Animator in Manizales, Caldas at Blind Squirrel Games

At Blind Squirrel Games, making great games is only the beginning. Blind Squirrel Games is a proud, independent studio that joins forces with developers and publishers seeking an innovative partner in creating quality games. At BSG, our people are our purpose, so we prioritize an inquisitive, proactive, and collaborative work environment for all our Squirrels.

Our people are central to our success, and we foster a dynamic, curious, and collaborative environment where individuals are empowered to take initiative and make a meaningful impact.

With studios in Irvine, California; Austin, Texas; Auckland, New Zealand; and Manizales, Colombia, we bring together global talent to build premium, cutting-edge games. Guided by the Blind Squirrel Way, our teams operate with a strong sense of ownership, accountability, and collaboration to continually raise the bar.

This is a full-time, temporary position based in Manizales, Colombia, with a fully onsite requirement at our studio campus.

Role and Responsibilities

Blind Squirrel Games (BSG) is seeking a talented and motivated Animator to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in 3D animation, with proficiency in keyframe animation, motion capture, and game development pipelines.

The Animator will work closely with cross-functional teams to create high-quality animations that elevate gameplay experiences and storytelling. This role requires creativity, technical knowledge, strong communication skills, adaptability, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality character animations using Maya, Blender, or 3DS Max, ensuring animations meet technical and artistic requirements.

• Implement keyframe animation techniques to create dynamic and believable character performances, with attention to weight, timing, and posing for compelling storytelling and to ensure realism and immersion in gameplay.

• Integrate motion capture data into character animations using MotionBuilder, ensuring accuracy and realism.

• Direct and supervise motion capture sessions to capture high-quality performances.

• Clean up and refine motion capture data to remove artifacts and ensure seamless integration into the game.

• Collaborate with programmers to integrate custom animation features and functionality into the game engine.

• Work within established game development pipelines to deliver animations on schedule and according to technical specifications.

• Maintain animation assets using version control systems such as Perforce, ensuring assets are properly tracked and backed up.

• Document animation processes, techniques, and best practices for internal reference and knowledge sharing.

• Generate innovative animation ideas and solutions that enhance gameplay experiences and storytelling. Demonstrate creativity in character movement, expressions, and interactions.

• Effectively communicate with team members, including artists, designers, and programmers, to understand project requirements and provide updates on animation progress.

• Collaborate with colleagues to exchange ideas, provide feedback, and resolve animation-related issues.

• Adapt to evolving project needs, timelines, and feedback from stakeholders by adjusting animation styles, techniques, and priorities as necessary.

• Quickly learn and adapt to new software tools and technologies as they are introduced into the production pipeline.

• Identify and address animation challenges, such as technical limitations, character rigging issues, or performance constraints, to ensure timely and high-quality deliverables.

• Prioritize animation assignments based on project requirements and resource availability to optimize productivity and workflow efficiency.

• Actively participate in team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and reviews to contribute ideas, share feedback, and foster a collaborative environment.

• Stay updated on industry trends, techniques, and best practices in animation through self-study, training, and participation in relevant workshops or conferences.

• Actively listen to feedback and constructive criticism from peers, leads, and supervisors.

• Demonstrate agility in implementing feedback by swiftly incorporating suggested revisions into animations, ensuring that adjustments are made efficiently without compromising quality or artistic vision.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

• 2+ years of professional, independent experience as an Animator.

• Portfolio that demonstrates a solid grasp of visual aesthetics and technical sensibility.

Preferred Skills

• Proficiency in 3D animation software (Maya, Blender, 3DS Max).

• Experience with motion capture data integration and cleanup using MotionBuilder.

• Familiarity with game development pipelines and version control systems (e.g., Perforce).

• Strong understanding of keyframe animation techniques and principles.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to new challenges.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

• Attention to detail and a passion for creating high-quality animations.

• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.

• Willingness to continuously learn and stay updated on industry trends.

Blind Squirrel Entertainment, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Eligibility for benefits and perks may vary based on position, employment status, and location.

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