CHARACTER ARTIST SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Updated: Nov 12, 2024 - The Character Artist possesses advanced skills in sculpting, modeling, UV layout, and texturing, leveraging tools like ZBrush, Maya, and Mudbox to create expressive human characters. The expertise extends to creating clean topology for optimal surface deformation, using Substance Painter for in-game PBR materials, and developing engine shaders. With a keen understanding of the production constraints and an eye for current trends, the artist effectively documents and communicates their processes, ensuring seamless integration into game engines like Unreal 4 Editor.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Character Artist Resume
  • 3D Modeling
  • Texturing
  • Sculpting
  • UV Mapping
  • Rigging
  • Animation
  • Digital Painting
  • Software Proficiency
  • Lighting and Rendering
  • Character Design
  • Creativity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Time Management
  • Communication
  • Team Collaboration
  • Problem Solving
  • Adaptability
  • Continuous Learning
  • Patience
  • Critique Acceptance

Summary of Character Artist Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Animation with 5 years of Experience

  • Passionate about 3D content creation and all things that are game-related
  • Expert knowledge of 3ds Max, ZBrush, Substance Painter, Photoshop
  • Strong understanding of anatomy
  • Expert in high-poly and low-poly modeling
  • Expert texturing skills - strong knowledge of various texturing workflows from stylized hand-painted to realistic textures
  • Proficiency in physical-based material (PBR) generation pipelines
  • Ability to interpret 2D concepts/sketches correctly when creating 3D models
  • Understanding of the production requirements related to rigging and shader production
  • Knowledge of Substance Designer, 3D Coat, Marvelous Designer and Marmoset Toolbag
  • Strong adaptability to various game art styles
  • Broad knowledge of the visual arts (animated films, games, character design, industrial/automobile design, comics, photography, etc.)

2. BA in Fine Arts with 6 years of Experience

  • Portfolio demonstrating real-time character artwork to a high standard
  • Exceptional level of high-polygon character modeling in ZBrush and extensive knowledge of 3D packages such as 3ds Max or Maya.
  • Excellent Photoshop and Substance Painter texturing skills, targeting PBR and real-time engines
  • A good understanding of technical considerations for character creation
  • The ability to communicate with technical team members
  • Must have excellent attention to detail
  • The ability to work within an established art style
  • Organized, efficient, independent, and self-critical as well as a team player
  • A self-motivated team player, with good communication skills
  • Familiarity with the entire real-time character creation pipeline including high-poly sculpting, retopology, UV mapping, texture baking, texture creation, cloth creation techniques, setting up and exporting to game

3. BA in Graphic Design with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience as a character artist, 3D modeler, or character animator 
  • Demonstration of adequate skill via impressive reel/portfolio
  • Proficiency with Maya and ZBrush
  • Proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, After Effects)
  • Experience with SolidWorks or other CAD modeling software 
  • Working experience with 3D printing
  • Ability to create clean and organized character topology
  • Knowledge of Maya rigging, skin weighting, and constraint systems and ability to create clean hierarchies
  • The ability to pose and sculpt characters
  • Knowledge of UV creation and layout methodology

4. BA in Digital Media with 2 years of Experience

  • Working knowledge of texture creation and shader types
  • Strong knowledge of animation principles with a focus on real-world performance limitations
  • Flexible and adaptive to multiple modeling practices
  • Ability to repurpose high-resolution sculptures into usable polygonal and CAD-based models
  • Ability/desire to quickly learn new software and develop tools to enhance workflow
  • The willingness to ‘own’ a project from start to finish
  • Comfortability giving direction and critiques to others
  • Willingness and ability to accept multiple rounds of critique and edits quickly and with a good attitude
  • Motivated team player who can work quickly in a deadline-driven environment with minimal direction
  • Organized team player with good communication and time management skills

5. BA in Game Design with 7 years of Experience

  • Excellent artistic eye for human proportions, shape language, composition, and lighting
  • Create photo realistic/ Stylized real-time game character models including UVs and textures
  • The ability to sculpt and create materials for AAA quality, photo-realistic/ Stylized characters in a PBR workflow
  • Specific experience with facial modeling, blend shape and cloth creation in MD.
  • The ability to rig, weigh, and set up controls and interfaces for character
  • Basic experience with scripting, and in creating/writing shaders
  • Prepare character assets for export to game engines, as well as set up within the game engine.
  • Working with game engine experience
  • Experience working with Scan/photogrammetry workflow
  • Thorough understanding of character art pipelines with excitement to push for next-gen techniques.
  • Knowledge of traditional art skills (figure drawing, landscape, animals, composition, perspective, etc.)

6. BA in Computer Graphics with 6 years of Experience

  • A high level of proficiency in sculpting, modeling, UV layout and texturing of characters
  • Experience working with technologies such as ZBrush, Maya and Mudbox
  • Experience in creating clean topology for character surface deformation
  • Documentation skills and the ability to communicate your processes to others
  • An understanding of how human characters express themselves through their physicality, clothing, expression and personal style
  • Awareness of current industry trends and techniques
  • Experience with Maya and LOD/retopologising process.
  • Understanding of the compromises and constraints inherent in the production of in-game art
  • Experience in Substance Painter or similar tools for creating in-game PBR materials
  • Expertise working on and developing engine shaders
  • Working experience in Unreal 4 Editor
Relevant Information
Character Designer Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements
Character Rigger Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements
Character Animator Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements