Lead UI Artist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead UI Artist

Company: Activision Blizzard (Elsewhere Entertainment)

Location: Warsaw, Poland or Malmö, Sweden

Job Type: Full-time

Category: UI Art / Game Design

Date Posted: June 9, 2025

Experience Level: 10+ years (Lead)

Remote Status: On-site Hybrid

🎨 Role Summary

• Lead the visual design and implementation of user interfaces for a new, innovative IP, ensuring a high-quality in-game UI art style that aligns with the project's vision.
• Manage and mentor a small team of UI artists, providing feedback and direction to maintain consistency and champion user experience principles throughout the UI design process.
• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including art, design, engineering, audio, and production, to integrate UI art seamlessly into the game engine while adhering to technical budgets and performance specifications.
• Develop and maintain project style guides, concepts, and assets that support the UI art direction and facilitate efficient implementation across various platforms and output formats.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Art Director to define and uphold the UI art style and quality benchmarks for the new game's user interface.
• Drive the visual exploration of UI directional concepts, utilizing a range of techniques, including generative AI, to innovate and refine the in-game UI aesthetic.
• Oversee the hiring, management, and development of a small team of UI artists, fostering a collaborative environment focused on user experience excellence.
• Create detailed project style guides, comprehensive concepts, and production-ready assets that guide the UI development process and ensure visual consistency.
• Provide clear, constructive feedback and technical direction to team members, ensuring alignment with the established UI style and quality standards.
• Act as a key liaison between the UI art team and other departments (Art, Design, Engineering, Audio, Production) to ensure smooth integration and communication throughout the development cycle.
• Ensure all UI art assets are optimized for performance within technical budgets and are implemented in a scalable manner to support a diverse range of platforms and output formats.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While a specific degree is not mentioned, a background in Graphic Design, Digital Art, Game Design, or a related field is typically beneficial. Equivalent professional experience demonstrating a strong foundation in design principles and UI art is highly valued.

Experience: A minimum of 8+ years of professional experience working in UI art/design specifically within the games industry is required. This includes significant experience in creating and implementing in-game UI. Additionally, at least 2+ years of demonstrable leadership experience within a cross-functional team environment is essential.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience in UI art/design for games, with a strong portfolio showcasing successful UI implementations.
• Proven leadership experience, including managing, mentoring, and providing direction to a team of artists.
• Deep understanding of fundamental graphic design principles: color theory, composition, information hierarchy, and typography.
• Proficiency in creating high-quality 2D and 3D UI elements and implementing them efficiently into game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity).
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage large, complex workloads and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the end-to-end technical pipeline for creating and implementing in-game UI, focusing on clean, structured, and optimized processes.
• Solid understanding of core user experience (UX) design principles and their application in game UI.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to represent the UI art team in cross-studio and discipline communications.

Preferred Skills:

• Technical proficiency in scripting, shader development, or other areas related to UI implementation and optimization.
• Experience with motion graphics and UI animation to enhance user interface interactivity and visual appeal.
• Experience working with new technologies, suggesting features, and submitting bugs to improve engine functionality related to UI development.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Your portfolio should prominently feature examples of your UI art and design work specifically for video games.
• Include case studies that detail your design process, from initial concepts and wireframes to final implementation within a game engine.
• Showcase a range of UI elements, including menus, HUDs, icons, widgets, and interactive components, demonstrating strong visual design skills and attention to detail.
• If possible, include examples of how your UI art has been implemented in a game, demonstrating technical proficiency and understanding of game engine integration.

Process Documentation:

• For each project presented, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your design goals, and the constraints you worked within.
• Document your ideation process, including sketches, mood boards, and early visual explorations that led to the final UI design.
• Explain your approach to user testing and validation, if applicable, and how feedback influenced your design iterations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given this is a Lead position at a major gaming company located in Warsaw or Malmö, the estimated annual salary range is likely between PLN 180,000 - PLN 300,000 (Warsaw) or SEK 550,000 - SEK 850,000 (Malmö), depending on experience, specific skills, and location. This estimate is based on market data for Lead UI Artist roles in the Polish and Swedish gaming industries, considering the cost of living and experience level required. Please note that this is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance plan (likely including medical, dental, and vision coverage).
• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k) or local equivalent with company match).
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or profit sharing.
• Opportunities for professional development and training, including conferences and workshops relevant to game development and UI design.
• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.
• Potential for relocation assistance for candidates moving to Warsaw or Malmö.

Working Hours: Full-time position, typically standard business hours, though flexibility may be required during critical development phases. The hybrid work model likely offers some flexibility in balancing on-site and remote work.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Entertainment Providers / Video Games. Activision Blizzard is a global leader in interactive entertainment, operating in a highly competitive and dynamic market. The design culture is likely focused on creating visually compelling and intuitive interfaces that enhance the player experience across diverse game genres.

Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees globally. This indicates a large, established organization with structured teams and processes. As part of Activision Blizzard, Elsewhere Entertainment is a new studio, which suggests a blend of established company infrastructure with the potential for a more agile, startup-like environment within the specific team.

Founded: While Activision Blizzard's founding date isn't specified, their legacy in the gaming industry is extensive. Elsewhere Entertainment is a newer studio focused on a new IP, bringing a fresh perspective to the larger organization.

Team Structure:

• The UI art team will be small, led by this role.
• The team reports within the Art department, working closely with the Art Director.
• Significant cross-functional collaboration is expected with Design (UX/UI), Engineering (implementation), Audio (sound design for UI), and Production (project management).

Methodology:

• Likely utilizes agile or scrum methodologies common in game development for iterative design and development cycles.
• Emphasizes a collaborative approach with frequent feedback loops between art, design, and engineering.
• Focuses on player-centric design, likely incorporating user testing and feedback into the UI development process.

Company Website: http://www.activisionblizzard.com/

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This is a Lead-level position, indicating a senior role with significant responsibility for a team and the strategic direction of UI art for a new IP. It represents a step up from a senior or principal artist role, focusing more on leadership, mentorship, and cross-functional influence.

Reporting Structure: The Lead UI Artist likely reports to the Art Director or a higher-level Art Lead. This places the role within the Art department while requiring close collaboration with Design, Engineering, and Production Leads.

Design Impact: The UI team plays a critical role in shaping the player experience. The Lead UI Artist's work will directly impact the usability, aesthetic appeal, and overall immersion of the game's interface, significantly influencing player satisfaction and engagement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for advancement to a higher-level Art Lead or Art Director role within Elsewhere Entertainment or other studios within Activision Blizzard.
• Opportunities to specialize further in technical UI art, UI systems design, or specific areas like motion graphics for UI.
• Growth in leadership and team management skills through mentoring junior artists and leading cross-functional initiatives.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: On-site Hybrid model in either Warsaw, Poland or Malmö, Sweden. This indicates a blend of in-office and remote work, offering flexibility while maintaining opportunities for in-person collaboration essential for creative teams in game development.

Office Location(s): Warsaw, Poland and Malmö, Sweden. Both cities are growing hubs for the gaming industry in Europe, offering a vibrant environment for creative professionals.

Design Workspace Context:

• Likely provides dedicated workspaces for the UI art team with access to necessary hardware and software for high-quality UI creation.
• Includes collaborative spaces for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional discussions.
• The hybrid model suggests tools and infrastructure are in place to support both in-office and remote collaboration effectively.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a hybrid work arrangement. This offers a degree of flexibility in managing work-life balance while ensuring regular presence and interaction within the studio for key collaborative activities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

• Initial screening call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and interest.
• Technical interview(s) with members of the UI art team and potentially the Art Director, focusing on portfolio review, technical skills, and design process.
• Potential design challenge or take-home assignment to evaluate problem-solving skills and technical execution.
• Interviews with cross-functional leads (e.g., UX Designer, Engineering Lead) to assess collaboration skills and technical understanding for implementation.
• Cultural fit interview to evaluate alignment with team and company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to highlight your strongest UI art and design work for games.
• For each project, clearly explain your role, the project goals, and the challenges you faced.
• Structure case studies to walk reviewers through your design process, including research, ideation, iteration, and implementation.
• Showcase your technical proficiency by demonstrating how your UI art translates into a functional game interface.
• Be prepared to discuss your design decisions and rationale in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• If given a design challenge, carefully read and understand the requirements and constraints.
• Allocate time effectively to complete the challenge within the given timeframe.
• Focus on demonstrating your design process, critical thinking, and technical skills in your solution.
• Be prepared to present and explain your solution, discussing your approach and design choices.

ATS Keywords:

• Design Skills: UI Art, UI Design, Graphic Design, Visual Design, User Interface, User Experience (UX), Game UI, Information Hierarchy, Typography, Color Theory, Composition, Style Guides, Concept Art, Asset Creation, Iteration, Prototyping, Wireframing.
• Tools: [Likely industry-standard tools such as] Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketch, Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, 3D Software (e.g., Maya, 3ds Max, Blender), Game Engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity), Collaboration Tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence).
• Methodologies: Agile, Scrum, User-Centered Design, Design Thinking, Iterative Design, Cross-functional Collaboration.
• Soft Skills: Leadership, Team Management, Mentorship, Communication, Collaboration, Organization, Problem-Solving, Proactive, Adaptability, Feedback.
• Industry Terms: Game Development, New IP, In-Game UI, HUD, Menus, Widgets, Technical Budgets, Performance Optimization, Scalability, Implementation, Pipeline, Generative AI (as a tool).

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Proficiency in industry-standard 2D design software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for creating UI elements and concepts.
• Experience with 3D software (e.g., Maya, 3ds Max, Blender) for creating 3D UI elements or integrating 3D assets into the UI.
• Familiarity with UI/UX design tools like Sketch or Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and creating UI layouts.
• Experience working with game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity for implementing UI art and understanding engine-specific UI systems.

Collaboration & Handoff:

• Experience with project management and collaboration tools like Jira and Confluence for tracking tasks, documenting workflows, and communicating with cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Perforce, Git) for managing UI assets and collaborating with engineering.
• Tools for design handoff to engineers, ensuring clear specifications and asset delivery.

Research & Testing:

• While not explicitly stated, familiarity with tools or methods for gathering user feedback and conducting usability testing for UI is beneficial.
• Understanding of how to interpret analytics data related to UI usage and player behavior to inform design decisions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

• A strong focus on creating visually compelling and intuitive user interfaces that enhance the player experience and contribute to the overall game aesthetic.
• Emphasis on collaboration and mutual respect within the team and across disciplines, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• A commitment to inclusivity and empathy, both within the team and in designing for a diverse player base.
• Encouragement of creativity and innovation in exploring new visual directions and implementing UI solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, requiring close interaction with the Art Director, other artists, UX Designers, Engineers, Audio Designers, and Producers.
• Involves regular feedback sessions and design critiques to refine UI concepts and execution.
• Emphasis on clear communication and documentation to ensure smooth handoff and integration of UI assets.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

• Defining and establishing a unique and compelling UI art style for a new IP that aligns with the game's overall aesthetic and gameplay.
• Managing a small team and providing effective leadership and mentorship to ensure high-quality output and professional growth.
• Collaborating effectively with diverse teams (art, design, engineering, audio, production) to integrate UI art seamlessly and address technical constraints.
• Ensuring UI art is performant and scalable across a range of potential platforms and output formats.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Opportunity to significantly influence the visual identity and player experience of a new game from its early stages.
• Growth in leadership and team management skills through hands-on experience leading a small team.
• Deepen technical knowledge of game engine UI systems and optimization techniques.
• Exposure to cross-functional aspects of game development through extensive collaboration.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss your end-to-end UI design process, from understanding requirements to implementation and iteration.
• Prepare to present case studies from your portfolio that demonstrate your problem-solving skills, design decisions, and technical execution.
• Be ready to discuss how you approach collaborating with UX designers, engineers, and other stakeholders throughout the UI development pipeline.

Company Culture Questions:

• Research Activision Blizzard and Elsewhere Entertainment's values and mission. Be prepared to discuss how your own values and work style align with their emphasis on collaboration, inclusivity, and player experience.
• Think about how you would contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Clearly articulate the context and goals of each project presented in your portfolio.
• Walk through your design process step-by-step, explaining your rationale and the tools you used.
• Highlight your technical understanding by explaining how your UI art is implemented in a game engine and optimized for performance.
• Practice presenting your portfolio to ensure a smooth and confident delivery.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

• Submit your application through this link on the Activision Blizzard careers portal.
• Ensure your resume is tailored to highlight your experience in UI art/design for games, leadership roles, and relevant technical skills, incorporating relevant ATS keywords.
• Prepare a strong online portfolio showcasing your best game UI art and design work, including detailed case studies that explain your process.
• Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail during the interview process, articulating your design decisions and technical understanding.
• Research Activision Blizzard and Elsewhere Entertainment to understand their culture, values, and the types of games they develop.