Lead Concept Artist (Retro Studios)

RETRO STUDIOS:

Founded in 1998, Retro Studios is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd., and a powerhouse in game development. Working hand-in-hand with Nintendo, we craft award-winning titles for the company's cutting-edge platforms, blending innovation, artistry, and gameplay excellence.

Our home base is Austin, Texas, a vibrant city known for its creative energy, live music, stunning natural scenery, and forward-thinking culture. With year-round sunshine and endless options for outdoor adventures, Austin offers the perfect backdrop for world-class developers to stay inspired, balanced, and at the top of their game.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:   

• Collaborate with the Art Director and cross-disciplinary teams to define and execute the visual style of the project.
• Create high-quality concept art across a variety of subjects including characters, environments, and props—from thumbnails to final illustrations.
• Adapt to a wide range of visual styles, from realistic to stylized, based on project needs.
• Own and drive concept development while aligning with Design, Art, and Engineering teams to ensure visual cohesion and innovation.
• Provide contextual visual support for gameplay design throughout development.
• Offer mentorship, guidance, and actionable feedback to internal artists, fostering their growth and career development.
• Partner with Producers to plan, schedule, and manage internal and external concept art resources.
• Advocate for the concept art team within the studio and help define best practices and pipelines.
• Conduct regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and support individual career goals for direct reports.

*This job description outlines primary duties and requirements and is not intended to identify all tasks that may be performed; individuals occupying the position may be required to perform other duties.  The company may modify job duties from time to time, either in practice or in writing.

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS:  

• 8+ years of professional experience in concept art, with at least 2 full product cycles and 1 shipped project in a lead role.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in character and environmental concept design.
• Mastery of 2D art fundamentals including composition, color, lighting, anatomy, and perspective.
• Versatility across a wide range of art styles.
• Proficiency in standard industr