Senior Artist

PlayFirst is an innovative entertainment company that makes video games appealing to everyone. We create engaging story worlds that capture imaginations and we make those experiences available everywhere consumers want to play. PlayFirst teams create outstanding games, then we bring those games to life across popular platforms worldwide including PC, Mac, mobile, handheld, and console. The company's portfolio includes world-renowned titles, such as Diner Dash®, Wedding Dash™, Chocolatier™, Chocolatier®, and Dream Chronicles™. PlayFirst games are available in major retailers and on more than 500 sites in 20 languages.

Founded in 2004 by veterans of Internet portals, traditional games publishers, entertainment software, and technology firms, PlayFirst is funded by Mayfield Fund, Trinity Ventures, Rustic Canyon Partners and DCM. PlayFirst, Inc is headquartered in downtown San Francisco. For more information, visit www.playfirst.com.

Job Description:

The Senior Artist is the perfect position for an intensely creative, highly motivated, and people-oriented, experienced artist. We are seeking someone with a strong background in User Interface (UI) design and on-line social games who can make major contributions to our games. Experience managing artists is essential.

Responsibilities:

• Create conceptual art pieces to define the overall “look and feel” for each game.
• Work with designers to define and create the game's user interface .
• Work cross-functionally with engineers and producers to develop top-quality game assets.
• Work with producers and engineers to design project specifications.
• Manage art flow over multiple projects.
• Interface with external art contractors and art houses.
• Manage and mentor junior artists.

Requirements:

• At least 5 years of experience creating art and animation for games.
• At least 1 year experience in on-line social game development.
• Ability to effectively communicate with a variety of people, such as engineers and producers.
• Proven ability to manage other artists.
• Strong knowledge of Photoshop, Flash and other design-oriented programs.
• Strong knowledge of 3D modeling, rigging, animation and lighting.
• Strong User Interface design skills.

Qualifications:

• College degree in Art, Animation, Design or a related field or work equivalent
• Continued design classes and/or certification a plus.

Benefits:

Core benefits include: health, dental, vision, life/disability, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) and stock options. PlayFirst is located downtown in SOMA right by the financial district (2 blocks from BART) and offers great fringe benefits, including generous vacation/sick time, 10 company holidays, winter break, chair massage, snacks, refreshments, and company-wide "playdates" to test each of our games during the development process.

Salary and level to be determined by experience and education

To apply for this position, please email your resume in a standard Word or PDF document to jobs@playfirst.com and please include the exact job title in the subject line as above.