Assistant Professor of Game Art Tenure Track Position Gwen Frostic School of Art, College of Fine Arts
Western Michigan University
Assistant Professor of Game Art Tenure Track Position Gwen Frostic School of Art, College of Fine Arts The Western Michigan University Frostic School of Art (FSoA) seeks a full-time faculty position with a primary expertise in Game Art beginning Fall Semester 2024.
Salary: Competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, with an excellent benefits package.
Expected Start Date: August 2024
Major Responsibilities: The Kinetic Imaging program welcomed the first class of students in fall 2022. The FSoA Kinetic Imaging area will provide students with artistic and professional skills to succeed in their careers as artists and designers. The Kinetic Imaging curriculum introduces students to essential proficiencies in all facets of professional practice within animation, game art, and/or video art. This position encompasses the teaching up to three courses per Fall and Spring semesters at all undergraduate levels in the Foundation Art and Kinetic Imaging areas. Successful candidates must be able to teach courses in Game Art that include diverse perspectives of 3D modeling, 3D animation, and approaches to game art, theory, and design. A knowledge of game engines including but not limited to Unity or Unreal Engine is preferred. Collaboration across mediums is encouraged. Successful candidates must be able to teach with fluency in theoretical and historical aspects of experimental game art. Curriculum will interface with The Virtual Imaging Technology Lab at integral points. Candidates should be able to make connections across the Kinetic Imaging curriculum, fostering an interdisciplinary studio practice. Candidates are expected to maintain an active research record and participate in contractually appropriate service to the institution, which includes candidates’ vision towards the development of the game art track. Aligned with Western Michigan University’s Mission, we are an access-oriented institution that provides an impactful and inclusive education that integrates discovery and fosters holistic growth and well-being “so that all may learn”. Our WMU Strategic Plan 2022-32 centering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion includes objectives that are responsive to our campus, regional, and national demographics. This opportunity is a reflection of our commitment to advancing systemic equity, inclusion, and justice, and therefore WMU seeks candidates that will reflect this alignment and commitment.
Required Qualifications: At a minimum, applicants must hold a Master of Fine Arts degree or international equivalent and have at least two years of college-level teaching experience with an emphasis in related media. Applicant should have a vibrant professional exhibition record commensurate with years of experience in the field; evidence of creative, professional, and curricular accomplishment in game art, or related media is required. Additional preferred qualification includes: • Skills in additional areas of Kinetic Imaging, including sound art, illustration or animation desirable • A comprehensive knowledge of appropriate hardware and software • Experience with curriculum design and planning. • Knowledge and commitment to health and safety in the arts. • Proven track record of working well with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. • Ability to develop and nurture individual student artistic and professional abilities. • A strong commitment to self-learning to maintain or develop new technical expertise as required by changes to contemporary art and design practice. The Kinetic Imaging component of the FSoA curriculum introduces students to the process of thinking and working with time-based media related tools in support of art and design practice, while initiating dialog into issues of aesthetic storytelling and diverse contemporary topics. It challenges students to think critically about their work and the work of others, and to articulate informed ideas in order to advance understanding of a broad variety of methodologies, including contemporary and emerging technologies.
Application Deadline: The review of complete applications is in progress and will continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, application materials must be received by March 18, 2024. Application Requirements in a single pdf to include the following: • letter of application • curriculum vitae • statement of teaching philosophy • diversity statement • three references • A link your professional website • 20 samples of professional work • 20 samples of student work Both professional and student samples should be provided with titles, dates, descriptions, and links for each sample. Apply Here: http://www.wmich.edu/hr/jobs If you have problems uploading your complete portfolio, please contact Human Resources at (269) 387-3620. Western Michigan University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer consistent with applicable federal and state law. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
