UI Artist Intern - Undergraduate

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI Artist Intern - Undergraduate Company: Insomniac Games Location: United States, Remote Job Type: Intern Category: Game Development - UI/UX Design Date Posted: 2025-11-03 Experience Level: 0-2 Years Remote Status: Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship focuses on contributing to the UI/UX Department, specifically in the creation and implementation of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) elements for AAA game titles.
• The role involves hands-on design and iteration of UI visuals, including wireframes, mockups, motion graphics, and iconography, directly impacting player engagement and game navigation.
• Interns will collaborate with cross-functional teams of artists, designers, and developers, gaining exposure to professional game development workflows and interdisciplinary project execution.
• A key aspect of the role is learning and applying best practices in visual design, interaction design, and user experience within the context of a fast-paced, creative studio environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "UI Artist Intern," the description emphasizes UI/UX design and implementation, indicating a blend of artistic and functional design responsibilities crucial for a seamless player experience in AAA games. The remote nature suggests a need for strong self-management and communication skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and iterate on UI visuals, including wireframes, mockups, motion comps, and iconography, to enhance player interaction and game clarity.
• Implement and polish in-game UI elements, ensuring visual consistency and functional integrity in collaboration with artists, designers, and engineers.
• Contribute to UI/UX documentation, providing clear and concise records of design decisions, workflows, and specifications.
• Participate actively in feedback sessions and team design reviews, offering constructive input and incorporating feedback to refine UI/UX solutions.
• Research and stay current with emerging design trends, accessibility standards, and usability patterns to advocate for and implement best-in-class player experiences.
• Assist in the development of prototypes to visualize and test UI/UX concepts before full implementation.
• Collaborate with developers to understand technical constraints and opportunities for UI implementation within game engines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to UI asset creation and implementation, emphasizing the intern's direct contribution to the game's visual and interactive elements. The focus on documentation and feedback sessions indicates a structured design process and a collaborative team environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree, with an expected graduation between May 2025 and Spring 2027 from an accredited university. Experience: While no specific years of experience are mandated for an intern role, candidates are expected to demonstrate foundational knowledge and practical application through their portfolio.

Required Skills:

• Portfolio Required: A strong portfolio showcasing detailed, polished visual user interface (UI) and screen design, with a particular emphasis on video game content. Supporting illustration, graphic design, animation, and motion graphics work is acceptable as supplementary material.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Demonstrated competency in Photoshop, Animate, After Effects, and Illustrator for UI asset creation and motion graphics.
• Understanding of Digital Design Fundamentals: Solid grasp of core design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.
• Knowledge of Interaction Design & Usability: Familiarity with user interaction patterns, navigation principles, and established usability heuristics.
• Game Design Sensibilities: A strong appreciation for game mechanics, player flow, and the ability to translate game design concepts into intuitive UI.
• Passion for Game Accessibility: Demonstrated interest in creating inclusive experiences that cater to a diverse player base.
• Player Advocacy: A mindset focused on prioritizing the player's needs and enhancing their overall gaming experience.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) and their UI implementation workflows.
• Experience with prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Adobe XD, Axure).
• Basic understanding of animation principles and motion graphics for UI elements.
• Exposure to UX research methodologies or user testing principles.
• Ability to interpret and implement UI specifications from design documents.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio specifically for video game UI is critical. Candidates should curate their submissions to highlight relevant projects that demonstrate their understanding of game interfaces, visual appeal, and player-centric design. While technical experience with game engines is preferred, a strong foundation in UI/UX principles and visual design is paramount.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual UI Design: Showcase a range of UI screens and elements created for hypothetical or real game projects, demonstrating layout, hierarchy, and aesthetic appeal.
• Interactive Prototypes: Include examples of interactive prototypes that illustrate user flows, navigation, and core interactions within a game interface.
• Motion Graphics for UI: Present examples of animated UI elements, transitions, or HUD components that add dynamism and clarity to the user experience.
• Iconography and Asset Creation: Demonstrate the ability to design clear, scalable, and thematically appropriate icons and UI assets.
• Process Documentation: Where possible, briefly outline the design process for selected portfolio pieces, including ideation, iteration, and final execution.

Process Documentation:

• While not a formal requirement for this internship, candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design process and how they approach problem-solving in UI/UX design.
• Understanding of how UI assets are integrated into a game development pipeline, including asset handoff and collaboration with engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary evaluation tool. Candidates should ensure it is well-organized, easy to navigate, and clearly highlights their UI/UX design skills specifically within the context of video games. Demonstrating an understanding of the iterative design process is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $33.25 - $40.00 USD per hour. Benefits:

• Fixed hourly pay rate as specified.
• Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates.
• Opportunity to gain hands-on experience in AAA game development.
• Mentorship and learning opportunities within Insomniac's UI/UX Department.
• Exposure to industry-standard tools and professional workflows.
• Potential for networking within the gaming industry.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, consistent with a full-time internship. Specific daily schedules will be determined by the team and may involve flexibility. The internship period is fixed at 12 weeks, with options for May 18th - August 7th or June 15th - September 4th.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for an undergraduate internship in the US, reflecting the value of specialized skills in game development. The mention of relocation assistance is a significant benefit for candidates needing to move for the internship.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development. Insomniac Games is renowned for creating critically acclaimed and commercially successful titles across various platforms, known for their innovative gameplay, strong narrative, and distinctive art style. Company Size: Insomniac Games is a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), indicating it operates within a large, established corporate structure while maintaining its unique studio culture. Founded: Insomniac Games was founded in 1994, bringing decades of experience and a rich history of game development to its current operations.

Team Structure:

• The UI/UX Department likely comprises experienced UI Artists, UX Designers, UX Researchers, and potentially UI Engineers.
• Interns will typically report to a Lead UI Artist or UX Manager, receiving guidance and project assignments from senior team members.
• Collaboration is expected to be cross-functional, involving close work with game designers, concept artists, 3D artists, animators, and software engineers.

Methodology:

• Insomniac Games is known for its iterative and collaborative development process, focusing on delivering high-quality, player-centric experiences.
• UI/UX design likely follows a structured approach, starting with conceptualization and wireframing, moving to visual design and prototyping, and culminating in implementation and refinement within the game engine.
• Emphasis is placed on user feedback, playtesting, and data-driven design decisions to ensure intuitive and engaging interfaces.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Insomniac Games has a strong reputation for creative freedom and a passion-driven work environment. As a subsidiary of SIE, it benefits from the resources of a major publisher while retaining its distinct identity. Interns can expect a professional yet creative atmosphere focused on pushing the boundaries of game design.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship position, designed for undergraduate students to gain foundational experience in UI/UX design within the AAA game industry. It represents the initial step in a potential career path in game art and design. Reporting Structure: Interns will report to a designated mentor or supervisor within the UI/UX Department, who will provide direction, feedback, and guidance throughout the internship. Operations Impact: While interns contribute to specific projects, their primary impact is through learning and skill development, with their work directly supporting the UI/UX team's goals for creating intuitive and visually appealing player interfaces. Their fresh perspectives can also offer valuable insights during design discussions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Intensive learning in UI/UX design principles, visual design, motion graphics, and industry-standard tools specific to game development.
• Industry Exposure: Direct experience working within a AAA game studio environment, understanding professional workflows, and collaborating with industry veterans.
• Portfolio Enhancement: The opportunity to create tangible work that can be added to a professional portfolio, showcasing real-world project contributions.
• Networking: Building connections with professionals in the game development industry, which can be invaluable for future career opportunities.
• Potential for Future Opportunities: Successful interns may be considered for future internships or entry-level positions within Insomniac Games or other studios within SIE.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is a critical stepping stone for aspiring UI/UX artists in the gaming industry. The structured learning environment and hands-on project involvement provide a significant advantage for future career prospects. The emphasis on portfolio building is key for long-term career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While the role is listed as "Remote," it's important to note that Insomniac Games typically operates from physical studio locations. The remote nature of this internship likely pertains to specific program structures or is an adaptation for the intern cohort, possibly offering flexibility or access to talent across broader geographic areas. Office Location(s): Insomniac Games has primary studio locations in Burbank, California, and additional offices. However, the "United States, Remote" designation suggests that this specific internship allows for work from a home office within the United States.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Setup: Interns will need a dedicated, professional remote workspace with reliable internet connectivity to effectively collaborate and perform their duties.
• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary software (Adobe Creative Suite) will be provided or expected, along with potential access to internal company tools for collaboration and project management.
• Team Interaction: Communication will primarily occur through digital platforms (e.g., Slack, email, video conferencing), fostering a connected yet distributed team environment. Regular virtual check-ins and team meetings will be part of the workflow.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. Interns are expected to adhere to agreed-upon working hours to facilitate collaboration with team members in different time zones, particularly if the team is partially remote or distributed. Flexibility may be offered within the 40-hour framework, subject to team needs and supervisor approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote" designation for a game development internship is somewhat unusual and might imply specific program parameters. Candidates should clarify expectations regarding any potential on-site requirements or hybrid models, especially considering Insomniac's typical studio-based operations. A robust home office setup is essential.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications, focusing on academic background, eligibility, and a strong UI/UX portfolio.
• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio that clearly demonstrates their UI/UX design skills, with a focus on video game interfaces. This is a critical component.
• Technical/Creative Interview: This interview will likely assess the candidate's understanding of UI/UX principles, design tools (Adobe Creative Suite), and game design sensibilities. Questions may be scenario-based or delve into specific portfolio pieces.
• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: To assess cultural fit, collaboration potential, and overall enthusiasm for the role and Insomniac Games. Candidates may be asked about their learning goals and how they envision contributing.
• Final Assessment: May involve a brief design exercise or further discussion to confirm suitability.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on your strongest, most relevant UI/UX projects for games. Quality over quantity.
• Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain your role, the problem you were solving, your design process (ideation, iteration), and the final outcome.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use high-fidelity mockups and functional prototypes where possible.
• Showcase Game-Specific Work: Emphasize projects that demonstrate an understanding of game UI conventions, player engagement, and genre-specific design needs.
• Motion Graphics Integration: If you have motion graphics for UI, present them clearly, perhaps as short video clips embedded within your portfolio.
• Accessibility Focus: If any projects specifically address accessibility, make sure to highlight this aspect.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design decisions and rationale behind your portfolio work.
• Practice articulating your understanding of UI/UX principles and how they apply to game design.
• Familiarize yourself with Insomniac Games' titles and their UI/UX approaches.
• Be ready to talk about your learning objectives for the internship and your career aspirations in game development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount. Candidates should invest significant time in ensuring it is polished, relevant, and clearly communicates their skills and potential. Be ready to defend your design choices and articulate your thought process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for UI visual creation, asset generation, and motion graphics. Specific applications include:
  • Photoshop: For creating high-fidelity UI assets, textures, and mockups.
  • Illustrator: For vector-based UI elements, icons, and scalable graphics.
  • After Effects: For designing and animating UI transitions, motion graphics, and dynamic elements.
  • Animate (Flash/Toon Boom): Potentially for more complex UI animations or interactive elements.
• Prototyping Tools (Preferred): Figma, Adobe XD, Axure, or similar tools for creating interactive mockups and user flows.
• Game Engines (Familiarity): Exposure to Unreal Engine or Unity is beneficial for understanding implementation pipelines.

Analytics & Reporting: Not directly applicable for a UI Artist Intern, but an understanding of how UI performance is measured (e.g., player engagement metrics, task completion rates) is valuable.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop and After Effects for UI art and animation, is non-negotiable. Familiarity with prototyping tools and a basic understanding of game engine workflows will significantly strengthen a candidate's profile.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the player, ensuring intuitive and enjoyable experiences.
• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging bold ideas and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in game design and art.
• Collaboration: Fostering a team environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and collective problem-solving leads to better outcomes.
• Excellence: A drive to achieve the highest standards in craftsmanship, quality, and polish across all aspects of game development.
• Passion for Games: A genuine love for video games that fuels dedication and inspires exceptional work.

Collaboration Style:

• Insomniac Games is known for its collaborative culture, where open communication and mutual respect are key.
• Designers, artists, and engineers work closely together, often through iterative feedback loops and shared problem-solving sessions.
• The remote nature of this internship will require proactive communication and a willingness to engage digitally.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an alignment with these values, particularly a passion for games and a collaborative spirit. Showing an understanding of how UI/UX design contributes directly to the player experience will resonate well.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Adapting to AAA Workflows: Transitioning from academic projects to the rigorous demands and scale of AAA game development.
• Remote Collaboration: Effectively communicating and contributing within a remote team structure, ensuring seamless integration with ongoing projects.
• Technical Implementation Constraints: Understanding and working within the technical limitations of game engines and development pipelines.
• Balancing Artistry and Usability: Creating visually stunning interfaces that are also highly functional and intuitive for players.
• Receiving and Incorporating Feedback: Effectively processing constructive criticism from senior team members and iterating on designs accordingly.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced UI Artists and UX Designers.
• Skill Enhancement: Practical application of design software and techniques in a professional context.
• Industry Insight: Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the AAA game development lifecycle.
• Portfolio Building: Contributing to actual game assets that can be showcased professionally.
• Networking: Building valuable connections within the game development community.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interns should view challenges as opportunities for growth. Demonstrating resilience, a proactive learning attitude, and adaptability will be crucial for success in this role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a UI/UX project from your portfolio you're most proud of and why. What was your specific contribution?" (Focus on your role, design process, and outcomes.)
• "How do you approach incorporating feedback into your designs, especially when it conflicts with your initial vision?" (Demonstrate receptiveness and problem-solving.)
• "Imagine you need to design a new inventory system for an RPG. What are the first steps you would take, and what key considerations would you have?" (Assess design thinking and process.)
• "What are your thoughts on game accessibility, and how would you ensure a UI is accessible to players with different needs?" (Showcase awareness and commitment to inclusivity.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why Insomniac Games, and what appeals to you about our games?" (Research Insomniac's titles, history, and values.)
• "How do you handle working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, especially remotely?" (Highlight communication and teamwork skills.)
• "What are your learning goals for this internship, and how do you see yourself contributing to our team?" (Align personal goals with the role's objectives.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Walkthrough: Be prepared to present 2-3 key projects from your portfolio within a set time limit.
• Focus on Process: Clearly explain your design thinking, problem-solving approach, and the rationale behind your visual choices.
• Highlight Impact: Discuss the intended outcome of your designs and how they contribute to the player experience.
• Technical Details: Briefly mention the tools used and any specific challenges overcome during creation.
• Interactive Elements: If you have interactive prototypes, be ready to demonstrate them live or via video.

📝 Enhancement Note: Practice articulating your design process and decisions clearly and concisely. Be enthusiastic about games and demonstrate a genuine interest in Insomniac's work. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer, showing engagement and forward-thinking.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI Artist Internship at Insomniac Games:

• Submit Your Application: Use the provided link on Greenhouse to submit your resume and any required fields.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, highlights your best UI/UX work relevant to video games, and is easily accessible (e.g., via a professional website or a well-organized PDF).
• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize relevant coursework, academic achievements, any prior design experience (even personal projects), and proficiency in required software. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare for Interviews: Practice answering common UI/UX interview questions, be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail, and research Insomniac Games thoroughly.
• Confirm Eligibility: Double-check that you meet all eligibility requirements, including graduation dates and work authorization.

⚠️ 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.