Milky Tea is an award-winning video game development studio based in Liverpool that are looking for a passionate Lead Artist to join their exceptionally talented team working across the UK and the EU. 

This studio develops memorable gaming experiences using the latest technology for some of the world's biggest brands, platforms, and publishers. They are looking for someone who is equally adept at creating inspirational art and leading a small group of game artists in the design and development of new 3D environments and art assets for PC and console games.

As a Lead Artist, you will be responsible for creating and communicating the artistic vision of the game and will ensure continuity of this vision across all art created. Your involvement will be from concept to sign off, through to pitching and representing the game publicly. 
 
Your responsibilities…

• Provide art direction to projects throughout all stages of production
• Create concepts, ideas, and mood boards for the art vision of their games
• Present mood boards and references to stakeholders to get initial sign off
• Drive forward improvements to the art production pipeline
• Produce high quality assets suitable for production both technically and artistically
• Provide feedback on VFX and animation to ensure the artistic vision for the project is adhered to
• Be the primary point of contact for art within the studio, and at times liaising with outsourcers and external stakeholders
• Manage a team of artists, keeping them on track with the production schedule and motivated
• Technical and quality control of output on assigned projects
• Ensure your quality standards are defined and adhered to by the team, and there is clear consistency with the project's artistic vision
• Create and refine Art Bibles, Style Guides, and mood boards, then ensure assets meet specifications provided by all relevant departments
• Manage feedback and technical challenges on projects alongside department heads
• Interpret and communicate the director’s feedback and vision to the team

The skills and experience you’ll bring to the role…

• 5+ years industry experience as an artist working on game titles, having shipped 2 or more titles in the role of Lead Artist
• Excellent hands-on knowledge of the Unity game engine
• Diverse mix of stylistic and realistic art styles within a portfolio
• Experience working and delivering in an Indie/Mid-Level studio environment, on diverse titles and genres of games
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Excellent understanding of game art asset production and creative production processes to improve art pipelines
• Self-starter outlook, being observant of potential pitfalls and always thinking quickly to help leadership teams solve problems
• Excellent communication skills and can collaborate, teach, and learn from others
• Extremely organised with the ability to prioritise and coordinate other members of the art team

It's a bonus if you have…

• Experience of AAA game art development
• Experience with environment and character concepting through to modelling
• Strong background in fine art, demonstrating the fundamentals of art and visual design, including composition and colour theory

Perks and benefits include...

• Flexible working hours 
• Holiday entitlement increase year-on-year after 2 years of service
• Competitive company pension scheme
• Performance bonus scheme
• Regular team social events throughout the year
• Company parking where required