2D UI Artist - Freelance

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: 2D UI Artist - Freelance

Company: CI Games

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time, Freelance Contract

Category: Game Development - Art & Design (UI/UX)

Date Posted: October 2, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and deliver high-fidelity 2D game icons and UI assets with a strong emphasis on visual hierarchy and readability.

• Ensure strict adherence to established art style guidelines, color palettes, and visual cohesion across all user interface elements.

• Optimize and integrate 2D assets directly into Unreal Engine 5, managing sprite sheets, UI layouts, and texture compression.

• Collaborate closely with UX designers, game designers, and the UI Lead to iterate on UI clarity based on playtesting data and player feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Freelance 2D UI Artist," the employment type is listed as "FULL_TIME." This indicates a full-time commitment for the duration of the freelance contract. The role also specifies a location of London, UK, but also mentions that the candidate must be in Poland, with a fully remote work arrangement. This suggests the company has a presence or legal entity in Poland, and the role is remote within that operational framework, despite the London mention.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create a comprehensive range of game icons, including items, weapons, abilities, and resources, from initial concept sketches to final polished art.

• Maintain and enforce the project's established art direction, ensuring consistency in color theory, visual style, and overall aesthetic.

• Implement UI assets directly into Unreal Engine 5, including setting up sprite sheets, managing UI layouts, and applying appropriate texture compression settings.

• Optimize all exported 2D assets for efficient engine use and performance, ensuring high-fidelity visuals without compromising frame rates.

• Actively participate in cross-functional team meetings, providing artistic input and collaborating with UX designers, game designers, and the UI Lead on UI/UX development.

• Refine icon clarity and UI elements based on internal playtesting feedback and player testing data to enhance overall user experience and game immersion.

• Manage and organize all UI assets, ensuring clear naming conventions and efficient project file structures for seamless integration and future updates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a full pipeline ownership for UI assets, from initial creation to engine integration. This indicates a need for an artist who is not only skilled in digital painting but also technically proficient with game engines and asset optimization. The focus on "high-fidelity benchmarks" and "visual hierarchy" points to a role that values both aesthetic quality and functional design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical knowledge and skill is essential.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional experience as a 2D artist or UI artist, with a significant focus on game iconography and small prop creation.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in digital painting software such as Adobe Photoshop, Affinity Designer, or Procreate.

• Demonstrated experience in creating high-quality game icons with a strong understanding of visual hierarchy and readability at small sizes.

• Solid technical knowledge of sprite sheets, UI optimization techniques, and texture compression.

• Experience with game engine integration, preferably Unreal Engine 5, including asset setup and implementation.

• Proven ability to understand and adhere to established art style guidelines and color palettes.

• Strong fundamental rendering skills and a keen eye for color theory. Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience with Unreal Engine 5 for UI asset integration and layout setup.

• Familiarity with UX design principles and collaborative workflows with UX designers.

• Experience working in a freelance capacity within the game development industry.

• Understanding of agile development methodologies and cross-functional team collaboration.

• Ability to adapt to and execute a variety of distinct art styles as required by different game projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "3+ years of professional experience" and "targeted portfolio" suggests a mid-level role. The preference for Unreal Engine 5 experience is a strong indicator of the expected technical environment. The requirement for a portfolio demonstrating "readability at small UI sizes" and "adherence to various distinct art styles" highlights key evaluation criteria for candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of work that clearly showcases your expertise in 2D game iconography, including a variety of asset types (items, weapons, abilities, resources).

• Examples demonstrating your ability to create icons that are visually distinct, readable at small resolutions, and adhere to specific art style guidelines.

• Projects that highlight your understanding of color theory and visual hierarchy within UI design.

• Evidence of your workflow from initial concept sketches to final polished assets, including any iteration or refinement processes. Process Documentation:

• Include case studies or detailed project descriptions that explain your approach to asset optimization and engine integration.

• Showcase examples of how you've managed sprite sheets, UI layouts, and texture compression for game development.

• Demonstrate your experience in collaborating with other disciplines (e.g., UX designers, game designers) and how feedback was incorporated into your work.

• If possible, provide examples of assets integrated into a game engine environment, illustrating their practical application.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should focus on showcasing their ability to create clear, functional, and aesthetically pleasing icons that align with specific project requirements. The inclusion of technical aspects like optimization and engine integration will be critical for demonstrating readiness for the role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a freelance position, compensation is typically negotiated based on experience, skill set, and project scope. Based on industry benchmarks for a 3+ year experienced 2D UI Artist working remotely full-time on a 4-month contract in the EU/UK gaming sector, a competitive range would be approximately €35-€50 per hour, or €5,500-€8,000 per month, depending on specific expertise and negotiation.

Benefits:

• 4-month freelance contract with potential for extension based on performance and project needs.

• Fully remote work arrangement, offering flexibility in location within Poland.

• Flexible scheduling with core working hours between 10 am - 4 pm CET, allowing for work-life balance.

• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and contribute to major game releases.

• Exposure to a diverse and inclusive workplace culture that values all backgrounds.

Working Hours: This is a full-time freelance contract, expected to require approximately 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling around core hours of 10 am - 4 pm CET.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical freelance rates for similar roles in the European game development industry. Candidates should be prepared to negotiate their rate based on their specific qualifications and the project's demands. The core working hours are provided to ensure team synchronization for collaborative tasks.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development. CI Games is known for titles such as the Sniper Ghost Warrior series and the acclaimed action RPG Lords of the Fallen.

Company Size: CI Games is a medium-sized independent game developer with a growing team, indicating a structure that allows for direct impact and collaboration.

Founded: CI Games was founded in 2002, bringing over two decades of experience in game development to their current ambitious projects.

Team Structure:

• The UI Artist will likely be part of a dedicated UI/UX team, reporting to a UI Lead.

• Close collaboration is expected with UX Designers, Game Designers, and potentially other 2D artists or technical artists.

• The company fosters a culture of innovation and creative expression, with a focus on delivering high-quality gaming experiences. Methodology:

• CI Games is committed to leveraging modern game development tools and pipelines, with a stated focus on Unreal Engine 5 for upcoming projects.

• The company emphasizes a data-informed approach to design, using playtesting feedback to refine gameplay and user experience.

• Agile methodologies are likely employed to manage development cycles, allowing for iterative design and rapid adaptation.

Company Website: https://cigames.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: CI Games has a significant track record in the AAA and AA gaming space. Understanding their previous titles and the direction of their upcoming projects (major releases planned for 2026-2028) will provide valuable context for the role and its impact. The emphasis on "cutting-edge technologies" and "Unreal Engine 5" highlights their forward-looking approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Freelance 2D UI Artist. It requires a solid foundation of 3+ years of professional experience and the ability to work independently on specific deliverables while also integrating into a larger team.

Reporting Structure: The Freelance 2D UI Artist will report to the UI Lead and collaborate closely with UX Designers and Game Designers. This structure allows for clear direction and feedback loops.

Operations Impact: The work of a UI Artist is critical to the player's experience. High-quality, intuitive UI design directly impacts player engagement, retention, and overall satisfaction. This role will contribute significantly to the perceived quality and polish of CI Games' upcoming titles.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in Unreal Engine 5's UI implementation tools and workflows.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Work on high-profile game titles that can significantly enhance a professional portfolio.

• Industry Networking: Collaborate with experienced professionals in the game development industry, potentially leading to future opportunities.

• Contract Extension: Successful performance may lead to contract extensions or opportunities on subsequent projects within CI Games.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a freelance role, direct career progression within CI Games might be limited to contract extensions or future project engagements. However, the experience gained and the portfolio built will be invaluable for advancing a career in game art and UI design within the broader industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position, allowing the artist to work from their preferred location within Poland.

Office Location(s): While the job posting mentions London, the "Key Requirements" specify that the candidate must be based in Poland, and the work arrangement is "TELECOMMUTE" with a location requirement of Poland. This suggests the primary operational hub or legal entity for this remote role is in Poland.

Workspace Context:

• The artist will need a dedicated, professional workspace conducive to creative work and focused tasks.

• Access to reliable high-speed internet is essential for remote collaboration and asset transfer.

• The environment will be digital, with primary communication tools likely including Slack, Discord, email, and project management software.

• Collaboration will be primarily asynchronous or through scheduled video calls, requiring strong self-management and communication skills.

Work Schedule: The role offers flexibility with core working hours from 10 am to 4 pm CET. This allows for work-life balance while ensuring availability for team meetings, reviews, and real-time collaboration during business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The discrepancy between "London" as a location and the requirement to be in "Poland" for a remote role is a key point. It's important for candidates to clarify the exact operational setup and any potential legal or tax implications related to working remotely from Poland for a company with a UK presence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess relevant experience and skills.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, their role, and their creative/technical process. This will be followed by questions focused on their technical skills, particularly with digital painting tools and Unreal Engine.

• Practical Test/Challenge: A small, timed art test or a brief design challenge may be issued to evaluate practical application of skills, adherence to art style, and efficiency.

• Team/Lead Interview: Discussion about collaboration style, problem-solving approaches, and cultural fit with the UI Lead and potentially other team members.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest work, focusing on 2D game UI elements, icons, and small props. Quality over quantity.

• Demonstrate Process: For key projects, include a brief explanation of your workflow, challenges faced, and how you arrived at the final solution. This is where you can highlight your understanding of visual hierarchy and art style adherence.

• Highlight Technical Skills: If possible, include examples or descriptions of how your assets were optimized or integrated into an engine. Mention your proficiency with tools like Photoshop and Unreal Engine.

• Art Style Versatility: Include examples that show your ability to adapt to different art styles, as this is a specific requirement mentioned in the job description.

• Readability is Key: Ensure that all UI elements and icons in your portfolio are clearly legible, especially at smaller sizes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with CI Games' existing titles and art styles to understand their aesthetic direction.

• Practice creating icons quickly and efficiently, focusing on clarity and impact.

• Be prepared to discuss your thought process for creating icons under time constraints.

• Review the fundamentals of Unreal Engine 5's UI system (UMG - Unreal Motion Graphics) if you have prior experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is expected to be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on the portfolio. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design decisions and demonstrate their technical proficiency. The potential for a practical test means candidates should have their tools and software ready.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Digital Painting Software: Advanced proficiency required in Adobe Photoshop, Affinity Designer, or Procreate.

• Game Engine: Unreal Engine 5 (direct integration and asset setup experience is preferential).

• Version Control: Familiarity with systems like Git or Perforce is beneficial for asset management in a team environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics, understanding how UI performance is measured (e.g., load times, asset memory usage) is advantageous. CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Tools: Experience with tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for task tracking and collaboration is common.

• Communication Platforms: Slack, Discord, or similar for team communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop is a baseline requirement. The strong preference for Unreal Engine 5 experience highlights the technical aspect of this role, moving beyond pure 2D art into practical game development implementation. Understanding asset optimization and engine performance considerations will be crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity and Innovation: CI Games is committed to pushing boundaries in game development, valuing creative input and novel solutions.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: The company emphasizes working together across disciplines to achieve shared goals, fostering a supportive environment.

• Quality and Polish: A commitment to delivering high-quality, polished experiences is central to CI Games' mission.

• Player Focus: Understanding and incorporating player feedback to enhance the gaming experience is a key value.

• Professionalism and Reliability: As a freelance contractor, demonstrating professionalism, meeting deadlines, and being a reliable team member is paramount.

Collaboration Style:

• The role demands a highly collaborative approach, working closely with UX designers, game designers, and the UI Lead.

• Open communication and constructive feedback exchange are essential for iterating on UI designs and ensuring project alignment.

• Expect regular check-ins, reviews, and discussions to ensure all UI elements contribute effectively to the overall game design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be driven by a passion for game development, a commitment to quality, and a collaborative spirit. For a freelance role, demonstrating an ability to integrate seamlessly into this culture and contribute positively to team dynamics will be important.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Art Style Adaptation: Quickly understanding and consistently applying potentially diverse art styles across different game assets.

• Technical Integration: Ensuring assets are not only visually appealing but also technically sound for engine implementation and performance.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining effective communication and workflow in a fully remote setting, across different time zones if applicable.

• Iterative Design: Responding to feedback and iterating on designs based on playtesting data and team input, which can require flexibility and adaptability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Unreal Engine Expertise: Gaining hands-on experience with Unreal Engine 5's UI tools (UMG), which is a highly sought-after skill in the industry.

• Game Design Acumen: Deeper understanding of how UI design impacts game mechanics and player engagement.

• Industry Exposure: Working on AAA/AA game titles with a respected studio.

• Portfolio Building: Creating impactful assets for major releases that can advance career prospects significantly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a creative role in game development, requiring both artistic talent and technical understanding. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly in terms of gaining experience with industry-leading tools and contributing to significant projects.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a game icon from concept to final asset, focusing on readability and visual impact."

• "How do you ensure consistency in art style and color palette when working on a project with established guidelines?"

• "Walk us through an example of a UI asset you created that was integrated into a game engine. What were the technical considerations?"

• "How do you approach incorporating feedback from UX designers or playtesting data into your UI designs?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about working on CI Games' upcoming projects?"

• "How do you manage your workflow and communication in a remote freelance environment?"

• "Describe a time you had to adapt your artistic style to fit a project's requirements."

• "What is your experience with Unreal Engine 5's UI tools (UMG), and what are your thoughts on its capabilities?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project or by skill type (e.g., Iconography, UI Elements).

• Narrative: For each selected piece, tell a brief story: the challenge, your approach, the tools used, and the outcome. Highlight how you met the job requirements (e.g., readability, style adherence).

• Technical Detail: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your work, such as optimization techniques, file formats, and engine integration considerations.

• Conciseness: Keep your presentation focused and engaging, respecting the interviewer's time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be ready to demonstrate not only their artistic talent but also their technical understanding and ability to collaborate effectively within a remote team structure. The interview will likely assess problem-solving skills and adaptability.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the CI Games Teamtailor portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features 2D game icons, UI elements, and any examples of asset integration or optimization for game engines. Tailor the presentation to highlight your ability to match art styles and maintain visual hierarchy.

• Resume Optimization: Highlight your 3+ years of professional experience, specific software proficiencies (Photoshop, Affinity, Procreate), and any experience with Unreal Engine 5. Clearly state your remote work capabilities and any previous freelance contract experience.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, technical skills, and collaborative approach. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail and answer hypothetical scenarios related to UI design challenges.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with CI Games' past titles and their current strategic direction to understand their vision and tailor your application and interview responses accordingly.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, particularly regarding location requirements (Poland vs. London mention) and compensation, should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.