Character Artist / Illustrator

Branch • Remote • 1w ago

We’re Branch, the creators of Castaways, a cozy and quirky IP set in a world of mysteries, mystical creatures, and endless surprises. Our flagship title takes inspiration from collectible vinyl toys and chibi figures, blending bold, hand-drawn charm from western and Japanese aesthetics. We're looking for a talented Character Artist to bring our whimsical world to life by illustrating characters that are cozy, chunky, and irresistibly cute. Castaways characters are used in our games, video content, merchandise, and so much more.

Responsibilities

Create 2D character concepts and production-ready illustrations that adhere to Castaways' unique style guide.
Develop character designs with exaggerated, toy-like proportions and vibrant, flat-style textures.
Work closely with designers and art leads to maintain style consistency across all assets.
Collaborate with the team to ensure character designs fit narrative requirements.
Provide input on art pipeline improvements and help establish best practices for stylized 2D workflows.

Skills and Requirements

3+ years of professional experience in 2D character art, preferably in stylized games.
Proficient in digital illustration tools like Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, or similar.
Strong skills in creating hand-drawn textures and illustrations.
Experience adhering to strict style guidelines and creating cohesive art assets.
Ability to implement line weight, flat shading, and simplified, bold designs in line with Castaways’ style.
Demonstrated ability to create art consistent with Castaways’ style:
Chunky, simplified, and bold forms inspired by collectible vinyl toys.
Proper usage of line weight, flat shading, and minimal details.
Experience simplifying real-world objects to fit a “toy” aesthetic.
Ability to exaggerate hair volume, tubular limbs, and oversized outfits.
A strong portfolio showcasing stylized 2D characters that fit toy-like, hand-drawn aesthetics.
Examples of work that demonstrate adherence to strict style guidelines.

Why Join Us?

- Shape the aesthetic of Castaways, our flagship IP poised to become a massive franchise.

- Collaborate with a passionate, creative team dedicated to innovation and storytelling.

- Enjoy flexible work arrangements and opportunities for professional growth.

Send your resume, portfolio, and a short description of why you’re a great fit for Castaways. Please include examples of stylized character designs and note your experience adhering to strict art style guidelines.

Let’s create something cozy, chunky, and cute together!