Lead Artist/Character Animator

Firsthand Technology Inc. (formerly Imprint Interactive) is a small-but-growing company in Seattle, Washington. We specialize in creating 3D Serious Games and Virtual Reality simulations for education, research and medical/therapeutic applications. Our list of recent projects includes Virtual Reality simulations to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Iraq War Vets, VR games used for pain control for children in burn centers, and an exhibit for the Smithsonian’s Design Life Now exhibition. As a company, we are dedicated to the idea that people and not machines should be the design focus in technological systems. Our work is research-driven and performed in collaboration with other great minds in Art, Science, and Design whenever possible.

Firsthand is looking for a brilliant and talented Lead Artist and Character Animator to create the artistic vision for characters and environments in a stereoscopic 3D multiplayer game that will be the centerpiece of an NIH-funded exhibit for science centers. This person will lead a small art team and work closely with our top-notch research team and outstanding exhibits designers and fabricators. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator who will find synergy in the collaboration with other amazing artists, scientists, and technologists.

Artist work will include:

• Collaboration with the research, design, and technology teams to create a visual style that will resonate with the target audience.
• Design of compelling characters and their creation in Maya or Max.
• Character and facial animation in Maya or Max.
• Modeling and lighting environments in Maya or Max.
• Exporting 3D content to a real-time graphics engine (Virtools).
• Supervising a small art team (initially one or two artists, but potentially growing).

Requirements:

• 5+ years experience in modeling and texturing objects and environments and rigging and animating characters using Maya or Max.
• Experience directing the work of other artists.
• An excellent portfolio, long on character development and detailed design.
• Good knowledge of the constraints and techniques of real-time 3D art.
• Excellent traditional art skills.
• A track record of successful projects.
• MFA in an associated field (or BFA plus equivalent experience).

Pluses:

• Knowledge of Maya/Max art pipelines.
• A solid understanding of stereoscopy and what to do with it.
• Console game experience.

Firsthand offers full benefits and competitive salary commensurate with experience. Please send a resume and cover letter to artjobs08 at firsthand dot com. Principals only. Please do not contact us about other services, products or commercial interests.

Local Applicants Preferred

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

print-friendly pdf version