Our client, a prominent force in the Arts & Entertainment sector, is looking for a talented and visionary Lead Digital Artist & Animator to join their innovative studio located in San Diego, California, US . This leadership role demands a blend of artistic excellence, technical proficiency, and strong creative direction. You will be instrumental in shaping the visual identity of our projects, guiding a team of artists, and bringing concepts to life through stunning animation and compelling visual storytelling. This hybrid position offers the flexibility to collaborate remotely while maintaining essential in-studio presence for team synergy and project oversight. Key Responsibilities: Lead and mentor a team of digital artists and animators, fostering a collaborative and inspiring work environment. Develop and execute high-quality 2D and/or 3D animation for various projects, including games, film, or interactive media. Create concept art, character designs, environment designs, storyboards, and other visual assets. Establish and maintain artistic style guides and ensure consistency across all visual elements. Oversee the animation pipeline, from initial concept to final render, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards. Collaborate closely with directors, game designers, and other stakeholders to translate creative vision into tangible visuals. Provide constructive feedback and technical guidance to team members. Experiment with new techniques, software, and workflows to push creative boundaries. Manage project timelines and resource allocation for the art and animation department. Ensure final assets meet technical requirements for delivery platforms. Contribute hands-on to animation and asset creation as needed, demonstrating exceptional skill. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Animation, Digital Media, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in digital art and animation, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, Cinema 4D, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, After Effects, Illustrator), ZBrush, etc. Strong portfolio showcasing exceptional artistic talent, character design, environment art, and animation skills. Demonstrated experience in leading and managing creative teams. Excellent understanding of animation principles, cinematography, color theory, and composition. Experience with game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) is a plus. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing project needs. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on visually driven projects in the heart of Southern California's creative industry. Apply now to lead and inspire.