SeniorFull TimeEN
Join our Tokyo team at Shapefarm, where art, technology, and storytelling collide. We’re building games that connect players around the world — and we’re looking for talented creators who want to shape unforgettable experiences.
We are open to both short-term contract or employee arrangements. The role must be based in Tokyo, Japan.
An experienced and highly creative Senior Character Concept Artist who will help define the visual identity of our game projects. This role is central to shaping compelling, stylised characters that blend nostalgic anime aesthetics with modern game production requirements.
Working closely with the Art Director, Creative Director, and 3D Character Artists, you will contribute to the design and visual development of playable characters, NPCs, and key story figures. You will champion strong silhouette design, expressive character storytelling and authenticity to classic 1980s Japanese animation styles inspired by works.
This is a senior-level position requiring artistic leadership, cross-cultural collaboration, and the ability to translate high-level creative direction into production-ready concept designs.
Champion the end-to-end visual development of main cast, supporting characters, and key NPCs from narrative brief through final production-ready concept package.
Establish clear character hierarchy (protagonist, rival, faction leads, civilians) through silhouette, scale, complexity, colour logic, and costuming.
Define and uphold the stylistic pillars of an 80s anime-inspired aesthetic, balancing retro authenticity with modern gameplay readability.
Develop and maintain internal character style guides covering proportions, facial construction, hair rendering, costume detailing, and graphic shadow language.
Produce high-quality concept deliverables including exploration sheets, orthographic turnarounds (front/side/back/¾), expression sheets, costume iterations, and pose sheets.
Use colour blocking, value grouping, and shape language to reinforce faction identity and gameplay clarity.
Balance stylisation with believable structure to ensure effective translation into 3D.
Provide paint overs and corrective feedback where translation drifts from intended silhouette, proportion, or style.
Support marketing and brand initiatives through splash art, promotional illustrations, and high-resolution character adaptations when required.
Collaborate across disciplines: Work closely with Art Directors, Narrative, 3D, Tech Art, and Marketing teams; provide structured feedback, participate in milestone planning, and mentor junior or mid-level artists.
Initiative and autonomy: You take responsibility for your work and are able to work autonomously. You show initiative and determine when issues should be escalated.
Clear, consistent and proactive communicator: You think about what information people need and convey that information in a transparent, clear and timely manner. You check to see if people have understood or need additional information. You identify when you need more information to do your job and ask for it.
Problem solving: Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to exercise sound judgement and make decisions based on accurate and timely information.
Openness to change: You want to learn what works, share ideas, and are willing to try new things out. You are adaptable and prepared to shift direction after discussion about benefits and risks.
Teamwork: You are willing to assist and support others as required and get on with team members.
Planning, organisation, and attention to detail: You develop and use systems to organise and keep track of information or work progress. You review and check the accuracy of information. You show an ability to work on and prioritise multiple initiatives at the same time.
Essential
5+ years of professional experience in game development, animation, or related entertainment industries.
Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in stylised character design, particularly anime or anime-inspired work.
Deep understanding of 1980s anime aesthetics, including line weight, color palettes, costume design, and facial stylisation.
Exceptional draftsmanship, anatomy, gesture, and fabric rendering skills.
Experience preparing production-ready character turnarounds and expression sheets.
Advanced proficiency in industry-standard tools (e.g., Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Procreate).
Strong communication skills and experience working in collaborative, cross-disciplinary teams.
Preferred
Experience working with Japanese studios or on anime-influenced projects.
Knowledge of 3D character pipelines (Maya, Blender, ZBrush) and real-time engine constraints.
Ability to adapt style between retro authenticity and modern reinterpretation.
Understanding of narrative-driven character development.
Comfort working in an English and Japanese bilingual environment (we value clear communication over perfect fluency).
A bachelor's degree or 10 years of experience.
We want to set you up for success and make our recruitment process as accessible as possible for you.
In your application, feel free to let us know if you need anything to make your experience or environment more comfortable. We'll do our best to support you!
Are humble
Make sure the job gets done
Take responsibility for our work and our actions
Have the willingness to walk the extra mile to help others
Have a positive attitude towards problem-solving
