We’re seeking a highly skilled and imaginative Senior Realistic Character Designer to lead the creation of lifelike digital characters for high-end cinematic, gaming, or VFX projects. This role demands mastery in modeling, sculpting, and texturing, with a strong eye for anatomical accuracy, emotional nuance, and photorealistic detail. You’ll collaborate closely with concept artists, riggers, and technical directors to bring characters to life with authenticity and impact.
Responsibilities:
- Design and develop realistic 3D characters from concept to final production-ready assets.
- Sculpt high-resolution models in ZBrush or equivalent software with anatomical precision.
- Create clean, optimized topology for animation and rigging workflows.
- Develop detailed textures using tools like Substance Painter, Mari, or Photoshop.
- Collaborate with concept artists to interpret and enhance character designs.
- Work closely with rigging and shading teams to ensure seamless integration.
- Maintain consistency in style, scale, and quality across all character assets.
- Mentor junior artists and contribute to pipeline improvements.
Required Skills & Experience
- 5+ years of experience in character design for film, games, or VFX.
- Expert-level proficiency in Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter, and Photoshop.
- Strong understanding of human and creature anatomy, form, and proportion.
- Proven ability to create photorealistic textures and materials.
- Experience with UV layout, displacement maps, and normal maps.
- Familiarity with rendering engines (Arnold, V-Ray, or Unreal Engine).
- Excellent communication and team collaboration skills.
- A portfolio showcasing high-quality realistic character work is essential.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with grooming tools (XGen, Ornatrix) is a plus.
- Knowledge of facial blendshapes and FACS-based workflows.
- Background in traditional art or sculpture is highly valued.
- Leadership experience in a production environment.
