Expert Lighting Artist

About Small Axe Studios and the Role

Small Axe Studios, established in 2023 as a fresh studio under 2K, is driven to revolutionize game development through a new sports franchise. Located in Burnaby, British Columbia, we are gathering gifted creators and passionate gamers who excel in teamwork, technical mastery, and innovative concepts. Our mission is to deliver a uniquely player-centered experience, crafting exciting and original interactive sports entertainment.

Position Overview

We are looking for an Expert Lighting Artist who perceives lighting not only as a means for realism but as a narrative device to evoke emotion. Reporting to the Lead Lighting Artist, you will play a crucial role in storytelling by employing light, color, and shadow, collaborating effectively across teams to build immersive worlds.

Key Responsibilities

• Work together with the Lead Lighting Artist and Art Director to bring the lighting vision and artistic style of the project to life.
• Create and implement real-time lighting in Unreal Engine, ensuring an optimal balance between visual quality and game performance.
• Convert concept art, mood boards, and visual references into cinematic and atmospheric lighting within the game environment.
• Collaborate with material, environment, and technical artists to guarantee assets react realistically and aesthetically to lighting conditions.
• Design lighting schemes that intentionally amplify gameplay, narrative moments, and player focus rather than solely aiming for physical accuracy.
• Ensure aesthetic uniformity and visual clarity across different game environments, promotional content, and cinematic sequences.
• Participate in assessing and improving lighting workflows, tools, and documentation to enhance efficiency.
• Assist cinematic teams by lighting and refining key visual assets, marketing materials, and in-game sequences.

Required Qualifications

• Experience contributing to at least one AAA title or a similarly large, high-quality project.
• Expertise in real-time lighting within Unreal Engine.
• Strong understanding of color theory, light interaction, and the use of lighting to convey emotions.
• In-depth knowledge of real-world lighting mechanics, including luminance versus illuminance concepts as they apply to Unreal Engine.
• Practical experience with exposure controls (aperture, ISO, shutter speed) important for accurate lighting workflows.
• Ability to analyze and apply mood boards, cinematic references, and photography to lighting design.
• A cooperative mindset accustomed to working closely with engineers, artists, and technical teams.
• Effective communication skills and aptitude for providing constructive feedback.
• A portfolio demonstrating a diverse range of lighting work that tells compelling stories through light.

Compensation and Equal Opportunity

For positions in British Columbia, the annual starting salary is projected between CAD 96,400 and CAD 142,660, subject to job location and individual qualifications such as skills and experience. The company retains the right to adjust pay and other benefits based on performance and market factors.

We are dedicated to inclusivity and provide accommodations for candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment and employment process. Contact us if accommodation is needed.

Additional Information

2K Games and its studios do not use instant messaging or personal email accounts for job applicant communications and only correspond via official 2K.com emails.