Concept Artist - Games and Visual Development

Contract · Remote · Commission-based

Dirk Interactive is looking for experienced Concept Artists to help shape the visual identity of an unannounced PC game.

The project is an action-oriented hybrid-genre game developed in Unreal Engine 5. Further details will be shared with qualified candidates under NDA.

We are looking for artists with a strong creative voice, curiosity, and the ability to bring unexpected ideas into a coherent visual world. Your work should demonstrate both imagination and the judgment to develop an idea into something other artists can build upon.

Working closely with the Art Director and Game Director, you will explore the game’s visual language and develop selected concepts for in-game production and promotional artwork. We welcome artists with a clear specialty as well as those comfortable working across several subjects.

Responsibilities

• Explore visual ideas through sketches, thumbnails, studies, and alternative designs.
• Develop selected ideas into clear concepts that communicate form, colour, materials, atmosphere, and character.
• Contribute original ideas while responding thoughtfully to the game’s direction.
• Work with the Art Director and Game Director to refine concepts through discussion and feedback.
• Produce supporting views, details, or callouts when needed for production.
• Create paintovers, mood pieces, or promotional illustrations where appropriate to your strengths and the agreed brief.
• Deliver organized source files and communicate clearly about progress and scope.

What we are looking for

• A portfolio demonstrating professional concept-art work and a distinct artistic voice.
• Strong fundamentals in drawing, composition, perspective, form, colour, and lighting.
• Evidence of your design process, including how you explore and resolve an idea.
• Professional client or studio experience, with a clear explanation of your contribution.
• Ability to create designs that support a larger visual identity.
• Ability to interpret feedback, explain creative decisions, and work independently.
• Reliable communication and delivery.

Especially valuable

• Strength in environment, character, prop, or other relevant design disciplines.
• Experience translating concepts into useful references for 3D artists.
• Strong paintover and visual-storytelling skills.
• Experience combining 2D and 3D tools during concept development.
• Familiarity with Unreal Engine or real-time game production.
• Experience developing both production concepts and finished promotional artwork.

Unreal Engine experience is welcome but is not required for this role.

Engagement

• Remote, commission-based contract work.
• Each piece or package is selected and briefed by the Art Director or Game Director.
• Scope, fee, schedule, review rounds, and deliverables are agreed before work begins.
• Initial work is anticipated from September through mid-December 2026, with potential for further commissions as the project develops.
• International applicants are welcome, with availability for occasional discussions during Pacific Time working hours.
• An NDA and contractor agreement are required before confidential project materials are shared.

Application

Please include:

• Portfolio.
• Résumé or a brief overview of professional experience.
• Availability, location or time zone, and your usual commission pricing or rate expectations.
• Portfolio required. Please identify your contribution to collaborative work and share only material you are authorized to disclose. Password-protected portfolios are welcome.