UI Artist (Front End)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI Artist (Front End) Company: Visual Concepts Location: Novato, CA (Remote OK within the United States) Job Type: Full-Time Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Technology Date Posted: January 16, 2026 Experience Level: 2-5 Years Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is for a UI Artist focused on front-end development and visual asset creation for the highly successful NBA 2K franchise.
• Responsibilities include designing and implementing user interface (UI) assets, contributing to motion graphics, and collaborating with UI designers and engineers.
• Requires strong traditional art training, proficiency in graphic design, illustration, and 3D software, with an emphasis on user-friendly interface development.
• The position offers remote work flexibility within the United States, contributing to visually compelling and user-friendly game interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "UI Artist (Front End)" strongly suggests a focus on the visual implementation and asset creation for user interfaces within a game engine, rather than pure front-end web development. The emphasis on "game engine," "Maya," and "proprietary development tools" confirms this. The "Front End" designation appears to refer to the user-facing aspect of the game interface.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create and implement high-quality UI assets that strictly adhere to the game’s established art direction and brand guidelines.
• Collaborate closely with a cross-functional team of UI Designers and software engineers to seamlessly integrate UI assets into the game engine utilizing Maya and proprietary development tools.
• Develop and refine motion graphics and visual effects that enhance the overall user experience and contribute to an immersive gameplay environment.
• Actively participate in design reviews, providing constructive feedback and incorporating insights derived from playtesting sessions to optimize UI effectiveness.
• Translate game design requirements and player feedback into intuitive and visually appealing user interface elements.
• Ensure consistency in visual style, typography, and iconography across all UI components.
• Troubleshoot and resolve UI-related technical issues during the development process.
• Stay abreast of current trends in UI design, tools, and technologies relevant to game development to continuously improve quality and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw description mentions "engine using Maya and proprietary development tools," it's highly probable that the "integration" and "implementation" aspects also involve game-specific UI scripting or layout tools within engines like Unreal Engine or Unity, which are mentioned as preferred skills. The responsibilities have been expanded to reflect the typical scope of a UI Artist in game development, focusing on asset creation, integration, and refinement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent knowledge and skill in graphic design, illustration, and UI/UX principles is essential.
• Preferred backgrounds include degrees in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Digital Media, or related fields.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2+ years of professional experience in crafting commercial user interface designs, with a strong preference for experience within large-scale or AAA game development titles.
• Demonstrated experience in integrating UI assets into modern game engines is critical.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in industry-standard 2D graphics applications such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for asset creation.
• Familiarity with 3D software like Maya, Cinema 4D, or similar industry-standard 3D rendering tools.
• Experience working with modern game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) and implementing UI assets within them.
• Strong understanding of UI/UX principles, including composition, color theory, visual hierarchy, and user flow.
• Proven ability to work with a high degree of self-direction and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and provide/receive constructive feedback.
• Experience in creating motion graphics for interactive or animated elements.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with prototyping tools such as Figma for UI layout and interaction design.
• Familiarity with version control systems like Perforce.
• Knowledge of the NBA brand, its visual identity, and stylistic nuances.
• Experience in creating UI for multi-sku, multi-resolution console and PC projects.
• Shipped at least one AAA console project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level is inferred from the "2+ years" requirement and the mention of "large-scale or AAA titles," suggesting a mid-level role. The "Bonus Points" are integrated into preferred skills, as they represent desirable but not strictly mandatory qualifications. The raw description implies a direct need for 3D software familiarity, with Maya being specifically mentioned.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UI design projects, with a strong emphasis on game interfaces.
• Demonstrations of traditional art skills (illustration, composition, color theory) applied to UI design.
• Examples of 2D asset creation for user interfaces.
• Inclusion of motion graphics or animated UI elements.
• Case studies detailing the design process, problem-solving, and final implementation for at least one significant project.

Process Documentation:

• Visual documentation of the UI asset creation pipeline, from initial concept to final implementation in-engine.
• Examples of how UI/UX principles were applied to solve specific design challenges.
• Workflow examples demonstrating collaboration with designers and engineers.
• Evidence of understanding and applying feedback from playtests and reviews to refine UI elements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UI Artist role, a portfolio is paramount. This section outlines the expected content and focus, emphasizing game-specific UI work, traditional art application, and process demonstration, which are standard expectations for such roles in the gaming industry.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• California: $38 - $50 per hour
• New York State (inclusive of New York City): $32 - $46 per hour
• Washington: $38 - $50 per hour
• New Jersey: $32 - $46 per hour
• British Columbia (CAD): $30 - $40 per hour

Explanation of Salary Range: The provided salary ranges are based on the explicit information in the job description, which outlines pay transparency law requirements for specific US states and British Columbia. The ranges are hourly and reflect the "2-5" years of experience level inferred for this role. Actual compensation will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and the candidate's specific market location.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical coverage.
• Financial benefits, which may include retirement plans or other financial wellness programs.
• Potential for bonus awards, tied to individual or company performance.
• Potential for equity awards, offering ownership in the company.
• Additional benefits may be available, details to be provided upon offer of employment.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, reflecting a standard full-time employment schedule.
• While the role is remote, adherence to project deadlines and team collaboration needs will be expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary ranges and their corresponding locations are directly extracted from the job description's compensation section. The explanation clarifies the basis for these ranges and acknowledges that actual pay can vary. The benefits are listed as provided, with a note that further details are contingent on an offer.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Entertainment Software / Video Game Development. Visual Concepts is a prominent studio within this industry, known for its highly successful NBA 2K franchise, indicating a focus on sports simulation and competitive gaming experiences. Company Size: Visual Concepts is described as "one of the world’s top game development studios" with multiple international locations (Novato, Irvine, Budapest, Shanghai, Austin, Boise, Seoul, and Parksville, Canada). This suggests a large-to-enterprise-sized organization with a significant global footprint. Founded: The founding date is not explicitly stated, but the mention of shipping "over 100 multi-sku titles" implies a long history and significant experience in game development, likely dating back several decades.

Team Structure:

• The UI Artist will be part of the game development team, likely within a dedicated art or design department.
• This role will report to a Lead UI Artist or Art Director, and will collaborate closely with UI Designers, 3D Artists, animators, and engineers.
• Teams are described as "independent and entrepreneurial," suggesting a culture that encourages initiative and ownership.

Methodology:

• Visual Concepts emphasizes "artistry and technical innovation."
• Game development likely follows agile or iterative methodologies, involving frequent design reviews, playtesting, and feedback incorporation.
• A strong focus on "user-friendly interface" and "visually compelling" experiences drives their design and development processes.
• Collaboration across disciplines (art, design, engineering) is crucial for integrating UI assets effectively into the game engine.

Company Website: www.vcentertainment.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is derived from the provided description, highlighting its status as a top-tier game developer, its global presence, and its emphasis on artistic and technical excellence. The "independent and entrepreneurial" descriptor is used to infer team dynamics and culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Mid-Level position, requiring 2+ years of professional experience. It's a specialized artistic role within the game development pipeline, focusing on the visual and interactive front-end of the game. Reporting Structure: The UI Artist will likely report to a Lead UI Artist or an Art Director. They will collaborate extensively with UI Designers, Game Designers, and Software Engineers, demonstrating a cross-functional reporting and collaboration dynamic. Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role in the business sense, this UI Artist directly impacts the player's experience and engagement with the game. An effective UI is crucial for game accessibility, player satisfaction, and ultimately, commercial success. The quality of the UI can influence player retention and monetization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, visual effects for UI, or advanced UI/UX principles within gaming.
• Lead Roles: Progress to a Senior UI Artist or Lead UI Artist position, taking on more responsibility for art direction, team mentorship, and project management within the UI art discipline.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain exposure to game design, engineering, or other art disciplines, potentially leading to broader roles within game development.
• AAA Project Experience: Build a strong portfolio with shipped AAA titles, enhancing marketability for future senior roles in the industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Career Level" is adapted to fit the context of a game development role, interpreting "operations" as the functional execution within the development lifecycle. The growth opportunities are standard for artists in the gaming industry, focusing on specialization and advancement within the art pipeline.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Visual Concepts operates multiple studios, suggesting a traditional office environment for many roles. However, this specific position is designated as "Remote OK" and can be based anywhere in the United States, indicating a hybrid or fully remote work option for this role. Office Location(s): While the company has global studios, this role can be remote within the United States. Novato, California, is the primary studio location mentioned for this specific position. Workspace Context:

• For remote employees, the expectation is a dedicated home office setup conducive to focused work and participation in virtual meetings.
• Collaboration will occur through digital tools, including video conferencing, messaging platforms, and project management software.
• While not in a physical office, the remote setup should still foster a professional and productive environment for creative tasks.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is likely full-time, approximately 40 hours per week.
• Flexibility may be offered, but adherence to project timelines, team meeting schedules, and critical development milestones will be essential. Remote work allows for greater autonomy in managing the daily schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Work Environment" section is adapted to address the remote aspect of the role, contrasting it with the company's likely physical office presence and outlining expectations for remote employees.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and artistic style.
• Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated meeting with the hiring team to walk through your portfolio, discuss specific projects, your design process, and your contributions. Be prepared to articulate your decision-making for UI/UX choices.
• Technical/Artistic Assessment: This may involve a practical exercise or a discussion of technical skills, such as 3D modeling, asset implementation in a game engine, or motion graphics creation.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Discussions with UI Designers, Engineers, and potentially Producers to evaluate collaboration skills, communication style, and understanding of the development pipeline.
• Final Interview: A meeting with senior leadership to discuss cultural fit, career aspirations, and overall suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest UI work, prioritizing game-related projects. Include examples that demonstrate your skills in illustration, graphic design, 3D asset creation, and motion graphics.
• Highlight Process: For each project, explain your thought process, the problem you were solving, your design choices, and how you integrated feedback. Use clear visuals and concise explanations.
• Demonstrate Engine/Tool Proficiency: If possible, include examples or descriptions of how your UI assets were implemented in a game engine (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) or the tools you used for integration.
• Showcase NBA 2K Relevance: If you have relevant work, highlight how your style and skills align with the aesthetic and demands of the NBA 2K franchise.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, explain the impact of your UI work – e.g., how it improved usability, engagement, or addressed specific player feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Expect a potential art test or a design challenge. Prepare by reviewing common UI patterns in sports games and practicing creating simple UI elements or flows under timed conditions.
• Be ready to discuss your approach to creating visually appealing and functional interfaces within the constraints of a game engine and specific art direction.
• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, focusing on how your work contributes to the overall player experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on preparing candidates for the specific demands of a UI Artist role in game development, emphasizing portfolio content, process explanation, and potential practical assessments.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 2D Graphics Applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator (essential for asset creation, texture work, and graphical elements).
• 3D Software: Maya (specifically mentioned), Cinema 4D, or similar industry-standard 3D rendering tools (for creating UI elements, icons, or 3D assets that might be integrated into the UI).
• Prototyping Tools: Figma (preferred), Adobe XD, Sketch (for UI layout, wireframing, and interactive prototyping).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics, understanding how UI performance is tracked within the game engine (e.g., user flow, interaction rates) is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but familiarity with project management and asset management tools is expected.

Game Engine & Integration:

• Game Engines: Unreal Engine, Unity (required experience with at least one).
• Proprietary Development Tools: Specific to Visual Concepts, requiring adaptability.
• Version Control: Perforce (preferred), Git (common in game dev).

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology stack are directly pulled from the job description's requirements and preferred skills, with added context on their typical use in UI art for game development.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Artistry & Technical Innovation: A core value driving the creation of high-quality, visually stunning, and technically sound games.
• Passion for Play: A genuine love for games, fostering a creative and engaging work environment where team members are enthusiastic about what they create.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasizing the importance of working together across disciplines to achieve shared goals, as evidenced by the need to integrate UI assets with engineering.
• User-Centric Design: A commitment to creating visually compelling and user-friendly interfaces that enhance the player experience.
• Self-Direction & Initiative: Encouraging individuals to take ownership of their work and contribute proactively.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close collaboration with UI Designers and Engineers is critical for seamless asset implementation.
• Feedback-Driven: An open environment for providing and receiving feedback from playtests, design reviews, and peers.
• Iterative Development: Working in cycles of creation, testing, and refinement to achieve the best possible outcome.
• Communication-Focused: Regular communication through meetings, digital tools, and clear documentation to ensure alignment across teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Company values are inferred from the "About Us" section and the overall description of the role's responsibilities and team interactions. The emphasis is on creativity, technical skill, and collaborative development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Artistic Consistency: Maintaining a high level of artistic quality and consistency across all UI elements while adhering to a specific game's art direction and brand guidelines (e.g., NBA).
• Technical Integration: Effectively integrating 2D and 3D assets into a game engine, ensuring they function correctly and perform optimally.
• Balancing Aesthetics and Usability: Creating visually stunning interfaces that are also intuitive, accessible, and easy for players to navigate.
• Adapting to Proprietary Tools: Quickly learning and mastering Visual Concepts' specific development tools and pipelines.
• Remote Collaboration: Effectively communicating and collaborating with team members across different locations and time zones.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UI/UX Techniques: Gaining deeper expertise in user-centered design principles specifically for interactive entertainment.
• Motion Graphics & VFX: Developing specialized skills in creating dynamic and engaging visual effects for game interfaces.
• 3D UI Elements: Expanding proficiency in creating and integrating 3D assets into the UI pipeline.
• Game Engine Mastery: Becoming an expert in UI implementation within Unreal Engine or Unity.
• AAA Project Experience: Contributing to a high-profile, globally recognized franchise like NBA 2K provides invaluable career experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on the typical demands of a UI Artist role in AAA game development, considering the specific technologies and collaborative environment described. Growth opportunities focus on skill enhancement and career progression within the gaming art pipeline.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Portfolio Walkthrough: Be prepared to present your portfolio, focusing on 2-3 key projects. For each, detail:
  • The problem you were solving.
  • Your design process and methodology.
  • Specific UI/UX decisions and their rationale.
  • How you collaborated with other team members (designers, engineers).
  • The tools and technologies you used.
  • The outcome and impact of your work.
• Art Direction & Style: How would you approach creating UI assets that align with the specific art direction of the NBA 2K franchise? Discuss your understanding of the brand's visual identity.
• Technical Implementation: Describe your experience integrating UI assets into a game engine. What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
• Problem-Solving: Present a scenario where you had to balance aesthetic goals with technical constraints or player feedback. How did you resolve it?

Company & Culture Questions:

• Why are you interested in Visual Concepts and the NBA 2K franchise specifically?
• How do you approach collaboration in a remote or hybrid team environment?
• How do you stay updated on current UI design trends and technologies in gaming?
• Describe your experience working with game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Visual Storytelling: Use your portfolio to tell a story about your skills and your process. Guide the interviewer through your work, highlighting key achievements and challenges.
• Focus on Relevance: Emphasize projects that demonstrate your ability to create compelling and functional interfaces for interactive experiences, especially games.
• Showcase Range: Include examples of 2D asset creation, 3D elements (if applicable), and motion graphics.
• Quantify Results: If possible, use metrics or specific examples to illustrate the positive impact of your UI designs.
• Be Prepared for Live Critiques: Some companies may present a small UI challenge or ask you to critique an existing UI element on the spot.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to a UI Artist role, emphasizing portfolio presentation, technical skills relevant to game development, and understanding of the specific franchise and company.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI Artist position:

• Submit your application through the Visual Concepts careers portal via the provided link.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your best UI design work, especially any related to gaming, sports, or complex interactive applications. Tailor the highlighted projects to showcase skills in illustration, graphic design, 3D asset creation, and motion graphics.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to highlight your years of experience, proficiency with required software (Photoshop, Illustrator, Maya, Unreal Engine/Unity), and any experience with AAA titles or game development. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process for key portfolio pieces, focusing on how you translate requirements into functional and visually appealing UI. Be ready to discuss your experience with game engines and your understanding of UI/UX principles in gaming.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Visual Concepts' history, its major game titles (especially NBA 2K), and its company culture as described on their website. Understand their commitment to artistry and technical innovation.

⚠️ 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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