3D Character Artist

Lightfold Games · Atlanta, GA Lightfold is a creator-first entertainment studio bringing fans and creators together to build original worlds across animation, comics, games, and more. We believe great stories come from giving talented people the freedom, ownership, and support to do their best work, then inviting audiences to come along for the ride. Now, we’re building Lightfold Games . Come in on the ground floor, we're hiring to bring our 3D game development and asset production in-house and create a team that can help define not only this game, but what Lightfold Games becomes. These are hybrid positions based in Atlanta, GA (Old Fourth Ward) , with health benefits. We’re looking for collaborative, ambitious people who want the rare opportunity to get in early, help establish how a new studio works, and build something from the beginning. Our first game: building a co-op horde shooter with a stylized look tied to a 2D cartoon. We're hiring the full founding team at once, 11 roles in parallel, so we can move all 3D asset production in-house. Role Description We're looking for two 3D Character Artists to model our player characters and monster roster, translating 2D cartoon designs into finished 3D models. One position focuses on the player roster, the other on the zombie/monster catalog. The 3D Character Artist role at Lightfold is a full-time hybrid position based in Atlanta, GA, with flexibility for some work-from-home days. In this role, the artist will design and create high-quality 3D character models for animation, comics-related visuals, and game projects, ensuring characters are visually compelling and aligned with the creative vision. Day-to-day responsibilities include developing character concepts, modeling and texturing characters, collaborating with game and animation teams, and iterating on feedback from art directors and other stakeholders. The artist will work closely with storytellers and designers to translate narrative ideas into expressive character art, maintain consistent style across projects, and prepare assets for integration into game engines or production pipelines. This role also involves optimizing models for performance, keeping files organized, and contributing to a supportive, collaborative studio culture. Details Sculpt and model characters from 2D concept references Stay faithful to the source cartoon's art direction Work closely with our Technical Animators/Riggers on topology and deformation needs Iterate with the Technical Artist on shading and material application Must Have Qualifications Strong sculpting and modeling skills (ZBrush, Maya, or equivalent) Experience translating 2D/stylized concept art into 3D A portfolio with character work, creature work, or both More Qualifications Strong skills in Character Designs and Character Art, with a portfolio demonstrating expressive, stylized, or realistic character work. Proficiency in 3D Modeling for characters, including topology suitable for animation and game use. Experience with Texturing, including UV mapping and creating materials for real-time engines or offline rendering. Understanding of Game Development workflows and pipelines, and ability to prepare assets for engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine. Practical experience with industry-standard 3D tools (e.g., Maya, Blender, ZBrush) and texturing software (e.g., Substance Painter, Photoshop). Ability to interpret creative direction, incorporate feedback, and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. Strong sense of anatomy, proportion, silhouette, and visual storytelling through character design. Excellent time management skills and the ability to balance multiple projects in a hybrid work environment. Relevant education or training in 3D art, game art, animation, or a related field is preferred, or equivalent professional experience.