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 industry tools; 3D skills (modeling, sculpting, materials, lighting) are a strong plus.
• Experience with project management tools such as Flow or Jira is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, highly self-motivated, and team-oriented.
• Degree in an art-related field, formal art training, or equivalent experience.

  
Retro Studios is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. We do all of this with kindness, empathy and respect for each other.