2D Illustrator / Character Artist

Job Posting Organization:
The Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (IICPSD) was established in 2011 in partnership with the Government of Turkey. It is one of the six Global Policy Centres of UNDP, focusing on enhancing the role of the private sector and foundations in development. The organization aims to support these entities in becoming transformative partners through research, advocacy for inclusive business, and facilitating public-private dialogue. IICPSD operates globally, leading UNDP's initiatives on private sector engagement and foundations, and has a presence in various countries around the world. The Center emphasizes four thematic areas: Inclusive Business, Private Sector Engagement in Skills Development, Impact Investing, and Resilience and Crisis Response. Additionally, it hosts four global initiatives, including the Business Call to Action and the SDG Philanthropy Platform, which aim to foster collaboration and innovation in addressing global challenges.

Job Overview:
The position of 2D Illustrator / Character Artist is part of the Tech Volunteers for Resilience (Tech4R) programme, which mobilizes skilled digital volunteers to create open-source, technology-driven solutions that enhance resilience and sustainable development. This specific role focuses on developing an educational digital game aimed at helping children in border regions respond effectively to life-threatening situations. The game will utilize child-friendly storytelling and psychological safety principles to provide practical life-saving guidance. The Illustrator will be responsible for visually bringing the game's characters to life, ensuring they are engaging, culturally appropriate, and emotionally expressive. The role requires a commitment to producing fully hand-drawn and original artwork, adhering to ethical production standards, and ensuring that the final illustrations are technically precise for integration into a game engine.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As a 2D Illustrator / Character Artist, the volunteer will undertake several key tasks:

• Develop two main characters in a cartoon style based on a detailed brief and visual references provided by the project team.
• Illustrate one of the main characters in various game scenarios and poses to showcase versatility and adaptability.
• Create a set of interchangeable character attributes, including clothing variations, backpacks, and equipment, to enhance the characters' relatability and functionality within the game.
• Design an emotion map or sprite sheet for one character, capturing a range of emotions such as joy, sadness, surprise, fear, and determination to enrich the storytelling experience.
• Prepare and organize final source files meticulously to ensure they are ready for integration into the game engine, maintaining high standards of technical quality.
• Coordinate with the development team to ensure that all artistic assets are technically compatible with the game’s requirements.
• Share work-in-progress files to demonstrate the hand-drawn process, ensuring that no AI-generated elements are included in the final output.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the 2D Illustrator / Character Artist position should possess a strong foundation in illustration and character design, with a particular emphasis on cartoon styles. Proficiency in digital illustration tools and software is essential, along with a keen understanding of visual storytelling and character development. The candidate should demonstrate creativity and originality in their work, with a portfolio showcasing previous character design projects. Additionally, the ability to work collaboratively with a team and communicate effectively is crucial, as the role involves coordinating with developers and other stakeholders to ensure the artistic vision aligns with technical requirements.

Educational Background:
Candidates should ideally have a background in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Animation, or a related field. Formal education in these areas is preferred, but equivalent practical experience and a strong portfolio may also be considered. Knowledge of child psychology and educational methodologies can be an asset, as it will inform the design process for the educational game.

Experience:
While specific years of experience may not be mandated, candidates should have demonstrable experience in character design and illustration, particularly in creating engaging and relatable characters for children. Experience working on educational projects or games is highly desirable, as it will provide valuable insights into the unique needs and preferences of the target audience.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all communication and documentation will be conducted in this language. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those spoken in the regions where the game will be used, is considered a plus, as it may enhance the cultural relevance of the characters and scenarios being developed.

Additional Notes:
This position is a volunteer role under the Tech Volunteers for Resilience programme, which may have a flexible duration depending on project needs. The role is remote, allowing candidates from various locations to apply. The commitment is expected to be part-time, with specific deadlines for deliverables outlined in the project timeline. Volunteers will receive support and guidance from the project team throughout the development process, and there may be opportunities for networking and professional development within the UNDP framework.