Principal Concept Artist (Character) - VALORANT

As a Character Concept Artist at Riot, you will bring characters and creatures to life. Drawing inspiration from as little as a napkin sketch or as much as a full-blown narrative concept, you will generate ideas and craft designs that are resonant, compelling, and iconic. As a problem solver, first and foremost, you will help come up with visual solutions for game concepts.

As a Principal Character Concept Artist on the VALORANT team, you’ll be responsible for designing characters that fit the thematics and tone of the game, while helping to define a unique interpretation of the IP that fits within our genre and gameplay needs. You’ll partner with the Art Director and character art leaders as you work across disciplines to shape the visual identity of new characters. You will also collaborate closely with designers, writers, and producers to bring these characters to life through strong, story-driven design.

Responsibilities:

• Build, sketch, ideate, and iterate new character concepts in collaboration with other developers

• Craft detailed concept art and orthographics for 3D artists and animators to implement into working game assets

• A visual storyteller, able to design visual reads and details that breathe life into a character and communicate the core fantasy and persona in original ways that successfully push the boundaries of the VALORANT IP

• Creatively solve problems and figure out efficient solutions on executing the look and feel of the character

• Hold the Creative Vision and drive other discipline to build characters that are cohesive in their visuals, narrative, and gameplay

• Take your skillful knowledge of story tropes, archetypes, and narrative devices of all kinds to help improve the designs that go into our worlds.

• Bring your deep understanding of human and animal anatomy and know how to stretch the limits while still maintaining a consistent art direction.

• Mentor and support concept artists on your team through your craft

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in the video game industry as a Character Concept Artist

• 5+ years of experience working with Photoshop or other relevant painting/design tools

• Mastery of human and animal anatomy, color theory, value, and silhouette.

• A portfolio demonstrating not just high-quality stylized artwork, but the ability to solve complex design challenges (e.g., functional clothing, mechanical components, or unique silhouettes).

• Ability to transform creative briefs into a range of initial ideas and iteratively strengthen designs throughout the full development lifecycle.

• Experience mentoring other artists and working cross-functionally with 3D, Animation, and Narrative teams to bring a character from concept to ship.

• Exceptional skill in synthesizing contemporary styles and global trends into unique IP-specific aesthetics to drive character identity and visual storytelling.

Desired Qualifications:

• Shipped a AAA title as a Character Concept Artist

• Experience working as a Character Concept Artist on an FPS title

• Ability to create 3D proxies/blockouts or paint over 3D models as part of your visual design process.

For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise, a collaborative spirit, and decision-making that prioritizes the delight of players. We will be looking at your past studies, experience, and your personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about players' experiences, this could be your role!

When submitting your application, please provide a portfolio of your high-quality concept art - including stylized artwork.

Our Perks:

Riot has a focus on work/life balance, shown by our open paid time off policy, in addition to other perks such as flexible work schedules. We offer medical, dental, and life insurance, parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner and children, and a 401k with company match. Check out our benefits pages for more information.

At Riot Games, we put players first. That mission drives every decision in our quest to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player. Whether you’re working directly on a new player-facing experience or you’re supporting the company as a whole, everyone at Riot is part of our mission. And just like in our games, we’re better when we work together. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective everyday. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, we’re looking forward to your application.

It’s our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and members of Riot Games, Inc. Riot Games makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the Washington Fair Chance Act.

Per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the following core duties may create a basis for disqualifying candidates with relevant criminal histories:

• Safeguarding confidential and sensitive Company data

• Communication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minors

• Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networks

• Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters

These duties are directly related to essential operations, safety, trust, and compliance obligations within our organization. Please note that job duties may evolve based on business needs and additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to maintain operational efficiency and security.