VFX Artist at Insomniac Games
Company: Insomniac Games
Location: United States (Remote)
Job Type: Contract
Salary: $75 – $90 USD per hour
About the Role
Insomniac Games is seeking a skilled VFX Artist to join their team on a contract basis. In this role, you will be responsible for creating high-quality visual effects that enhance gameplay, environments, and cinematics. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver immersive and optimized real-time FX for modern game development.
Job Overview
The VFX Artist will design, implement, and optimize real-time particle effects using both 2D and 3D elements. This position requires a strong understanding of computer graphics fundamentals, artistic skills, and proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Maya, Houdini, and Photoshop.
Key Responsibilities
- Create and implement real-time particle effects using static and animated 2D/3D elements.
- Develop and place visual effects across gameplay, environments, and cinematics.
- Create FX textures including color, normal, specular, ambient occlusion, height, and emissive maps.
- Design FX shaders using node-based shader networks.
- Create simple geometry and UV layouts for FX assets.
- Optimize visual effects for performance, including frame rate and memory usage.
- Collaborate with developers and artists to ensure seamless integration in the game engine.
- Contribute to and maintain the overall artistic style of the game.
- Coordinate layered FX events with proper timing to achieve believable scenes.
- Work with external vendors, including preparing outsourcing briefs and documentation.
- Maintain professionalism in communication, feedback, and production workflows.
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of professional experience or equivalent education and training.
- Proficiency in Maya and Houdini, including keyframing, rigid body simulations, joints, locators, and UV mapping.
- Strong experience with Photoshop for texture creation and editing.
- Experience with node-based shader networks.
- Solid understanding of computer graphics fundamentals and artistic principles.
- Strong animation timing and visual storytelling skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
- Strong observational skills and ability to use reference materials effectively.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience and training.
Benefits
- Competitive hourly pay based on experience and location.
- Access to medical, dental, and vision benefits.
- Opportunity to work with a leading game development studio.
- Collaborative and creative remote work environment.