Game UI Artist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Game UI Artist Company: Playdawn (Client of Playdawn) Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India Job Type: Full-Time Category: Game Design & Development / UI/UX Design Date Posted: 2025-12-18 Experience Level: 2-5 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop intuitive, visually appealing, and player-friendly user interfaces (UI) for mobile and cross-platform game projects, directly impacting player engagement and game navigation.
• Collaborate closely with game designers, developers, and other artists to translate gameplay concepts into polished and immersive UI experiences, ensuring seamless integration with core game mechanics.
• Create engaging UI animations and visual feedback elements to enhance user interaction, clarity, and overall player experience within the game.
• Maintain a strong focus on performance optimization, ensuring UI assets are efficient and responsive across various devices and platforms.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of UI/UX trends and techniques within a dynamic startup environment, fostering creativity and professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is for a client of Playdawn, meaning the successful candidate will be directly employed by the client company, not Playdawn. The role is specified as "Game UI Artist" but the description heavily emphasizes UI/UX design principles and tools, indicating a strong focus on the user experience aspect of game interfaces. The experience level is inferred as 2-5 years, aligning with the need for both design skills and portfolio evidence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and create high-quality UI components, including menus, Heads-Up Displays (HUDs), icons, pop-ups, and buttons, ensuring they align with the game's distinct art style and thematic elements.
• Establish and maintain a consistent visual language across all UI elements through meticulous attention to layout, color palettes, typography, and visual hierarchy.
• Actively participate in cross-functional team meetings, collaborating with game designers and developers to provide feedback on features and mechanics that influence the user experience.
• Develop animations and visual effects for UI elements to enhance interactivity, provide clear user feedback (e.g., button presses, loading indicators), and improve overall game flow.
• Strictly adhere to and contribute to the development of design guidelines to ensure UI cohesiveness and a unified look and feel throughout the game's interface.
• Optimize UI assets for various target devices and platforms, considering factors such as resolution, memory usage, and responsiveness to ensure optimal performance and accessibility.
• Conduct research on the latest UI/UX trends, tools, and techniques relevant to the gaming industry to keep the game experience modern, competitive, and engaging for players.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities are detailed to reflect a hands-on UI/UX design role within game development. Emphasis is placed on the creation of specific UI assets, collaboration, animation, optimization, and trend research, all critical for a UI Artist role in a growing game studio.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of UI/UX design principles in a game development context is paramount. Equivalent professional experience will be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 2-5 years of dedicated experience in designing user interfaces specifically for games is required. Experience in mobile or cross-platform UI design is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in designing UI for games, showcasing an understanding of game-specific interface needs.
• High proficiency in industry-standard design tools, specifically Adobe Photoshop for asset creation and Figma for UI/UX design, wireframing, and prototyping.
• Deep understanding of user-centered design principles and their application in creating intuitive and effective game interfaces.
• Strong knowledge of fundamental design principles including color theory, typography, layout, and visual hierarchy.
• Demonstrated ability to create wireframes, user flows, mockups, and interactive prototypes to communicate design concepts effectively.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, essential for collaborating within a multidisciplinary game development team.
• A compelling portfolio that clearly showcases UI and UX design work for games or other interactive digital products.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in mobile or cross-platform UI design, demonstrating adaptability to different screen sizes and interaction models.
• Basic familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, understanding how UI integrates into the development pipeline.
• Familiarity with 3D tools, which can aid in understanding asset integration and spatial design within game environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications are structured to highlight both hard skills (design tools, principles) and soft skills (collaboration, communication). The emphasis on a portfolio is critical for creative roles. Preferred skills are included to identify candidates with a broader technical understanding that could accelerate their contribution. The 2-5 year experience range is an inference based on the responsibilities and the need for a portfolio, suggesting a mid-level role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 distinct game UI projects that demonstrate a progression from concept to polished design.
• Projects should include examples of wireframes, user flows, and high-fidelity mockups for key game screens (e.g., main menu, in-game HUD, settings, inventory).
• Detail the design process for at least one project, explaining the rationale behind design decisions, user research conducted, and iterative improvements made.
• Include examples of UI animations and visual feedback elements created, demonstrating an understanding of motion design principles in UI.
• Clearly articulate the player experience considerations and how the UI design supports gameplay objectives and enhances player engagement.

Process Documentation:

• For each project, provide a brief overview of the workflow, from initial concept and wireframing through to final asset delivery and integration considerations.
• Describe how UI assets were optimized for performance across different platforms and resolutions.
• Explain the collaboration process with game designers and developers, highlighting how feedback was incorporated into the design iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements are crucial for UI/UX roles. This section focuses on demonstrating the candidate's ability to not only create visually appealing interfaces but also to articulate their design process, justify decisions, and show an understanding of the technical constraints and collaborative nature of game development.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Game UI Artist with 2-5 years of experience in Pune, Maharashtra, India, the estimated annual salary range is likely between ₹5,00,000 to ₹10,00,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in India's tech and gaming sector, considering the cost of living in Pune, and the stated experience level. The exact figure will depend on the client's specific budget, the candidate's demonstrated skill level, and the depth of their portfolio.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work on diverse and exciting game projects.
• Exposure to global quality standards in game art and development.
• A creative and passionate team environment that fosters innovation.
• The dynamic and flexible atmosphere of a growing startup.
• Potential for career path shaping and skill development.
• Flat organizational structure with streamlined decision-making processes.
• Direct employment with the client company, offering their specific benefits package (details to be confirmed during the hiring process).

Working Hours: The standard working hours are anticipated to be around 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time role. While the environment is described as a startup with flexibility, core hours for collaboration and on-site presence will be expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on research for Game UI Artists in Pune, India, using job boards and salary aggregators. Benefits are drawn directly from the "Why Join" section and framed to highlight their relevance to operations professionals. Working hours are inferred from the "Full-Time" employment type.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Game Development Services / Game Art Production. The company operates as a growing startup focused on providing high-quality game art and leveraging efficient production processes for game studios. This positions them within a competitive and rapidly evolving sector. Company Size: Startup Environment. This suggests a lean, agile team where individual contributions have a significant impact. It also implies a less hierarchical structure and potentially more direct access to decision-makers. Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the description points to a "growing startup" that is actively building its team and processes. This implies a company in an expansion phase, looking for individuals who can adapt and grow with it.

Team Structure:

• The operations team is likely small and integrated, focusing on efficient production pipelines.
• Reporting structures are described as "flat," indicating direct lines of communication and potentially fewer management layers.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a core tenet, with artists working closely with designers and developers to ensure seamless integration of UI into the game development workflow.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on efficient production processes to deliver high-quality game art.
• Combining skilled artists with optimized workflows to minimize overhead for clients.
• Encouraging artists to develop a holistic understanding of the game development workflow and player experience.
• A commitment to exceeding expectations and fostering an environment for creativity and learning.

Company Website: https://careers-page.com/playdawn-consulting/

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is derived from the "About the Organisation" and "Why Join" sections. The focus is on interpreting what a "growing startup" in the game art service industry means for an operations professional, emphasizing agility, direct impact, and collaborative culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level position (2-5 years of experience). It requires a solid foundation in UI/UX design principles and tools, with the ability to work independently on specific tasks while also contributing to broader team goals. The role is not entry-level but also not yet a senior or lead position.

Reporting Structure: The "flat structure" implies that the Game UI Artist will likely report directly to a Lead Artist, Art Director, or Design Manager. There will be close collaboration with game designers and developers, but the primary reporting line will be within the art or design discipline.

Operations Impact: The Game UI Artist's work directly impacts the player's perception and interaction with the game. High-quality, intuitive UI can lead to increased player retention, better engagement metrics, and a more positive overall player experience, which are critical success factors for any game.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of game UI/UX, such as motion graphics, accessibility design, or advanced prototyping.
• Broader Game Development Understanding: As artists are encouraged to understand the full workflow, there's a chance to gain insights into game design, programming, and production pipelines.
• Leadership Potential: With experience and demonstrated leadership in design projects, there may be opportunities to mentor junior artists or eventually move into lead roles within specific projects or the art team.
• Career Path Flexibility: The startup environment may offer opportunities to transition into related roles or take on broader responsibilities as the company grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Career growth for a UI Artist in a startup is analyzed by considering the typical progression within game development, the emphasis on learning, and the nature of a flat organizational structure. The focus is on how this role can serve as a stepping stone for further development within the gaming industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in Pune, Maharashtra, India. This indicates a traditional office setting where in-person collaboration and team interaction are primary. Office Location(s): Pune, Maharashtra, India. This is a major IT and gaming hub in India, offering access to a skilled talent pool and a vibrant professional community.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The description emphasizes working closely with designers, developers, and artists, suggesting an open and communicative workspace designed to foster teamwork.
• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Photoshop, Figma) is expected, along with potentially necessary hardware for high-performance design work.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular face-to-face interaction with team members, allowing for immediate feedback, brainstorming, and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours/week) are expected, with the flexibility often associated with startup environments, though on-site presence is mandatory. This schedule allows for dedicated time for deep work on UI assets and participation in collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described based on the "On-site" location requirement and the "startup environment" context, highlighting the implications for collaboration, tools, and daily work structure for a UI Artist.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience.
• Technical Interview: Discussion focusing on UI/UX design principles, tool proficiency (Photoshop, Figma), and problem-solving approaches. May include a live design exercise or a review of existing portfolio pieces.
• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present and walk through key projects from their portfolio, explaining their design process, rationale, and impact.
• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with potential team members (designers, developers, art lead) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with the company's startup culture.
• Final Interview: With senior management to discuss role expectations, career growth, and finalize terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant game UI/UX projects (2-3 detailed case studies are better than many superficial examples).
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your design process, the solutions you implemented, and the results or impact. Use visuals effectively to guide the reviewer.
• Highlight Process: Demonstrate your understanding of user-centered design by showing wireframes, user flows, and iterative design stages. Explain your rationale for key decisions.
• Showcase Versatility: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to adapt to different art styles, game genres, and platforms.
• Technical Considerations: Briefly mention how you optimized assets for performance and integrated with game engines if applicable.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge that tests your ability to quickly grasp a game concept and design a key UI element or flow under time constraints.
• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, focusing on player experience and game mechanics.
• Understand the typical challenges of UI design in a startup: rapid iteration, evolving requirements, and resource constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is detailed with actionable advice tailored for a UI Artist role, emphasizing the importance of a well-structured portfolio and the ability to articulate design thinking, which are critical for this creative and collaborative position.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Photoshop: Essential for creating high-fidelity UI assets, textures, icons, and other graphical elements for the game. Proficiency should include layer management, color correction, and export optimization.
• Figma: Critical for UI/UX design, wireframing, user flow mapping, prototyping, and collaborative design. Experience with its component system, auto layout, and collaboration features is highly valued.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with how UI performance is tracked (e.g., load times, interaction counts) and how user feedback is gathered might be beneficial. Understanding how UI elements contribute to key game metrics (e.g., retention, session length).

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, as the focus is on creative design tools rather than business process management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools are explicitly mentioned in the job description ("Adobe Photoshop" and "Figma"). The focus is on detailing their typical use cases within game UI/UX design to provide context for applicants.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to UI design to make games stand out.
• Quality & Excellence: A strong drive to consistently deliver high-quality game art that exceeds client expectations.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working closely with cross-functional teams to achieve shared project goals.
• Learning & Growth: Fostering an environment where artists can develop their skills and grow into well-rounded game professionals.
• Efficiency & Optimization: Streamlining production processes and ensuring assets are performant.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Approach: Artists work hand-in-hand with designers and developers, ensuring UI is functional and supportive of gameplay.
• Feedback-Driven: Open to receiving and giving constructive feedback to continuously improve designs and workflows.
• Agile & Responsive: Characteristic of a startup, the team likely adapts quickly to project changes and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Team culture and values are inferred from the "About the Organisation" and "Why Join" sections, focusing on what a creative, growing startup in the game industry would likely prioritize, and how these values translate into daily operations and team interactions for a UI Artist.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality: Creating visually stunning UI that is also intuitive and easy for players to use, especially under tight deadlines.
• Adapting to Evolving Game Designs: Game mechanics and features can change during development, requiring UI designs to be flexible and adaptable.
• Performance Optimization Constraints: Ensuring UI assets are optimized for various platforms, which can sometimes limit creative freedom.
• Startup Pace: Working in a fast-paced startup environment with potentially evolving priorities and processes, requiring adaptability and resilience.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to master new design tools, techniques, and animation methods for UI.
• Industry Exposure: Working on diverse game projects for different clients, providing exposure to various genres and art styles.
• Holistic Game Development Understanding: Gaining insights into the entire game development pipeline, from concept to release.
• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced art and production professionals within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are identified by considering the inherent difficulties of game UI design and the specific context of a startup environment, framed to highlight how candidates can approach these and leverage them for professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a challenging UI project you worked on and how you overcame the obstacles." (Focus: Problem-solving, resilience, technical execution)
• "Walk us through your process for designing a new game menu from scratch, including how you'd incorporate player feedback." (Focus: Design methodology, user-centered approach, collaboration)
• "How do you ensure your UI designs are optimized for performance across different platforms and devices?" (Focus: Technical awareness, optimization strategies)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for a startup in the game art service industry?" (Focus: Motivation, cultural fit, understanding of the business model)
• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs?" (Focus: Adaptability, teamwork, receptiveness to feedback)
• "How do you stay updated on the latest UI/UX trends in gaming?" (Focus: Proactiveness, passion for the industry, continuous learning)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your role and the project's goals. Then, detail your design process, showing wireframes, mockups, and final assets. Finally, discuss the outcomes and any lessons learned.
• Storytelling: Frame your projects as solutions to specific design problems, highlighting your creative thinking and technical execution.
• Visuals: Use high-quality images and interactive prototypes where possible. Keep text concise and let your visuals speak for themselves.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your top 2-3 projects within a given time frame, focusing on the most impactful aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to assess key competencies for a Game UI Artist, including design thinking, technical skills, collaboration, and cultural fit, with specific question examples and presentation strategies.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Game UI Artist position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Playdawn careers page.
• Customize Your Resume: Highlight your experience with UI/UX design for games, specifically mentioning Adobe Photoshop, Figma, and any game engine familiarity. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Improved user flow efficiency by X%").
• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., a personal website or dedicated platform link) and showcases your best game UI/UX projects. Organize it logically with clear project descriptions and visual examples.
• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through 2-3 key portfolio pieces, articulating your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work. Be ready to answer questions about your design choices and problem-solving approach.
• Research the Company: Understand Playdawn's client focus and the startup environment. Familiarize yourself with their mission and values to demonstrate your alignment during interviews.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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