Stylized 3D Character Artist

Important Details Role: Stylized 3D Character Artist Company: Candlestick Games Location: Remote (Ontario, Canada) Type: Contract · Up to 40 hrs per week · 3 months with potential extension Compensation: $25-$30 CAD /hour Candlestick Games is a boutique game studio based in Ontario, Canada. We craft handmade digital experiences that whisk players away into dream worlds waiting to be discovered. We're currently looking for a talented 3D character artist to join our team as a freelancer/contractor that's flexible up to full time hours. Our current project is a highly gamified productivity tool set in a faerie realm. What you'd be doing Building a modular base faerie character designed for customization — clean topology, sensible edge flow for deformation/animation, and a body/parts structure that supports swappable pieces Creating faerie inspired clothing and accessories that fit the modular system and read clearly in-engine based on provided 2D concept art UV layouts, texture sets, and stylized material work consistent with our established art direction Preparing assets for Unity URP: FBX export, correct scale/orientation, packed mask maps, sane naming and material setup Collaborating with our concept artist/art director, providing creative and technical input on how best to bring our faerie characters to life. Working with passionate, reliable people that are nice to you and pay invoices on time, every time. What we're looking for A portfolio showing stylized 3D character work (please include wireframes or topology shots if you have them) Experience with modular or customizable character systems, or a clear sense of how you'd approach one Comfort with hand-painted or stylized texturing workflows (e.g. aesthetically similar to Palia or Disney Dreamlight Valley.) Ability to prepare and implement assets for Unity Reliable async communication and the ability to self-manage on a small team Bonus points Rigging and skinning experience, especially for modular/swappable meshes Animation experience creating gentle idle type animations such as sitting, reading, painting etc. Shipped or in-progress stylized game credits Logistics Remote, but we're looking for someone based in Ontario due to applicable tax credits Hours are flexible up to 40 hours per week, however based on project workload/timeline we expect a minimum of 20 hours per week would be required Start date: ASAP (August 2026) Expected duration: 3 months Duration may extend beyond the initial contract depending on fit and project needs How to apply Send an email with you portfolio link and a note about your experience with modular characters. Please include your expected hourly rate, your availability (start date / hours per week desired), and whether rigging/animation is something you'd want to take on. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. We read everything and you'll hear from us regardless of the outcome.