Cloud Chamber hiring Senior Character Concept Artist, Canada

At Cloud Chamber, we are not just making a game; we are continuing a legacy. Our mission is to create BioShock experiences that move people—evocative, immersive, and deeply meaningful stories that resonate long after the credits have finished rolling. We believe that great games are the result of radical collaboration and a culture that empowers artists to do their best work.

We are looking for a Senior Character Concept Artist to join our Montréal-based team. In this role, you will be a visionary architect of the “look and feel” of the next BioShock universe. You will be responsible for ideating and defining the stunning, stylized characters that will inhabit our world, pushing the boundaries of visual art direction while ensuring every design serves the narrative and gameplay goals.

Job Summary

What You’ll Do: From Spark to Specification

As a Senior artist, your role is a blend of pure creative exploration and technical precision. You are the bridge between a writer’s description and a 3D modeler’s mesh.

1. High-Fidelity Conceptualization

You will create detailed, stylized character art concepts that define the visual identity of our world. Your deliverables must provide sufficient clarity and detail to serve as the definitive reference for the Character Art team, ensuring there is no ambiguity during the 3D production phase.

2. Iteration and Visual Problem Solving

The BioShock aesthetic is complex and unique. You will:

• Quickly iterate on detailed line art designs to find the perfect silhouette and costume.
• Sketch explorative thumbnails in both 2D and 3D to test various proportions and vibes.
• Create detailed paintovers for 3D visualizations to help the modeling team push the limits of the character’s design in a real-time environment.

3. Narrative and Gameplay Integration

Character design at Cloud Chamber is never “just for show.” You will:

• Partner with the Narrative team to ensure characters reflect the world’s history and themes.
• Collaborate with the Design team to explore how character silhouettes and proportions impact gameplay pacing and player readability.
• Storyboard key character interactions or pitches to help the wider team visualize emotional beats and action sequences.

4. Supporting the Pipeline

Beyond the character sheet, you will:

• Assist in creating marketing art and high-end 2D assets for in-game use.
• Proactively identify visual or pipeline bottlenecks before they affect the production schedule.
• Continuously propose visual innovations that evolve the Art Direction within the project’s technical constraints.

What We’ll Do Together

We are champions of progress. At Cloud Chamber, you will work in a constructive environment where Design, Art, Narrative, and Engineering meet. We will bridge the gap between artistic vision and technical limitations by staying current on the latest industry technologies. Together, we will ensure that every environmental and character concept supports the “BioShock feel” while remaining functional for a world-class AAA game.

Skills & Experiences: The DNA of our Artists

The Essentials

• Education: A Degree in Fine Art or equivalent professional experience.
• Industry Tenure: 5+ years of professional experience in game development, with at least one shipped AAA title in a Concept Art role.
• Anatomical Mastery: Excellent fundamentals in human and animal anatomy, even when applying stylized proportions.
• Stylistic Versatility: The ability to faithfully recreate popular and commercial art styles from multiple historical eras while innovating fresh, new ideas.
• Software Proficiency: Expertise in 2D illustration packages, specifically Photoshop and Illustrator.
• AAA Pipeline Knowledge: A deep understanding of how concept art feeds into the larger production pipeline, specifically for 3D character modeling and rigging.

The Bonus Points

• 3D Skills: Proficiency in 3D modeling packages (Maya, 3ds Max, ZBrush, etc.) to help block out concepts or create 3D thumbnails.
• Animation Knowledge: An understanding of how character designs will eventually move and deform.

Who You Are: A Force Multiplier

We aren’t just looking for a portfolio; we are looking for a teammate.

• A Solid Communicator: You can articulate complex visual ideas clearly and deliver constructive, empathetic feedback to your peers.
• A Positive Force: You seek opportunities to integrate your work across disciplines, contributing to a supportive and healthy team environment.
• Resilient and Adaptable: You maintain high standards of quality even under pressure or when priorities shift in a fast-paced development cycle.
• An Active Listener: You build trust-based relationships and navigate organizational complexity with tact and emotional intelligence.
• A Proactive Owner: You drive your tasks forward autonomously while maintaining a critical eye for detail and organization.

Language & Location Requirements

Cloud Chamber Montréal is a multicultural hub. To ensure success:

• French Proficiency: Required for local collaboration and integration within the Quebec-based studio environment.

• English Proficiency: Required to effectively collaborate with our partner teams based in the United States and other global offices.

Why Join Cloud Chamber?

• The Project of a Lifetime: Work on one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed franchises in gaming history.
• Creative Freedom: Join a studio that values “learning through play” and encourages artistic risk-taking.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive salary, health insurance, and retirement plans through the 2K network.
• A Culture of Ownership: Every artist at Cloud Chamber is an owner of the project’s quality and success.
• The Montréal Life: Work in a city known for its world-class gaming ecosystem, incredible food, and vibrant cultural scene.

How to Apply

We want to see your vision. Please submit:

1. A Portfolio: Showcasing your stylized character designs, line art iterations, and high-fidelity concept pieces.

2. A Resume: Highlighting your AAA experience and technical skills.

3. A Brief Cover Letter: Telling us why BioShock inspires you and how you contribute to a positive team culture.

Cloud Chamber is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, or disability status.