Website Wushu Studios
Wushu Studios Job Overview
- Company Name : Wushu Studios
Job Type : 6-Month Contract (Immediate Start with Permanent Potential)
- Location : Liverpool, England (Hybrid/Remote Friendly)
- Experience Level : Mid-Level (3+ Years Experience)
- Primary Software : ZBrush, Autodesk Maya, Substance Painter
- Game Engine : Unreal Engine 4/5
Wushu Studios has quickly become one of the most respected names in the North West development scene. Founded by industry veterans, the studio is known for its incredible work-life balance and high-profile co-development partnerships. Taking a 3D character artist job in Liverpool at Wushu means joining a team that prioritizes “Anti-Crunch” culture while delivering top-tier visual fidelity for some of the world’s biggest gaming franchises.
Below is the comprehensive professional breakdown of this 6-month contract role.
Salary & Compensation Table (UK Market 2026)
Wushu Studios offers competitive rates for its contract roles, often aligning with or exceeding the standard Liverpool market rates to ensure they attract the finest talent in the UK.
| Experience Level | Annual Equivalent (GBP) | Estimated Day Rate (Contract) |
| Junior Character Artist | £32,000 – £45,000 | £160 – £210 |
| Mid-Level Character Artist | £48,000 – £65,000 | £230 – £340 |
| Senior Character Artist | £68,000 – £88,000+ | £360 – £525 |
| Lead / Principal Artist | £95,000 – £120,000+ | £575+ |
Detailed Responsibilities: The Character Pipeline
As a Mid-Level Character Artist at Wushu, you will be a key contributor to an exciting new title. Your workflow will bridge the gap between artistic expression and technical performance.
1. High-End Sculpting & Modeling
Concept Realization: Transform 2D concept art into fully realized 3D hero characters and creatures.
Organic & Hard-Surface: Demonstrate versatility by sculpting realistic human anatomy in ZBrush while modeling intricate hard-surface elements (armor, weapons, tech) in Maya.
Prop Design: Create character-related accessories and secondary props that add depth and “lived-in” detail to the character’s design.
2. Technical Execution & Optimization
Topology Mastery: Deliver clean, animation-ready topology. You understand how edge loops must flow to allow for realistic deformation in the face and joints.
UV & PBR Texturing: Utilize Substance Painter to create high-quality PBR materials, ensuring consistency with the project’s lighting and shader requirements.
Platform Efficiency: Optimize high-poly sculpts into efficient in-game meshes that maintain visual “wow-factor” while adhering to strict performance budgets for PC and Console.
3. Collaboration and Feedback
Team Integration: Work closely with the Animation and Technical Art teams to troubleshoot deformation issues and ensure characters are “rig-friendly.”
Directorial Review: Present your work to the Lead Artist and Art Director, incorporating feedback effectively through rapid iterations.
In-Engine Implementation: Use the Unreal Editor to set up materials, manage LODs, and check assets under various lighting conditions.
Professional Qualifications
Wushu Studios is looking for a blend of technical expertise and a “team-first” mentality.
The Technical Core
Expert Software Skills: Professional proficiency in ZBrush and Maya is non-negotiable.
Texturing Standards: A deep understanding of Physically Based Rendering (PBR) and a mastery of the Substance suite.
Topology Awareness: A proven track record of creating assets that deform beautifully under the rigors of modern character animation.
Unreal Engine: Familiarity with UE4/UE5 pipelines, particularly with the Material Editor and importing workflows.
The Artistic Eye
Physical Expression: An intuitive understanding of how a character’s physicality, clothing choices, and subtle facial expressions convey their personality.
Attention to Detail: A focus on the “micro-details”—the stitching on a jacket, the wear on a blade, or the subtle wrinkles of the skin.
Collaborative Spirit: Strong communication skills and a desire to contribute to a positive, ego-free studio environment.
The Wushu Studios Benefits Package
Wushu is famous for its “people-first” philosophy. Contract staff enjoy many of the perks that make the studio a destination for veteran talent:
Holiday & Time Off: 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (pro-rata for contract), plus a dedicated Christmas shutdown.
Flexibility: Flexible working hours to fit your lifestyle and a Birthday Day Off.
Summer Vibes: Take advantage of 4 half-day Fridays during the summer months.
Well-being: Weekly Yoga classes, an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and a studio-wide Anti-Crunch ethos.
Perks: Referral Bonus Scheme, Bike2Work Scheme, and regular studio social events.
Why Liverpool?
Liverpool is a historic titan of the UK gaming industry. By taking a 3D character artist job in Liverpool, you are following in the footsteps of legends. The city offers a vibrant, affordable, and incredibly creative environment where developers from all major studios mingle and collaborate.
Application Requirements
Wushu Studios is looking for an artist to start immediately. To ensure your application stands out:
Portfolio Excellence: Show us your characters in a “Game Ready” state. Include high-poly sculpts, low-poly wireframes, and final textured renders.
Texture Breakdowns: Display your individual PBR maps (Albedo, Normal, Roughness, etc.) to prove your technical understanding of materials.
Anatomy Focus: Include at least one piece that demonstrates a strong grasp of human or creature anatomy without clothing.
Please submit your portfolio and resume to the Wushu Studios recruitment portal.
To apply for this job please visit wushustudios.com.