Senior Environment Artist

Keywords Studios

2d•Remote

About The Position

Keywords Studios is seeking a Senior Environment Artist to join their Create service line in Japan. This role involves creating high-quality, visually compelling environments and assets that align with the project's artistic direction and storytelling. The artist will develop assets optimized for real-time game engines, collaborate closely with the Art Director and cross-functional teams, and ensure assets meet performance and technical requirements. The position also includes mentoring junior artists and contributing to pipeline improvements. Applicants must be residing in Japan with valid work authorization.

Requirements

Extensive experience as a 3D Artist within the video game industry, with a strong portfolio showcasing high-quality real-time game assets.
Proficiency in industry-standard 3D software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, 3ds Max, ZBrush, Substance Painter, and related tools.
Strong understanding of modelling, sculpting, UV mapping, texturing, lighting, composition, anatomy, form, colour theory, and material creation.
Experience creating optimized assets for modern real-time game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
Strong understanding of PBR workflows, topology, performance optimization, and technical limitations across multiple gaming platforms.
Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, communicate ideas effectively, and incorporate feedback throughout production.
Knowledge of game development pipelines and the ability to adapt artistic styles to suit various game genres and target platforms.
Fluent in Japanese and with a high degree of English language proficiency.
Currently residing in Japan and possess valid authorization to work in Japan.

Nice To Haves

Passion for gaming and a strong understanding of market trends, player expectations, and gaming cultures across PC, Console, and Nintendo platforms.
Experience successfully guiding and communicating with other art teams to ensure artistic vision and asset quality are maintained from concept through to final in-game implementation.

Responsibilities

Create high-quality, visually compelling environments.
Produce environment assets that align with the project’s artistic direction and storytelling.
Demonstrate creativity and the ability to adapt to various game styles and graphic styles.
Develop assets optimized for real-time game engines.
Work closely with the Art Director to maintain the overall art direction.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams throughout the production pipeline to ensure artistic consistency and quality.
Participate in reviews, feedback sessions, and iterative development processes.
Ensure assets meet performance, memory, and platform-specific requirements across all gaming platforms.
Apply strong understanding of topology, UV mapping, PBR workflows, and optimisation techniques.
Maintain consistency in quality while adhering to technical constraints and engine limitations.
Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, tools, and workflows.
Contribute ideas and improvements to pipelines and production processes.
Continuously push the visual quality and innovation of game art production.
Provide guidance, mentorship, and constructive feedback to junior and mid-level artists.
Support collaboration across internal teams and external vendors to maintain consistent asset quality.
Contribute positively to team culture and artistic growth within the department.