Character Artist I

Locations: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Role ID

211730

Worker Type

Temporary Employee

Studio/Department

EA Studios - SPORTS

Work Model

Hybrid

Electronic Arts creates next-level entertainment experiences that inspire players and fans around the world. Here, everyone is part of the story. Part of a community that connects across the globe. A place where creativity thrives, new perspectives are invited, and ideas matter. A team where everyone makes play happen.

EA SPORTS is one of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world, with top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning interactive technology, fan programs, and cross-platform digital experiences. EA SPORTS creates connected experiences that ignite the emotion of sport through industry-leading sports video games, including Madden NFL football, EA SPORTS FC soccer, NHL hockey, and EA SPORTS UFC.

Your Responsibilities

The character artist plays an important role in top-tier video game creation. In the context of our games, they create the cast of characters that populate the game universe. Our character artists are dynamic and efficient modelers with sculpting and texturing skills – able to create outstanding content with an imagination that is constantly in motion. We create amazing character models based on scan data, photo references or traditional 3D means.

Committed to supporting our games with the creation of amazing Content, the EA Sports Characters team enriches players' experience with a cast of characters and a variety of character accessories such as full body outfits, hair and headgear. You will report to the project Development Director.

Your Qualifications

• Experienced with 3+ year of industry character creation production
• Experience in high-fidelity 3D modeling / sculpting techniques, along with high-poly to low-poly surface/detail baking.
• Experience in Maya, Z-Brush and Photoshop.
• Experienced with Xgen and/or Ornatrix for strand hair creation.
• Experienced creating card hair from photo reference and strand.
• Experienced with hair and cloth simulation.
• Experience in physical materials and how to replicate them in CG.
• Knowledgeable of PBR texture / material workflows.
• Experience with your ability to author photo-realistic textures (Substance Painter / Designer experience is a plus).
• Experienced in working with content-driven game engines (e.g. Unreal, Frostbite, Unity).
• Visualize in three-dimensions and work from limited reference material / concept art
• Experienced in creating game resolution topology with considerations for deformation and rigging.
• Knowledgeable in the creation of cloth and clothing and how you should match the character style.
• Expert in high-fidelity 3D modeling / sculpting techniques, along with high-poly to low-poly surface/detail baking.
• Efficient in use of UV layout, and ability to edit for highest visual payoff.

Portfolio Requirements:

• Examples of high quality strand hair creation, ideally in a realistic style.

• Photo-real character modeling and texturing – hair, clothing, anatomy, and likeness. showing UV layout and all maps.

• Concept to model experience is a plus.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The ranges listed below are what EA in good faith expects to pay applicants for this role in these locations at the time of this posting. If you reside in a different location, a recruiter will advise on the applicable range and benefits. Pay offered will be determined based on a number of relevant business and candidate factors (e.g. education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, or business needs).

PAY RANGES

* British Columbia (depending on location e.g. Vancouver vs. Victoria) *$75,900 - $105,600 CAD

In British Columbia, we offer a package of benefits including vacation (3 weeks per year to start), 10 days per year of sick time, and extended health/dental/vision coverage and basic life insurance.

About Electronic Arts

We're proud to have an extensive portfolio of games and experiences, locations around the world, and opportunities across EA. We value adaptability, resilience, creativity, and curiosity. From leadership that brings out your potential, to creating space for learning and experimenting, we empower you to do great work and pursue opportunities for growth.

We adopt a holistic approach to our benefits programs, emphasizing physical, emotional, financial, career, and community wellness to support a balanced life. Our packages are tailored to meet local needs and may include healthcare coverage, mental well-being support, retirement savings, paid time off, family leaves, complimentary games, and more. We nurture environments where our teams can always bring their best to what they do.

Electronic Arts is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, family status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will also consider employment qualified applicants with criminal records in accordance with applicable law. EA also makes workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law.