At least 6 years experience in major film/effects or game production and currently in a senior role, and has shipped at least 2 AAA titles
Champion of quality; delivers high quality on time
Proven leadership and effective interpersonal skills skills
Able to clearly create, succinctly describe, and powerfully present a vision for visual style for an entertainment product to executives and to individual team members
Able to keep the vision intact on a daily basis through constant review and adjustment of the art production outputs
Solid written and verbal (including presentation) skills; ability to express ideas clearly and directly. Ability to create a Visual Style Guide
Excellent problem solving skills
Proficient in the toolsets used by artists; Maya, 3D Studio Max, Photoshop, After Effects, Etc.
Expert in all aspects of particular path; strong understanding of more than one related path
Capable of balancing a project's creative and visual requirements within schedule, budget and staff limitations
A passion for interactive entertainment and moving this medium forward
UNDERSTANDING:

Understanding of how game-play and real time issues can affect overall Art Direction
Design process and methodology and how it is integrated into game production
Storytelling and how it applies to gaming
Craftsmanship and continuity
Pre-production for most aspects of a video game
Demonstrated understanding of storytelling and design process as well as an ability to integrate them while ensuring that high production values are never compromised
RESPONSIBILITIES:

Researches and designs concepts for the following areas: characters, creatures, environments, storyboards and overall look and feel of the game
Defines visual direction and production standards for project to support games market goals
Mentors more junior staff to ensure high performance
Defines tasks and contributes to schedule
Conducts critiques with a clear and consistent direction to Art team
Creates design strategies for products while maintaining integrity of licensed IP and licensor style guides
Helps to identify problems that can be addressed visually and provide solutions in whatever appropriate form
Accountable for quality and delivering on time
Sets quality standards for project
Works to keep Art team effective, focused and motivated for the duration of the project/game
Creates and propagates processes necessary to carry vision
PREFERRED

Experience effectively using Normal Mapping and Pixel Shaders in a game
Experience with the Unreal Engine 3 or comparable engines
Experience creating games for console, especially Xbox 2
Experience working with outsourced Art vendors

Please submit resume to tommy@ascendisolutions.com