3D Character Rigger

Unpaid 3D Character Rigger – Rigging & Skinning (Dark Fantasy RPG – OmniSpire)Remote Outlaw Studios is looking for a skilled 3D Character Rigger to help prepare characters and creatures for OmniSpire, a dark gothic / dark fantasy action RPG currently in active development. This is an unpaid independent-contractor opportunity. The primary focus is creating high-quality, animation-ready character rigs, including skeleton setup, skinning, weight painting, and animator-friendly controls. You will work with completed retopologized character models and prepare them for our animation team. This is primarily a technical rigging position. Character animation experience is welcome but not required. PRIMARY FOCUS: CHARACTER RIGGING & SKINNING You will be responsible for preparing characters for animation, including:• Creating and refining character skeletons and rigs• Skinning and weight painting character meshes• Building animator-friendly controls, including IK/FK systems• Ensuring clean deformation during movement and animation• Rigging humanoid and non-humanoid characters• Preparing clothing, armor, and separate character meshes• Troubleshooting rigging and deformation issues• Organizing and delivering production-ready character files Clean skin weights, reliable deformation, and ease of use for animators are the most important priorities. REQUIREMENTS Applicants should have:• Demonstrated character rigging experience, supported by a portfolio• Strong understanding of skinning, weight painting, and joint deformation• Experience creating functional animation controls• Proficiency with Blender, Maya, or other suitable rigging software• Ability to troubleshoot rigging and deformation problems• Strong English communication skills for collaboration and feedback• Ability to organize and deliver clean, usable character rigs Professional industry experience is not required, but applicants should already have a solid foundation in rigging and skinning. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Additional experience is especially helpful in:• Humanoid and creature rigging• Advanced IK/FK systems and custom controls• Rigging characters with clothing or modular armor• Creating reusable character rigs• Technical rigging tools or scripting• Preparing rigs for real-time game engines Character animation experience is a bonus, but rigging and deformation quality take priority. TOOLS & PIPELINE OmniSpire is being developed in Unity 6 using URP. Character models are prepared through our modeling and retopology pipeline before being handed off for rigging. Experience with Maya is particularly valuable, as part of our animation team uses it as their primary software. Blender experience is also highly desirable, particularly for supporting our existing character assets and Blender-based animation workflows. The priority is producing clean, properly weighted characters with reliable animation controls that are compatible with our production pipeline. Extensive Unity experience is not required, as the development team handles much of the game-engine integration. PROJECT STRUCTURE Current work focuses on preparing characters for OmniSpire's playable combat demo and vertical slice. The immediate priority is producing reliable rigs for existing and upcoming characters, with opportunities to contribute to additional character setups as development progresses. ENGAGEMENT TYPE• Unpaid independent-contractor collaboration• Fully remote• Flexible scheduling with no minimum weekly hours• Begins with a small, scoped test or initial task• Potential for ongoing collaboration We understand that school, paid work, and personal responsibilities come first. Contributors receive credit for accepted work in accordance with the applicable agreement. Portfolio use is permitted with studio approval. Future paid employment, monetary compensation, or royalties are not guaranteed. HOW TO APPLY Applications are accepted through the Outlaw Studios website.Visit https://theoutlawstudios.com and navigate to the Careers page. Please include:• Portfolio demonstrating character rigging and skinning• Examples of skin weighting, deformation, or rig controls, if available• Resume or CV, if available• A short description of your experience, preferred software, and general availability Select "3D Character Rigger / Technical Animator" under Position of Interest. Students, independent artists, and experienced riggers are welcome to apply, provided they have the necessary technical skills and are comfortable with the unpaid nature of the opportunity.