Creature Artist

About the company

Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) is an independent game studio founded in 2012 by Chris Roberts. Backed by a crowdfunding community, the team is focused on creating ambitious next-generation AAA games and pushing creative and technical boundaries in the industry. The studio places strong value on imaginative thinking, innovation, and a workplace that welcomes talent from many different backgrounds.

Role overview

CIG is seeking a Creature Artist to help shape the unusual beings that exist in its expanding game universe. In this role, you will design, sculpt, and texture highly detailed creatures that support both storytelling and gameplay. You will work alongside concept artists, animators, riggers, and technical artists to turn ideas into polished sci-fi characters ready for production.

Key responsibilities

• Partner with art direction and concept teams to create original creature ideas aligned with the game’s visual style and story.
• Convert 2D artwork into detailed 3D models and sculpts, while contributing ideas to improve the design.
• Produce high-resolution digital sculpts with strong attention to anatomy, structure, and surface detail.
• Create efficient low-poly assets suitable for real-time game engines.
• Develop textures, materials, and shaders that convincingly represent skin, fur, scales, feathers, and other creature surfaces.
• Keep assets consistent with the project’s overall art direction.
• Coordinate with animation and rigging teams to ensure models deform well and support believable movement.
• Integrate assets into the engine while balancing visual quality with performance constraints.

Required experience and skills

• A strong portfolio showing creature design ability, anatomy knowledge, and sculpting/texturing work.
• Hands-on experience with common 3D production tools such as ZBrush and Maya.
• Practical knowledge of texturing software such as Substance Painter, Substance Designer, and Photoshop.
• Good understanding of anatomy, animal physiology, and biomechanics.
• Awareness of real-time game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Clear communication and teamwork skills for cross-functional collaboration.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience creating grooming, hair, or fur using tools such as XGen or Ornatrix.
• Knowledge of creature rigging and deformation for animation.
• Training or background in traditional art, life drawing, or sculpting.

Diversity and workplace values

CIG says it is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that respects different backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. The company aims to foster an environment where people can bring their individuality to work and contribute to a team that reflects a broad range of experiences.

Fraud warning

The company warns that fraudulent offers may be sent by impostors using fake websites, email addresses, or social media accounts. It does not request personal details such as bank information or identification numbers through chat-based apps or social media, and it does not ask candidates to send money for business equipment. Anyone who suspects fraud is advised to contact local authorities and notify the company by email.

Additional note

CIG says candidates who enjoy ambitious growth, collaborative work, and a highly driven team culture may find the environment a strong fit.