nDreams hiring 3D Character Artist, UK

nDreams, one of the world’s most pioneering and established VR development studios, is seeking a visionary Lead or Principal Character Artist to join our Elevation team. As the creators of immersive experiences like Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord and Synapse, we are looking for an artistic powerhouse to set the benchmark for character quality on an exciting new project. This role is a perfect blend of high-level creative leadership and hands-on technical craftsmanship, designed for an artist who wants to shape the “soul” of a project’s cast.

Executive Job Summary: Lead / Principal Character Artist

About nDreams & Elevation

nDreams has evolved from an independent studio into a global leader in the VR space. We are dedicated to creating the most immersive games on the planet, and the Elevation team is at the forefront of this mission. We believe that the best games are made by diverse, happy, and safe teams. Our culture is centered on respect, wellbeing, and balance, ensuring that every artist has the opportunity to bring their most authentic self to work.

The Role: Lead / Principal Character Artist

In this pivotal role, you are not just creating assets; you are defining a visual legacy. You will set the quality bar for character art across the entire project, ensuring that every character—from protagonist to background NPC—is cohesive, visually stunning, and optimized for high performance on target VR hardware.

This position requires a “player-coach” mentality. You will collaborate with directors to shape the artistic vision, while also diving into the production pipeline to refine workflows and mentor the next generation of character artists.

Key Responsibilities and Strategic Goals

1. Artistic Vision & Quality Benchmarking

• Setting the Standard: Establish and uphold a high-quality bar for character art, ensuring every model aligns with the project’s established art direction.
• Visual Direction: In close collaboration with Art Leadership, you will help define the look, feel, and material language of the character roster.
• Consistency Oversight: Review internal and external character assets, providing constructive, actionable feedback to maintain stylistic unity.

2. Pipeline & Workflow Innovation

• Scalable Systems: Lead the development and improvement of character pipelines, focusing on efficiency and scalability.
• Technical Excellence: Work alongside Tech Art and Engineering to ensure characters meet strict performance and platform requirements, particularly for the unique demands of VR.
• Outsourcing Management: Support external efforts by providing detailed briefs, quality checks, and feedback loops to ensure external contributors match internal standards.

3. Leadership & Mentorship

• Team Development: Support and mentor character artists across various experience levels, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing and continuous improvement.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Act as the primary liaison for character art when working with Concept Art, Animation, Design, Narrative, and Tech teams.
• Project Planning: Collaborate with Production to estimate effort, plan milestones, and ensure the character team remains on track for key delivery dates.

Requirements and Candidate Profile

Core Technical Requirements

• Industry Tenure: At least 5 years of professional experience in an art role within the games industry, with a focus on character creation.
• Masterful Portfolio: A high-end portfolio showcasing exceptional skills in character modeling (high and low poly), texturing, and complex material creation.
• Leadership Track Record: Proven experience contributing to or leading the artistic direction for characters on at least one shipped title.
• VR/Technical Awareness: A deep understanding of how to balance high visual fidelity with technical constraints (draw calls, poly counts, texture memory).

Professional Competencies

• Communication: Confidence in articulating artistic concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Workflow Savvy: The ability to design and implement efficient, scalable workflows that empower the whole team.
• Mentorship Mindset: A genuine interest in supporting others’ growth and contributing to a healthy, innovative team dynamic.

“Nice to Have” Attributes

• Experience shipping games across multiple platforms (PCVR, Quest, PSVR2).

• Versatility across different art styles, from hyper-realism to stylized aesthetics.

• Previous involvement in hiring, onboarding, or studio-wide knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Why Join the nDreams Team?

Beyond the opportunity to work on cutting-edge VR technology, we offer a workplace that truly cares for the individual:

• Balance & Wellbeing: We provide flexible working hours, “duvet days” for when you just need a break, and your birthday off as standard.
• Personal Growth: Dedicated time is set aside for your personal development, supported by a generous training budget.
• Financial Security: An excellent pension scheme, life cover, and competitive salary packages.
• Social Culture: Regular socials and a community-driven environment, even for our remote team members.

The Application Process

We want to see the characters you’ve brought to life. Please ensure your application includes a link to your current portfolio or a file showcasing your best work.

Application Contact: Please apply through the nDreams careers portal or contact your recruiter directly. Note on Accessibility: If you require reasonable adjustments during the interview process, please email our recruitment team. We are committed to making our industry accessible to all underrepresented communities.

Working Remotely in the UK

While this role is fully remote, it is limited to candidates currently residing in the United Kingdom. This allows us to maintain a cohesive team rhythm within the same time zone and ensures we can support you with local benefits and equipment. At nDreams, you aren’t just a number; you are a key part of our latest adventure. Help us build the next generation of VR legends!