
Avalanche Studios Group is embarking on an ambitious new journey, and we are looking for a visionary Art Director to lead the way. This is a rare, high-impact opportunity to join a project as it transitions from prototyping into pre-production. In this role, you won’t just be maintaining a style; you will be the architect of a brand-new visual identity, helping to build a team from the ground up and shaping the soul of a new IP for years to come.
Located in the creative heart of Stockholm, you will join a studio renowned for “Worlds Beyond Limits.” If you thrive in environments that challenge your creative boundaries and reward technical excellence, this is the definitive next step in your career.
Job Overview & Quick Reference: Art Director
| Category | Details |
| Company Name | Avalanche Studios Group |
| Position Title | Art Director |
| Job Type | Permanent Employment |
| Location | Stockholm, Sweden (Södermalm) |
| Work Model | Hybrid (Onsite: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays) |
| Project Phase | Prototyping transitioning to Pre-Production |
| Department | Development – Art Leadership |
| Salary Range | Competitive / Based on Seniority & Experience |
| Technical Stack | Unreal Engine, Maya, ZBrush, Photoshop |
| Relocation | Not available for this specific role |
As our Art Director, your influence will be felt in every frame of the game. You are the guardian of the visual “North Star,” ensuring that the game’s aesthetic is not only breathtaking but also serves the unique functional needs of the gameplay experience. You are a leader who understands that while a beautiful world is essential, an excellent game experience is the ultimate goal.
You will lead a multidisciplinary art team, providing the clarity and inspiration needed to turn abstract concepts into tangible, immersive realities. From the initial sketches of pre-production to the high-stakes pressure of launch and post-launch evolution, you will be the driving force behind the project’s visual legacy.
Visual Vision & Strategy
- Define the Aesthetic: You are responsible for establishing the visual style, tone, and quality bar for the project. You will create a cohesive look that distinguishes the IP in a crowded global market.
- Bridge the Gap: Translate high-level game design goals into concrete visual requirements, ensuring that the art supports the narrative and mechanics.
- Industry Trendsetting: Utilize your deep knowledge of current gaming trends, as well as emerging design requirements and technical limitations, to keep the project at the cutting edge.
Team Leadership & Mentorship
- Build the Team: As we scale from prototype to production, you will play a key role in identifying talent and building a high-performing art department.
- Guidance & Feedback: Provide clear, constructive feedback across various specializations—from environment and character art to VFX and lighting.
- Cultivate Excellence: Foster a culture of creative ambition, where artists feel empowered to take risks while staying aligned with the core vision.
Technical & Creative Oversight
- Engine Integration: Leverage your expertise in Unreal Engine to oversee how assets are rendered, lit, and optimized within the pipeline.
- Outsourcing Management: Act as the primary point of contact for external partners, providing detailed briefs and ensuring that outsourced work meets the internal quality standard.
- End-to-End Execution: Maintain the artistic integrity of the game through all phases of development, ensuring a polished and consistent visual experience upon launch.
We are seeking an artist-leader who balances raw creative talent with the strategic mind of a manager.
Professional Background
- Proven Track Record: You have successfully shipped at least one AA or AAA title in a senior leadership capacity (Lead Artist, Art Manager, or Art Director).
- Communication Mastery: You possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. You can articulate complex artistic critiques in a way that is actionable and inspiring.
- Educational & Technical Foundation: A strong understanding of anatomy, color theory, composition, and visual storytelling is non-negotiable.
Technical Proficiencies
- DCC Tools: Expert-level skills in Maya, Photoshop, and ZBrush (or equivalent industry-standard software).
- Unreal Engine: Deep experience with Unreal’s rendering capabilities, including lighting, VFX, particle systems, render passes, grading, and post-processing.
- Versatility: The ability to provide hands-on support when needed, including creating high- and low-poly props, organic objects (rocks, trees), and architectural elements.
The “Avalancher” Mindset
- Game Design Literacy: You aren’t just an artist; you are a game developer. You understand mission and level design practices and how art impacts the player’s journey.
- Natural/Urban Insight: An expert eye for proportions, form, and detail in both natural landscapes and urban environments.
- Solution-Oriented: You see technical limitations as creative challenges rather than roadblocks.
Our Stockholm office is located in Södermalm, the undisputed heart of the Swedish gaming industry. The office itself is designed to mirror the spirit of our games—where the lush, vibrant greenery of theHunter: Call of the Wild meets the gritty, industrial metal of Mad Max.
Our Hybrid Model is built on the belief that creativity requires both collaborative energy and focused quiet time. By being onsite on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, we ensure that the team remains synchronized and the creative sparks fly during face-to-face interactions, while allowing for flexibility the rest of the week.
At Avalanche Studios Group, we don’t just create open worlds; we strive to create an open workplace. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone—regardless of heritage, gender, or orientation—is treated with respect.
The “No-Checklist” Rule: We know that talented people come from all walks of life. If you are passionate about this role but don’t check every single box in the “requirements” section, apply anyway. We value your drive, your ability to learn, and your unique perspective more than a perfect resume.
- Competitive Salary: Negotiable based on your portfolio and years of leadership experience.
- Permanent Security: A permanent employment contract providing long-term stability.
- Creative Freedom: The chance to define a new IP from its earliest stages.
- Professional Growth: Work alongside some of the most talented developers in the industry in a studio that prioritizes career development.
How to Apply
To begin your journey with Avalanche Studios Group, please register your interest and upload your CV and Portfolio in English.
Important Notes:
1. Continuous Review: We review applications as they come in, so don’t delay!
2. Non-Disclosure: All specific studio and project-related details will be provided under an NDA during the later stages of the interview process.
3. Relocation: Please note that relocation assistance is not available for this role.
Avalanche Studios Group: Let’s create worlds beyond limits together.