Storyboard Artist

Crystal Dynamics is constantly seeking the best gaming talent worldwide to add to our 30-plus year legacy of game development creating new and iconic franchises. We are committed to making great games with great people and living the dream while doing it.

Benefits for our regular full-time positions include, but are not limited to, a competitive regional salary, 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance options, professional development reimbursement, flexible hybrid on-site/off-site work opportunities, 12 company paid holidays, plus additional paid days in December when the studio is closed for holiday break, and the ability to accrue additional paid time-off.

Join us and shape the future of an amazing studio culture committed to creating award-winning franchises like Tomb Raider, the next Perfect Dark, and more!

Crystal Dynamics is looking for a Storyboard Artist [3 month, full-time, project-based] to join our team. This role is pivotal in translating scripts and narrative concepts into captivating storyboard sequences, playing a key role in the visual storytelling of our AAA game projects. Utilizing your artistic prowess and cinematic insight, you will effectively bring to life the emotions, actions, and ambiance of our game narratives. Collaborating closely with the animation team and directors, your skills in drawing, composition, and cinematic techniques will be critical in visually conveying the story of our games.

As a Storyboard Artist, you will:

• Transform written and verbal directions into dynamic storyboard sequences and animatics.
• Confidently pitch storyboard sequences to leads and directors during daily reviews and formal presentations.
• Revise storyboards, animatics, and related materials as necessary to align with the creative vision of the project.
• Develop detailed asset diagrams and camera plans to accurately illustrate character positioning and scene layouts.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure a seamless translation of 2D sequences into 3D previsualizations.
• Enhance the storyboard processes and methodologies within the team, contributing to the department's overall improvement.

To be considered for this role, we require the following:

• A portfolio that includes storyboards or sequential art, ideally showing Live Action realism, and, if available, illustrations or photography. The ideal portfolio will demonstrate:
  • Excellent draftsmanship skills, with emphasis on perspective and anatomy.
  • Understanding of the principles and practices of cinematography and has a strong sense of cinematic timing.
  • A keen eye for composition, mood, and lighting.
  • Purposeful placements of cameras and lenses for a diversity of effects.
  • Wide range of rendering skills, from thumbnail sketches to full color panels.
• Proficiency with Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere, or similar software.
• Excellent verbal and visual communication skills; specifically the ability to pitch the ideas effectively.
• Recognition of the importance of feedback in refining work to enhance the final product.
• Strong independent time management skills, with the ability to deliver high-quality work on schedule.
• A passion for advancing cinematic storytelling standards in AAA games.

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

• Knowledge of basic animation principles and cinematic pipelines.
• Familiarity with 3D software.
• Understanding of AAA game cinematic pipelines.

It'll be a bonus if you also have:

• Previous experience in a AAA studio environment.
• Experience or understanding of Unreal Engine.

The pay range listed for this role includes the hourly rates for this project-based position.

Individual compensation is determined by work location within our approved states or regions, as well as additional factors, including job related skills, experience, and relevant education.

Your recruiter will be able to share more information about total compensation.

Not sure if you are qualified? We hope that you will still choose to apply so we may review your application!

Crystal Dynamics is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to identifying and implementing positive and persistent measures to ensure equal opportunity in the recruitment, hiring, development, training, promotion and compensation of a diverse team employee group. This includes persons of different race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity or gender expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding, genetic characteristic, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, political affiliation, age, veteran status, uniform service member status, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship, as well as any other classifications protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

By submitting an application, you acknowledge that you have read and understand Crystal Dynamics’s Privacy Notice available at https://www.crystald.com/legal/privacy/.