Contract Indie Game Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cupertino, California, United States Software and Services

Sneaky Sasquatch, one of Apple Arcade's most beloved original games, is a wholesome, open-world sandbox that has captured the hearts of millions of players across every age group. With a devoted fanbase and a universe full of untapped creative potential, Apple is building a team to carry Sneaky Sasquatch into its most ambitious and expansive chapter yet.We are looking for a Sr. Game Artist whose style and sensibility are right at home in the world of Sneaky Sasquatch, and who takes pride in building great art. This is a hands-on, individual contributor role on a small, focused team with an indie spirit and the full backing of Apple. This is a rare opportunity to be one of just two artists shaping the entire visual world of the game, working directly alongside the original creators of Sneaky Sasquatch to bring new features and updates to life.You'll help guide the visual direction of the game and create art directly, from early concepts to finished in-game assets. In doing so, you'll help define what it means for Apple to build games, and bring fresh ideas for the content and experiences that will delight players around the world.

As a Sr. Game Artist on the first party games team, you will act as a trusted extension of the creative vision for Sneaky Sasquatch, developing a deep understanding of what makes its world feel magical and consistent, and guiding art across the project to that standard. You'll be a hands-on contributor with 2D and 3D asset creation, from characters and vehicles to props and environments. You'll also carry that vision through paintover feedback, reviews, and clear creative input, whether the work is coming from an outsource partner, a collaborating studio, marketing and editorial, or your own hands.

• Create 2D (vector) and 3D assets, including characters, vehicles, props, and buildings, from a tropical surf shack on the beach to relatable and lovable NPC characters, holding a high bar for craft and consistency with the established look of Sneaky Sasquatch.
• Lead the day-to-day execution of our art direction, building a deep understanding of what makes the world feel magical and consistent, and holding every piece of art, from our co-development partner's work to marketing and editorial assets, to that same exacting standard.
• Define and refine the team's art pipeline, from tools and workflow to handoffs between concept, production, and technical art, so the process scales as the team grows.
• Support technical art tasks, such as asset integration, lighting, or shader and performance work, as needed alongside engineering.

• 7+ years of professional experience as a game artist, with deep comfort working in Adobe Illustrator producing 2D vector art, alongside strong 3D art fundamentals, and the artistic judgment to uphold visual direction and maintain consistency across a project, backed by a portfolio that demonstrates strong 2D vector illustration and 3D craft on shipped titles.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential, along with the initiative to move production forward independently.

• An artistic style and sensibility that fits naturally with the tone of Sneaky Sasquatch, wholesome, charming, and full of personality.
• Experience giving art direction or leading visual consistency across a team on a shipped project.
• Concept art ability, helping visualize new ideas before they move into production.
• Experience with character animation.
• Experience optimizing assets to perform well across a range of platforms with different performance and feature capabilities.

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $184,700 and $277,600, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.

Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace

Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.