Lead Concept Artist (Retro Studios)

Nintendo • Austin, TX

3h • Onsite

About The Position

Founded in 1998, Retro Studios is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd., and a powerhouse in game development. Working hand-in-hand with Nintendo, we craft award-winning titles for the company's cutting-edge platforms, blending innovation, artistry, and gameplay excellence. Our home base is Austin, Texas, a vibrant city known for its creative energy, live music, stunning natural scenery, and forward-thinking culture. With year-round sunshine and endless options for outdoor adventures, Austin offers the perfect backdrop for world-class developers to stay inspired, balanced, and at the top of their game.

Requirements

• 8+ years of professional experience in concept art, with at least 2 full product cycles and 1 shipped project in a lead role.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in character and environmental concept design.
• Mastery of 2D art fundamentals including composition, color, lighting, anatomy, and perspective.
• Versatility across a wide range of art styles.
• Proficiency in standard industry tools.
• Excellent communication skills, highly self-motivated, and team-oriented.
• Degree in an art-related field, formal art training, or equivalent experience.

Nice To Haves

• 3D skills (modeling, sculpting, materials, lighting) are a strong plus.
• Experience with project management tools such as Flow or Jira is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Art Director and cross-disciplinary teams to define and execute the visual style of the project.
• Create high-quality concept art across a variety of subjects including characters, environments, and props—from thumbnails to final illustrations.
• Adapt to a wide range of visual styles, from realistic to stylized, based on project needs.
• Own and drive concept development while aligning with Design, Art, and Engineering teams to ensure visual cohesion and innovation.
• Provide contextual visual support for gameplay design throughout development.
• Offer mentorship, guidance, and actionable feedback to internal artists, fostering their growth and career development.
• Partner with Producers to plan, schedule, and manage internal and external concept art resources.
• Advocate for the concept art team within the studio and help define best practices and pipelines.
• Conduct regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and support individual career goals for direct reports.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree