Head of Art

Summary

Join FuturLab, an award-winning game studio, as their Head of Art, where you'll be responsible for shaping the studio's artistic vision and leading strategic discussions. You'll guide teams to success, ship multi-format games with stunning visuals, and foster a strong creative culture. This role requires 10+ years of experience in 3D game art, proven leadership skills, and a track record of shipping successful games. You'll also need technical proficiency in industry-standard tools and a deep understanding of procedural workflows and optimization.

Requirements

• An artist at heart. You have 10+ years of experience in 3D game art, with a strong track record of combining artistic vision with leadership, always staying connected to the creative process
• Proven leadership. You've led teams, inspired others, and navigated the challenges of scaling art teams and production pipelines
• Track record of success. You've shipped multi-format games from start to finish and have experience delivering high-quality art direction
• Technical proficiency in industry-standard tools. Expertise in software such as Blender, Photoshop, Substance Suite, ZBrush, and Unity
• Understanding of procedural workflows and optimisation. Familiarity with shader development, asset pipelines, automation tools, and emerging technologies
• Vision and pragmatism. You know how to balance ambitious creative goals with a practical approach to production and problem-solving

Responsibilities

• Define and execute FuturLab’s artistic vision. Develop and roll out an art direction for new IP and support existing multi-format games with established visual styles, ensuring consistency and high-quality execution
• Focus on the big picture while staying detail-oriented. You know when to dive deep into artistic details and when to step back – and help others do the same!
• Foster a strong creative culture. Build an environment of collaboration, innovation, and artistic excellence where teams can level up and thrive
• Build and lead world-class art teams. Recruit, develop, and retain top talent across the spectrum from 3D through to VFX and technical art while managing and mentoring art leads across all disciplines
• Collaborate across disciplines. Work closely with design, tech, and production teams to align delivery with studio goals
• Ensure artistic excellence. Oversee the quality, consistency, and technical execution of art across all projects
• Leverage and refine art tools and pipelines. Work with technical artists and engineers to improve workflows, optimise performance, and enhance creative efficiency
• Strategic leadership ability. Contribute to leading the studio, not just the art team

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in supporting content production Live Services PC/Console games
• Experience managing teams that deliver in a remote working environment

Benefits

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
• Performance related bonus
• Bi-annual salary reviews based on your performance
• Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm (No weekends, No overtime, No Crunch!)
• Opportunity to work from home (UK only), out of our Brighton office, or hybrid
• 21 days annual leave + 9 Bank Holidays, which includes our very own FuturLab Bank Holiday!
• 2 Duvet Days. (No questions asked)
• Extra day off for your birthday
• Studio closure over the Christmas period
• 5 paid training and 2 paid volunteer days per year to work on your personal development
• Opportunities to attend and speak at gaming events/conferences
• Free MS Game Pass or PS+ subscription
• Free game codes, game swag and merchandise
• Bike2work scheme
• Enhanced Maternity - 9 months full pay (statutory benefit topped up by FL)
• Paternity leave - 8 weeks full pay
• Enhanced Sick Pay
• Enhanced Pension
• Private Healthcare, includes dental and optical cover
• Remote therapy service through Spill -8 x 50-minute virtual sessions over 6 months whenever you need them. Unlimited ‘ask a therapist’ text questions
• Eye tests & standard glasses for display work
• Amazing offices with a great culture. E.g. Regular social activities, Free fresh fruit, Free iced treats in the Summer and Free locally roasted, Small Batch Coffee and Speciality Teas!