Lead VFX Artist - Studio Elevation (Remote within the UK)

As a Lead VFX Artist at nDreams Studio Elevation, your main responsibilities encompass leading a team of VFX artists while collaborating closely with the Art Director to establish visual effects that align with the game’s vision. You'll be responsible for planning and delivering high-quality effects, implementing them according to technical constraints, and enhancing player experiences through innovative visual storytelling.

To excel as a Lead VFX Artist at nDreams, you'll need strong skills in software such as Photoshop, Unreal, and Maya, as well as real-time engine experience. Having expertise in creating VFX blueprints, dynamic systems, and a fundamental understanding of VR performance constraints is crucial. Leadership experience and an ability to provide constructive feedback are also essential for guiding your team effectively.

At nDreams, the team dynamics for the Lead VFX Artist role involve collaboration with supportive art team members, design, and Graphics Programmers. You are not just a leader but also a mentor who fosters creativity and shared goals. You'll be working in a fully remote setup, which encourages communication and teamwork through modern collaboration tools.

As a Lead VFX Artist at nDreams, you'll work on exciting projects that prioritize innovative VR content. With a title nearing release and another in the pipeline, you will have the opportunity to influence the visual narrative and polish each game, resulting in experiences that captivate users in immersive environments.

At nDreams, the Lead VFX Artist will benefit from flexible work hours, duvet days, dedicated personal development time, and various wellness benefits. This position also includes an excellent holiday offering, pension scheme, health insurance, life cover, and social opportunities, all aimed at ensuring work-life balance and personal growth.

In developing a visual effects language, I start by collaborating with the Art Director and team to understand the game’s core themes and aesthetics. Then, I focus on creating effects that complement gameplay and elevate the user experience. By iterating on designs and integrating feedback from team members, I craft a cohesive VFX style that aligns with the game's vision.

My mentoring process involves consistent one-on-one sessions where I provide feedback and guidance on projects. I encourage open communication and create opportunities for team members to showcase their work and ideas. By fostering an environment of collaboration, I ensure that new artists feel supported and empowered to develop their skills.

One common challenge in VR is maintaining high performance while delivering stunning visuals. I address this by optimizing effects, ensuring they fit within the performance constraints without compromising quality. Regular testing and iteration with a focus on user experience help streamline the process and enhance overall performance.

My experience with real-time engine VFX creation spans various projects where I utilized Unreal Engine to create blueprints and dynamic systems. I focus on developing particle systems and shaders that are both visually compelling and efficient. Understanding how to balance technical constraints with creative vision has been key to my success.

I regularly follow industry blogs, participate in forums, and attend workshops or webinars focused on VFX and game design. Networking with other artists and engaging in creative communities helps me stay informed about emerging technologies and trends that I can apply to my work.

My approach to collaboration involves clear communication and setting shared goals. I ensure that all team members understand the project requirements and deadlines. Regular check-ins and discussions about the VFX implementation process allow us to address challenges quickly and work more efficiently together.

To create a sense of immersion, I like to focus on effects that enhance the narrative and gameplay experience. Techniques like layering effects for depth, utilizing environmental elements, and crafting adaptable VFX that respond to player actions all contribute to a richer experience that pulls players into the game environment.

I view constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth. When I receive feedback, I take time to understand the perspective behind it and assess how I can apply it to improve my work. This open-minded approach helps me develop stronger relationships with peers and enhances my skills as a VFX artist.

My proudest achievement has been leading the VFX team on a project that received industry recognition for its innovative visual effects. This experience taught me not only about the technical aspects of VFX but also how to inspire and motivate a team, resulting in an outcome we all could be proud of.

I am excited about the opportunity to work with nDreams Studio Elevation because of its commitment to innovation in VR and the chance to create captivating experiences. I admire the studio's focus on teamwork, diversity, and creating accessible games, aligning with my values and aspirations as a Lead VFX Artist.