Senior UI Artist (CONTRACT)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI Artist (CONTRACT) Company: Insomniac Games Location: United States, Remote Job Type: CONTRACTOR Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design Date Posted: 2025-10-01T21:08:15 Experience Level: 7+ Years Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Crafting AAA quality user interface (UI) art for in-game HUD and menu systems.
• Collaborating with a world-class UI/UX team to enhance player navigation, information discovery, and goal achievement.
• Championing usability and accessibility to maximize the end-user experience.
• Partnering with artists, designers, and developers to implement user experiences that align with the aesthetic, experiential, and technical vision of Insomniac's games.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a CONTRACTOR position, indicating a project-based engagement focused on delivering specific UI art assets and contributions within a defined timeframe. The emphasis on "AAA quality" and "industry-inspiring player experience" suggests a high bar for visual fidelity and user engagement, common in top-tier game development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create AAA quality user interface art for in-game HUD and menu systems.
• Work iteratively and independently through all phases of the game development cycle, from prototype to polish.
• Collaborate directly with artists, designers, and developers to implement accessible user experiences that support the aesthetic, experiential, and technical vision for Insomniac's games.
• Provide accurate task estimates, update the team on progress, and ensure work remains within scope.
• Deliver wireframes, mockups, motion comps, iconography, prototypes, and the in-game implementation of assets that are usable, accessible, and highly polished.
• Proactively share, receive, incorporate, and act on feedback from cross-functional teams.
• Effectively communicate with leadership and project management to manage workload and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Help evolve Insomniac's studio standards of excellence for UI art.
• Advocate for players and the end-to-end user experience throughout the development process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual contribution and team collaboration. The emphasis on independent work "through all phases of the game development cycle" suggests a need for self-management and proactive problem-solving. The inclusion of "motion comps" and "prototypes" indicates a need for dynamic UI design beyond static assets.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Equivalent combination of education and experience; specific degree not mandated. Experience: Seven or more years of related experience in UI art creation for interactive experiences.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Animate, After Effects, and Illustrator.
• Detailed understanding of digital interaction design fundamentals and established patterns.
• Experience creating and adhering to style guides and development standards within a creative team.
• Strong game design sensibilities with a commitment to creating innovative player experiences.
• Familiarity with game engines and their associated implementation workflows.
• Ability to deliver wireframes, mockups, motion comps, iconography, and prototypes.
• Experience in implementing UI assets directly within a game development environment.
• Proven ability to advocate for player needs and the overall user experience.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working on UI systems specifically within AAA games.
• Familiarity with related digital content creation packages such as Figma, Maya, or Cinema 4D.
• Experience with 2D animation and/or motion design principles applied to UI.
• Familiarity with web technologies (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript) or specific UI implementation tools like Coherent.
• A demonstrated passion for game accessibility and player advocacy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a strong foundation in visual design tools and interaction design principles, crucial for creating intuitive and engaging game interfaces. The preferred skills point towards candidates who can integrate more deeply into existing workflows, especially those involving animation, 3D tools, or specialized UI implementation technologies common in modern game development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of AAA quality UI art for in-game HUDs and menu systems, demonstrating visual polish and thematic consistency.
• Examples of wireframes, mockups, and motion comps that clearly articulate user flow and interactive states.
• Prototypes or motion studies that illustrate dynamic UI elements and transitions.
• Assets (iconography, graphical elements) that adhere to style guides and brand standards.
• Case studies or project examples that highlight a deep understanding of usability and accessibility principles.

Process Documentation:

• Projects demonstrating independent work through multiple development phases (prototype to polish).
• Examples of collaboration with designers, artists, and developers, showing effective communication and integration.
• Submissions that reflect the ability to adhere to or help define style guides and development standards.
• Demonstrations of implementing UI assets within a game engine context (if possible, though not strictly required).

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UI Artist role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond static visuals to showcase an understanding of interactive design, animation, and practical implementation within a game development pipeline. The inclusion of "motion comps" and "prototypes" suggests a need for dynamic portfolio pieces that illustrate the candidate's ability to think about UI as an interactive experience.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75 - $95 USD per hour.

Benefits:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance

Working Hours: The job description mentions a commitment to maintaining a "healthy work-life balance", and while a standard 40-hour work week is typical for contract roles, Insomniac's digital-first culture supports flexible arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided hourly rate of $75-$95 USD positions this as a senior-level contract role, reflecting the demand for specialized skills in AAA game development. The benefits listed are standard for contract positions, and the mention of work-life balance, even for a contract, suggests an emphasis on sustainable productivity.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development. Insomniac Games is a renowned developer known for critically acclaimed titles. Company Size: Insomniac Games is part of Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), a large global organization. While Insomniac's specific headcount is substantial, its integration within SIE means access to broader resources and a large corporate structure. Founded: Insomniac Games was founded in 1994.

Team Structure:

• The UI/UX Department is described as "world-class," indicating a team of highly skilled professionals dedicated to player experience.
• Collaboration is a key aspect, with direct partnerships expected between UI artists, UI/UX designers, game designers, and technical developers.
• Reporting likely flows through UI/UX leadership, with project management oversight for task tracking and workload management.

Methodology:

• Embraces a "digital-first culture" with flexible working arrangements (in-office, remote, hybrid).
• Focuses on iterative development from prototype to polish.
• Prioritizes usability, accessibility, and player advocacy.
• Emphasizes proactive feedback exchange and continuous improvement of standards.

Company Website: https://www.insomniacgames.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Insomniac Games is a well-established and highly respected name in the gaming industry. Their culture, as described, emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a player-centric approach, which is critical for roles directly impacting the user experience. The "digital-first" approach and support for remote work are significant for attracting talent globally.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior UI Artist (Contract). This role is for an experienced professional contributing specialized artistic skills to game development projects. Reporting Structure: Expected to report to UI/UX leadership or a lead artist/designer, with collaboration across various disciplines including game design and engineering. Operations Impact: Directly influences the player's interaction with the game, impacting usability, immersion, and overall satisfaction. High-quality UI art is crucial for conveying information effectively and enhancing the game's aesthetic appeal.

Growth Opportunities:

• For contract roles, growth is often project-specific, allowing for exposure to different game genres or development challenges.
• Potential to contribute to evolving studio standards and best practices for UI art.
• Opportunity to work on high-profile AAA titles, enhancing one's portfolio and industry reputation.
• Skill development in game engines and specialized UI implementation workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a contract role, the "Senior" title implies a high level of autonomy and expectation for leadership in UI art execution. Growth opportunities are more likely to be project-based, focusing on skill expansion and portfolio enhancement within the context of Insomniac's acclaimed titles, rather than traditional long-term career progression within the company's permanent structure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Insomniac Games embraces a "digital-first culture" and supports "in-office, remote and hybrid working arrangements." Given the "United States, Remote" location, this role is expected to be fully remote. Office Location(s): While Insomniac has physical locations, this specific contract role is advertised as remote within the United States.

Workspace Context:

• A fully remote setup requires strong self-discipline, effective communication tools, and a reliable home office environment.
• Collaboration will primarily occur through digital channels, necessitating proficiency with communication and project management software.
• Access to digital assets and development builds will be managed through secure company systems.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical for contract roles, with an emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Flexibility may be possible, but project deadlines and team synchronization are key considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature of this contract position is a significant aspect. Candidates must be comfortable working independently, managing their time effectively, and communicating proactively across digital platforms. Insomniac's commitment to a "digital-first culture" suggests robust support for remote collaboration tools and processes.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio. Emphasis will be on visual quality, relevance to game UI, and understanding of interaction design.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present their work, discuss their process, and explain their design decisions. Expect to walk through specific project examples.
• Technical/Creative Assessment: Potentially a small design challenge or discussion about technical implementation workflows related to game engines.
• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion with UI/UX team members and leadership to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with Insomniac's values.
• Final Interview: May involve discussions with project leads or hiring managers regarding role expectations and contract terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Relevance: Prioritize projects that best demonstrate UI art for games (HUDs, menus, in-game interfaces).
• Highlight Process: Include wireframes, mockups, and motion comps to show your thought process and iterative design approach.
• Demonstrate Interaction: If possible, include animated examples or prototypes to illustrate dynamic UI elements.
• Explain Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially in collaborative projects.
• Address Usability & Accessibility: Include examples or discussions of how you considered user experience and accessibility.
• Technical Understanding: Be prepared to discuss your familiarity with game engines and implementation workflows.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing a specific UI element or flow for a hypothetical game scenario.
• Prepare to articulate your understanding of UI best practices, including usability, accessibility, and visual hierarchy.
• Think about how you would integrate your UI art with game design and technical constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component for this role. Candidates should curate it to specifically highlight their strengths in game UI art and interaction design. Be prepared to discuss not just the final visuals but also the underlying design thinking, process, and technical considerations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Animate, After Effects, Illustrator (essential).
• Figma: Preferred for wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration.
• Maya / Cinema 4D: Preferred for 3D elements or motion graphics integration.

Analytics & Reporting: Not directly applicable to UI Artist role, but understanding how UI performance is tracked (e.g., player engagement, task completion rates) is beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable.

Game Engines & Implementation:

• Familiarity with common game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) and their UI implementation pipelines.
• Experience with UI implementation tools or frameworks (e.g., Coherent) is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Suite is non-negotiable. The mention of Figma, Maya, and C4D as "bonus experience" indicates that candidates who can leverage these tools will have a significant advantage, especially for creating more complex or dynamic UI elements. Understanding game engine workflows is crucial for effective asset implementation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player Advocacy: A strong commitment to understanding and serving the player's needs.
• Excellence: Striving for AAA quality and pushing creative boundaries in UI art.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams to achieve shared goals.
• Iteration & Feedback: Embracing an iterative process and actively seeking/giving constructive feedback.
• Usability & Accessibility: Prioritizing intuitive design and inclusive experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive and communicative, especially in a remote setting.
• Open to sharing work early and often to gather feedback.
• Willingness to integrate UI art seamlessly with game design and technical requirements.
• Ability to articulate design decisions clearly and respectfully.

📝 Enhancement Note: Insomniac's culture values creativity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to the player experience. For a remote contractor, demonstrating these values through proactive communication and a strong work ethic will be key to fitting into the team's dynamics.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Remote Collaboration: Effectively communicating and collaborating with a distributed team and maintaining strong connections.
• Technical Integration: Ensuring UI assets are technically feasible and integrate smoothly into game engines and development pipelines.
• Scope Management: Accurately estimating tasks and managing workload to meet project deadlines within a contract timeframe.
• Evolving Standards: Keeping pace with the latest UI/UX trends and contributing to the evolution of Insomniac's UI art standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to cutting-edge AAA game development processes and technologies.
• Opportunity to work on high-profile, critically acclaimed game titles.
• Skill enhancement in advanced UI design, animation, and game engine implementation.
• Potential for networking and building relationships within a leading game development studio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge for this role will be adapting to a remote contract environment while maintaining the high standards expected for AAA game development. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a chance to expand one's portfolio with prestigious titles and gain experience in a top-tier studio.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Walk me through a challenging UI project from your portfolio. What were the goals, your process, and the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, iteration, and results.)
• "How do you balance aesthetic quality with functional usability and accessibility in UI design?" (Demonstrate understanding of UX principles.)
• "Describe your experience with implementing UI art within a game engine. What are some common challenges and how do you overcome them?" (Assess technical understanding.)
• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating feedback from designers, developers, and other stakeholders?" (Evaluate collaboration and communication skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Insomniac Games and our titles?" (Show genuine interest and research.)
• "How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance, especially in a remote contract role?" (Assess self-management and professionalism.)
• "How do you see your contribution evolving Insomniac's UI art standards?" (Gauge proactive thinking and potential for impact.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project or by skill type (e.g., HUDs, menus, motion graphics).
• Narrative: For each project, tell a story: the problem, your approach, the solutions, and the results.
• Visuals First: Let your best work shine, but be ready to deep-dive into the details.
• Highlight Process: Show wireframes, iterations, and motion studies to demonstrate your thinking.
• Technical Context: Be prepared to discuss the tools and workflows used, and how your assets are implemented.
• Conciseness: Respect the interviewer's time; be clear and to the point.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing both artistic talent and a strong understanding of the game development process and user experience principles. Be ready to articulate your thought process, problem-solving skills, and ability to collaborate effectively, especially in a remote capacity.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UI Artist (CONTRACT) position:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your strongest work in game UI art, highlighting HUDs, menus, and interactive elements. Include wireframes and motion examples.
• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your 7+ years of relevant experience, proficiency with Adobe Suite, and any experience with game engines or specific UI implementation tools. Highlight successful AAA projects.
• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, focusing on your process, problem-solving, collaboration, and understanding of usability and accessibility.
• Research Insomniac: Familiarize yourself with Insomniac's games, their visual style, and their reputation for player experience. Understand their commitment to a digital-first, remote-friendly culture.

⚠️ 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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