Environment Concept Artist

Dreaming of working on a brand new IP at a profitable and established studio? Swordmonkey is seeking an experienced Environment Concept Artist/Illustrator to join our Art Team on a Contract basis!

We focus on developing narrative games with excellent gameplay, with our new unannounced project blending exceptional storytelling, humour and quick action-based gameplay. We want to make the world laugh while enjoying an exceptionally fun game. If you want to be part of the adventure, read on for more details and shoot us an email!

The Game

The game is currently in the Pre-Production Phase (you will have a massive influence over how it develops!). It is an unannounced project that is a whimsical and playful take on the action role-playing genre; a mix of "Ni No Kuni", "Secret of Mana" and "Paper Mario: Color Splash" that is heavily inspired by locations throughout the province of Alberta; with a sprinkle of satire about Canadian life. The humour for this game can be best compared to the "Red Green Show"; dry and literal.

You

• Familiarity with Canadian landscapes and natural environments
• Understanding of Canadian cultural elements and excited to incorporate them into designs
• Excellent communicator
• Knowledge of fantasy art conventions and ability to subvert them
• Want to be elbow-deep in helping create a new IP

Responsibilities

• Work with the Project Manager, Art Director and Executive Producer to brainstorm and create a vibrant high-fantasy world where the Canadian influences bleed through
• Take part of world building to help shape the direction and future of our new IP
• An ability to produce appealing landscape compositions that showcase distinct vibes
• Proficiency in drawing natural biomes and older architecture is a plus
• Ability to work in a painterly style, and tackle exaggerated shape language like those in cartoons and mobile games
• Solid fundamentals in forms, lighting, and textures
• Bring your own unique vision and life experiences, helping craft our creative vision
• Collaborate with Art Directors in the creation of concept art and complete tasks in a timely manner

Need to Have

• You are a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident or have an open work visa. We are not accepting candidates that do not meet this requirement
• A love of secondary-world high fantasies
• Ability to accept and execute on constructive criticism and feedback
• A collaborative mindset! Descriptors former colleagues should use to describe you: kindness, empathy, ownership

Nice to Have

• A love for TV shows like "The Red Green Show", "Corner Gas" and "Monty Python"
• Previously shipped commercial game titles
• An educational background in design/art that serves as a foundation for your work
• Experience producing concepts or assets for games
• A love for Japanese-styled role-playing games (JRPGs)
• We have a preference for candidates that live in the Province of Alberta

Selection Process

Here is our process for selecting the Environment Concept Artist:

• We will collect applications until we develop a shortlist of 5-10 portfolios
• Short interview with our Art Director
• If chosen to proceed, we will then send you a Contributor Agreement for a Paid Art Test. This should take no more than 5 to 10-hours.
• Final Decision!

Compensation

This is a part-time, estimated ~20-hours per week contract role. Our budget range for this contract is between C$22,480 - C$34,056. We pay per hour, invoiced twice a month.

Work Location

We are a fully remote studio, and don't intend to change. You are free to work anywhere within Canada. If you prefer to work on-site, we can arrange collaboration days if that is what you prefer.

Diversity and Inclusion

Be human. Be you.
Our approach to diversity and inclusion is simple: we embrace the human. Every person has something to teach and every person has something to learn. We expect every person working at, or with, Swordmonkey is always comfortable being who they are. We will actively work to ensure everyone has an equitable working environment where they can thrive.

Apply

To apply, send an email to June Lo with the following:

• Your resume
• Your portfolio, with a focus on environment art showing diverse styles
• Your expected rate per hour

Style Reference

Fun Stuff