Character Artist (External Development) (FTC)

About Dambuster Studios

Originally founded in 1999 as Free Radical Design our ambition and passion comes through as strongly now as when we first began. We are always seeking individuals who can emulate our values - passion, quality, and teamwork - which are embodied in our diverse and inclusive culture.

Our only requirement is that you work from the UK, and if you’re not here right now we can discuss relocation if the role requires you be on-site frequently (if the role requires this, it’s outlined in the advert below). Our internal Wellbeing Committee and Mental Health First Aiders help ensure that our diversity is championed in a safe environment in our city centre studio.

Character Artist (External Development)

Dambuster Studios - creators of the number one BAFTA-nominated smash hit Dead Island 2 - has an exciting opportunity for a Character Artist (External Development) to join our highly talented External Developmentteam.

This role is a fixed term contracat until March2028.

Role overview

We are seeking a skilled Character Artist to join our growing team, focusing on External Development. As part of the internal Character Art team, you will support and guide external partners in creating high-quality character assets, including characters, clothing, hair, and accessories.

You will help maintain the visual quality and consistency of the IP by reviewing content, providing feedback, and ensuring assets meet performance and quality standards. Working closely with internal and external teams, you will support the integration of externally developed content into our projects.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to AAA titles, deliver large volumes of character art in a fast-paced environment, and grow both professionally and personally.

What we can offer you

• Core hours 9.30am – 4pm, remaining hours worked flexibly
• Relocation support to Nottingham, UK (if required)
• Holiday allowance that increases with service (to a maximum of 30 days plus statutory public holidays)
• Inclusion into the studio’s annual pay review (effective 1st July) following 12 months service
• Company pension contribution that increases with service
• Private Medical Insurance via AXA Health, including dental and optical cover
• Life Assurance Scheme via Zurich (x3 salary cover)
• Company enhanced full pay for maternity leave for the first 26 weeks (to qualifying expectant mothers)
• Clear career progression within Dambuster Studios
• Studio funded learning and development opportunities
• Modern game development environment with the latest technologies
• Vibrant, modern city centre location with good transport links
• Travel Loan Scheme for Nottingham-based employees
• Fully subsidised gym membership with Virgin gym (Nottingham)
• Quarterly company funded cross-team events such as our Annual Christmas Party, Summer Family BBQ and Teambuilding activities
• Free financial advice
• Employee referral bonus scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Weekly office treats, including breakfast on Monday and pastries on Friday

Responsibilities

• Provide clear technical and aesthetic feedback to external artists, maintaining a consistent high-quality bar for the game.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align external content with the project vision.
• Coordinate with internal artists and production teams to ensure smooth collaboration with external partners.
• Prepare and maintain art briefs, asset packs, and documentation to guide external development teams.
• Contribute to art style guides, development pipelines, and best practices, working with wider art and engineering teams to resolve risks and improve workflows.
• Participate in art reviews, ensuring clear and actionable feedback is communicated to external teams.
• Partner with concept artists and art direction to ensure reference material provided to external teams is clear, detailed, and production ready.
• Apply established visual benchmarks to guide external partners in meeting the studio’s quality expectations.
• Create and iterate on high-quality character models, materials, clothing, hair, and accessories as required to support production and external development needs.

Requirements

• Excellent spoken, written, and visual communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex tasks, instructions, and technical issues to external partners.
• Strong ability to work from detailed concept art and reference materials when supporting external teams.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, adhere to asset organisation standards, and follow established pipelines.
• Proficient understanding of art development workflows including high-to-low poly modelling, lighting, and PBR material authoring, with the ability to apply established best practices that minimise visual issues and bugs.
• Understanding of game engine tools, pipelines, and technical limitations (memory, GPU, CPU performance).
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to anticipate challenges, overcome setbacks, and identify effective solutions.
• Willingness to travel when required to support external development.

Equal Opportunities Statement

Dambuster Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Anyone considering their next step in their career journey with Dambuster will receive consideration without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity or paternity, or membership in any other legally protected category. We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees, and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to apply.

We operate a transparent recruitment process that removes barriers for those who require reasonable adjustments. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment or onboarding process, or if you are successful in securing a position with us, please let us know what we can do to ensure your success.

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