ATOMHAWK IS HOME
TO ONE OF THE WORLD’S
LARGEST IN-HOUSE
TEAMS OF SPECIALIST
DIGITAL ARTISTS

Current Openings

Description
A variety of Seniority levels are available including extra responsibilities such as mentoring or leading projects.
Atomhawk is looking for talented concept artists who have a passion for environment design (an interest in mood and lighting would be advantageous). You’ll be working on a large variety of exciting titles that range from realistic to stylized art on a range of upcoming AAA videogame titles.
No formal training is required but an eye-catching portfolio is a must. We’re looking for personalities who will fit our culture of innovative creativity and collaborative problem-solving.
We’re very interested to see initial ideas and sketches along with your final rendering quality. The ability to bring character, personality and story telling to your designs is a must for this role, so please include your most creative pieces in your portfolio to show us what you can do!
If this interests you, we encourage you to send us your portfolio and show us what you’d bring to our flock.
Portfolio Requirements
Please download and read our portfolio guide , which provides detailed guidance on what we look for in artist portfolios. Download the guide from http://atomhawk.com/s/Atomhawk_Portfolio_Guide.pdf
Artists at Atomhawk work on a variety of projects alongside their team members. We work at all stages of visual development, from early concepting through to production and marketing. We work with leading brands including WB Games, XBOX Game Studios, 2K, EA and Zenimax, helping shape the visual design of the games of tomorrow.

We look for the following things in people who want to join our team:

  • Quality at all stages of the process – Creation of artwork that is well presented and defined from sketch through to final polish. You can see examples of our finished work on our website.
  • Design thinking – Solving creative problems through innovative design, balancing form and function.
  • Technical skill – Fluency in Photoshop and an understanding of complimentary software and tools.
  • Art fundamentals – A strong grasp of colour, light, composition, anatomy, perspective and depth.
  • Variety and iteration – The ability to provide multiple creative options, then iterate upon them as projects progress.
  • Adaptability – Switching quickly and fluidly to new requirements and processes when required.
  • Working to a brief – Understanding creative briefs, then considering elements such as context, timescales and creative constraints when solving tasks.
  • Time management – Creation of high-quality work within allocated timescales.
  • Collaboration – Receptive to taking feedback and working together with team-mates and clients.
Welcome to Atomhawk!
We are Atomhawk Canada (part of the Sumo Digital Group), an award winning visual development studio in Vancouver, Canada focused on delivering industry leading art & design development services to the biggest names in the AAA video game industry. Atomhawk’s vision is to lead the creative service industry by delivering cutting-edge creative conceptualization, visualization, and realization in a way that makes everyone believe in the unbelievable. We’ve built an inclusive, supportive culture built on trust, collaboration, and mentorship, and we’re searching for more visionary explorers to join our team and bring their diverse skill-sets and experiences to a wide variety of projects that will come together to define the future of the video game industry! 
 
If you’re thinking about embarking on a new adventure and like the sound of what we do, please send us your resume and portfolio for the opportunity to add your voice and talents to our team. 
 
Art at Atomhawk Canada  
We are driven by a burning passion to learn, grow, and deliver the most creative and engaging art and design possible, utilizing the latest tools and technologies to maximize our efficiency and deliver stunning results for our clients across every stage of a project. We live and breathe every aspect of the craft together, and we are there to support and encourage each other to ensure everyone regularly reaches new heights in their capabilities and contributions to the team. 
A Principal Environment Concept Artist at Atomhawk Canada is an expert in their craft and is capable of inspiring and mentoring others through the production of stunning art and design. As a creative specialist, your expertise, guidance, and mentorship will be critical to the studio’s success, and your artwork will act as a benchmark in the studio for others to follow. 

As a Principal Environment Concept Artist at Atomhawk, you will:

  • Drive the creative vision as an individual contributor, but also exemplify the Hawk values of honesty & accountability. 
  • Lead by example in the hands-on production of AAA quality artwork across a variety of different genres and styles, inspiring others on the team to follow. 
  • Inspire, guide, and mentor other artists, both through your own work, and by providing artistic feedback/direction on theirs when required. 
  • Engage with clients on calls to review/discuss project progress, showing a deep understanding of their creative needs, expectations, and timelines. 
  • Work with production to define strong plans for your projects and processes, ensuring they are set up for success and result in the delivery of AAA art. 
  • Support the recruitment of additional high-quality artistic talent for the studio. 
  • Work with art leadership to periodically assess our art creation methodologies, assess new tools/technologies and industry trends that may help to boost our quality and efficiency. 

What you bring:

  • A passion, determination, and proven track record of being able to produce stunning AAA artwork. 
  • The ability to produce compelling art for Realistic / Sci-Fi properties while also displaying some agility in other genres and art styles. 
  • Highly efficient workflows that allow you to maximize your time and consistently deliver compelling work to both quality and budget. 
  • An expert ability in the use of both 2D and 3D tools to produce AAA artwork. 
  • Experience mentoring and guiding other artists in a supportive, positive way. 
  • Experience working directly with clients in the creation of AAA concept art. 
  • The ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced creative environment. 
  • An open mind to continue learning, challengingyour own and the teams’ knowledge and expertise. 
  • No ego, just confidence in your abilities as a creative specialist! 

You may also bring:

  • An educational background in design/art that serves as a foundation for your work. 
  • Experience/skill in designing and producing art outside of environments (characters, props, weapons, vehicles, etc.). 
  • Experience in producing art using game engine technology (e.g., Unreal Engine 5). 
  • Experience in utilizing 3D tools as part of your workflow. 

We believe real talent’s worth nurturing, so alongside structured career development and training pathways for all staff, we prioritise positive work-life balance.

Our job is to support the production of great artwork and foster a collaborative culture that inspires, to make ongoing learning and the fun of creativity part of everyone’s journey with us.

Values & Culture

Atomhawk begins and ends with its people. Our extraordinary team allows us to achieve feats which would be impossible alone. We commit collectively to giving everyone the creative freedom to grow, as artists and as people.

Our differences make us better professionally and culturally; they’re to be celebrated and they’re a strength. By setting ourselves the highest standards for planning and precision, and staying not just up to date, but one step ahead, we make sure our work is exceptional, every time.

We take training and development seriously. Everyone should be moving forward, pushing the limits of their potential. Our structured career development pathway is linked to a grading system. Monthly one-to-ones, plus biannual appraisals help staff progress and map out future plans.

Everyone has at least eight training days annually, and all staff work on training and development objectives throughout the year, some of which are set by management, some by individual team members. Our management and leadership teams provide structured support on defined training tasks.

Read more about Atomhawk’s Career Progression on our Career Resources page.

We’re upfront about what we look for in applications. Our comprehensive Portfolio Guides Resource provide full guidance, but remember:

  • Show us only your best, most high-quality work
  • Provide accompanying images that demonstrate your thought processes for at least three artwork.
  • Focus on your key areas of interest like design, ideation, variation, exploration, sketches, and breakdowns

Portfolio Guides:

02/11/23 – Atomhawk Vancouver is committed to pay transparency in our hiring process as well as to maintain internal pay equity. We are currently implementing our pay transparency plan and will post our salary bands on all Vancouver studio job postings effective December 1, 2023.

We know applying for jobs can be overwhelming, but we don’t want that to stop us finding you. We’re transparent about our recruitment process so that all candidates, at all levels can prepare for their interview with confidence.

  • Application review – We’ll review your application, previous experience and/or portfolio, and reply to you. If you’re unsuccessful, we encourage you to check out the wealth of free education available on our Career Resources directory.
  • Get to Know – If we’re considering you for the position, you’ll be invited to an online interview with our hiring manager and department lead. This typically lasts 1 hour, and it’s a chance to chat about your application, ambitions, and experience.
  • Filling in the gaps – If there are any key elements we couldn’t see in your portfolio or CV, you may be asked to take a test.
  • Second interview – We may hold a second interview so additional members of the team can meet you. This is also a great chance for you to ask us any extra questions you might have.
  • Offer – If you’re successful, you’ll receive an offer of employment via email. Unsuccessful candidates at this stage will receive an email with personalised feedback.

Creativity thrives through diversity, not conformity. Every Atomhawk applicant and employee is afforded space and freedom to be their true self, with no fear of prejudice or persecution. During the application process, you won’t be judged on your name, your gender, your sexuality, your ethnicity, your age, your religion, or any other factor unrelated to your ability to do the job.

Our managers undertake mandatory EDI training and are committed to making our workplace more inclusive for underrepresented team members, including through the implementation of reasonable adjustments. This is a workplace where all employees feel safe, welcome, and represented.

 

Atomhawk offers a comprehensive system of rewards and benefits. These are made up of financial, support, development, and fun incentives. We invest and add to these each year, as the company develops.

This is in addition to cutting edge studio facilities, award-winning projects, and a world-class studio culture, according to Best Companies.

  • Flexible hours and hybrid working options
  • Annual bonus scheme linked to profit and individual performance
  • Annual pay increases
  • Freedom to freelance policy for artists
  • All-staff referral bonus scheme up to £3,000
  • Eight days a year of paid training and development
  • An extensive library of tutorials/courses
  • 21 paid holidays per year that increases to 25 per additional year of service, plus public holidays, along with your birthday and Christmas Eve off
  • Money allocated to each staff member for ‘flexible benefits,’ to spend on a choice of benefits or take as additional pay
  • Enhanced maternity/paternity and adoption pay
  • Critical illness cover, death in service benefit and dental cover
  • Mental health support via the Employee Assistance Programme – confidential 24/7/365 helpline and app
  • Access remote GP, mental Health, Physiotherapy appointments & medical second opinions
  • Electric car and cycle to work schemes
  • Pension and salary sacrifice scheme
  • Support relocating to the UK and Visa sponsorship
  • Transfer scheme from UK to Canada studio, and vice versa
  • Match funding for charity donations and payroll giving scheme
  • Unlimited drinks and snacks (including healthy options!)
  • Christmas, summer and wrap parties along with employee long service awards
  • Flexible hours and hybrid working options
  • Annual bonus scheme linked to profit and individual performance
  • Freedom to freelance policy for artists
  • Eight days a year of paid training and development
  • An extensive library of tutorials/courses
  • Extended health & wellness benefits
  • 5% RRSP employer matching
  • 21 paid holidays per year that increases to 25 per additional year of service, plus public holidays
  • $300 health & fitness annual reimbursement
  • Monthly and quarterly team activities (cinema trips, lunches/dinners, go karting, arcades etc)
  • Free snacks and drinks in the studio

Our Studios

UK

In the centre of North East England’s art scene, on the Gateshead quayside, the studio is flanked by galleries and theatres, live music venues, pulsing nightlife, and eclectic shopping. Newcastle’s three minutes on foot, the beach is 15 minutes by Metro, and (it’s a cliché but it’s true) the people are super friendly.

Canada

In the heart of Vancouver, where the skyscrapers are overshadowed only by snow-topped mountains, our studio sits amid bars and restaurants, art, and music venues. Known for its sheer liveability, the seaport city boasts an enviable mix of urban refinement and the awe-inspiring natural world.

Advance

A truly hybrid team working remotely and with a home base in Leamington Spa, Advance use technology to innovate what we know about visual development in games. Forward thinking is at the core of what they do, empowering our clients and teams through UI/UX Development and Technical Art.

Our Awards