to see Video Games Industry experience – Console or PC is fine. This is a six figure salary plus perks, we aren’t talking about an entry-level role here, it’s leading a large team of English-Speaking Chinese artists, and inspiring them to create a coherent and immersive game that’s artistically breathtaking”
Here’s the job description:



I. PURPOSE OF POSITION: The Art Director is responsible for establishing and maintaining the artistic vision of the entire project. This key management role is responsible for creating the visual design concepts and documentation, as well as giving direction throughout the whole project cycle; constantly providing guidance, supervision and feedback to the art team. It is the Art Director’s responsibility to maintain and ensure a high level of quality and consistency in the art for the project.

II. GUIDE TO THE POSITION – DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: · Determine the art style and visual concepts for the game in conjunction with Producer and Creative Director.
· Help to refine the Art pipeline.
· Find solutions to game requirements, troubleshoot problems and coach artists.
· Collaborate with Associate Producer/Producer to manage art schedules.
· Direct artists in the vision, general style, modeling, texture, and lighting required for the game.
· Ensure the Art team delivers innovative art techniques and production.
· Facilitate communication between art and all departments to execute on the project's vision.
· Responsible for hiring and training as well as for career direction of the art team.
· Conduct critiques with clear and consistent direction to art team.
· May be responsible for creation of assets in addition to management duties.
· Work with department teams to maintain quality and integrity of initial conceptual renderings.
· Help develop art reference guides for internal and possibly external artists.
· All other tasks not specifically mentioned here but which may be required of you in order to perform your role.


III. SPECIFICATIONS OF THE POSITION:
A. Minimum education required: 1. Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
B. Minimum experience required: One to five years of progressively complex related experience
1. 5+ years of game industry experience.
2. At least two game titles completed and shipped.
3. 3+ experience in a management role.
4. Expertise in Adobe Photoshop.
5. Expertise in a 3D software package.
6. Combination 2D / 3D skills.
C. Contact required inside and outside the Company:
1. Work with producers to interact and communicate effectively with outsourcing partners to ensure consistent quality of deliverables.
D. Description of working conditions/physical surroundings:
1. State-of-the -art equipment in a casual, open-plan working environment.
E. Description of the responsibility for the work of others:
1. Leads the art team by coaching, mentoring and performance managing.
2. Responsible for all art team members achieving their highest potential.
F. Please describe the most complex and/or difficult aspect of this job.
1. Defining the visual style of the project and then effectively managing a team of artists to execute that vision on schedule and within budget.


“We’re based in Beijing, and are used to talking potential ex-pats through relocation. Life in Shanghai can be expensive, but it’s a dynamic, sophisticated and cosmopolitan city, which will undoubtedly play a central role in the evolution of the computer gaming industry”
“We promise to return an immediate reply to all DeviantArt Members who express and interest who have the required Games Industry experience. We’re also interested in hearing from 3D, SFX and Technical Artists at a more junior level – but again, Videogame industry is a must-have”

“I’m hoping that the person we seek is out there.. somewhere on DeviantArt – we look forward to hearing from you!”

You can contact Michael at:
Desk: +86 (10) 51282833 ext: 8002
Cell: +86 13811 365 327
Skype: Audition
Mail: michael.wright@idealpeople.cn

Today was the first day I found I we can link this onto facebook :D
Spreading the word!

Aw, I still need a couple years' experience to qualify :(
But I'm scared to move across the world anyway.

I don't think anyone who's qualified for this position is going to be looking here in the jobs forum, probably. I, for one, never thought such a high-ranking position would be in here.

--
The glass is half full if you stop pouring, and half empty if you stop drinking.

I could do it.

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"A look or a glance may by chance your fortune advance."

contact them

I don't feel like I have enough artwork posted at this time to get their attention. I was just crying out in the wilderness. :\

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"A look or a glance may by chance your fortune advance."

so bad... if only I learnt to use 3D.... Shanghai is close to me...

It's great to find this job here on Deviant, I'm just starting with 3D though,

If I had to guess, I'd say that this is white wolf/ccp games, who do the game EVE ONLINE.

Just as I finally feels somewhat confident in having learned a bit digital art, everyone's asking for 3D skills......................