Asset and Environment Artist (Contract) at Evil Eye Belmont, California
Asset and Environment Artist (Contract) Founded in 2004, Evil Eye Pictures is a collaborative virtual studio bringing together some of the best content creators, innovators, and engineers from around the globe. The team is focused on creating immersive, compelling visuals and experiences for the evolving world of real-time, multi-platform entertainment. Evil Eye was founded by artists to work on high-profile, special projects while maintaining an emphasis on people and a positive, fun work culture. Evil Eye Pictures is looking for an accomplished Asset and Environment Artist. The ideal candidate is an end-to-end artist capable of taking an asset from initial DCC block-out through to final Unreal Engine integration and layout. You must have a mastery of modular environment workflows and a deep commitment to traditional real-time optimization-specifically focusing on high-performance pipelines that rely on manual LOD management and clean, hand-authored topology over automated optimization tools.
Key Responsibilities
- Modular Workflow: Design and create high-quality kitbash asset libraries for the construction of complex, modular environments.
- Full-Pipeline Execution: Handle the complete asset lifecycle: high/low poly modeling in Maya, Houdini, or Blender; baking and texturing in the Adobe Substance suite; and final integration within Unreal Engine.
- Optimization & LODs: Ensure all assets and environments are highly performant and optimized for real-time playback in broadcast or game environments through meticulous manual poly-budget management.
- Environment Layout: Execute scene layout, composition, and set dressing within Unreal Engine to ensure aesthetic and narrative consistency.
- Technical Setup: Configure complex PBR materials, master materials, and shader logic within Unreal.
- Collaboration: Work closely with Supervisors to troubleshoot technical issues and provide feedback on new tools or pipeline developments.
Requirements
- 3+ years of experience as a Senior Artist within a similar environment (Broadcast, Games, or VFX).
- Traditional Optimization Expertise: Mastery of high-to-low poly baking workflows and manual LOD creation/management for maximum performance.
- Expert Unreal Engine Knowledge: Deep experience with asset integration, scene assembly, and the UE content pipeline.
- DCC Mastery: Proficient in Maya, Houdini, or Blender, alongside ZBrush or Mudbox for high-detail sculpting.
- Texturing Pipeline: Expert-level skills in Adobe Substance Painter/Designer and Photoshop.
- Problem-Solving: Strong technical troubleshooting skills and the ability to work independently in a remote environment.
- Collaborative Spirit: A proactive team player who takes direction well and maintains a positive attitude in a fast-paced, virtual studio.
Good to Have
- Lighting & Lumen: Experience working with Unreal Engine's Lumen for dynamic global illumination and reflections.
- Level Design: Experience with level design principles, gray-boxing, and broadcast real-time systems.
- Technical Art: Experience with Unreal Blueprints and Niagara.
- Coding: Scripting/programming skills (Python, C#, or C++).
Additional Information
- Portfolio: Please include a link to a reel of your work when applying for this position.
- Location: This is a remote position supporting our Virtual Studio.
- Contract Duration: 06/15 - 08/07
For more information about Evil Eye check out: https://www.evileyepictures.com CA Pay Transparency Information: The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position are detailed below. Compensation varies based on a variety of factors, which include (but aren't limited to) things such as skills and competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. In addition to base pay, most employees are eligible to participate in Evil Eye's benefit plans and discretionary incentive programs (subject to the terms of those plans or programs). Base Pay Range $45-65 per hour