UIアーティスト｜UI Artist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI Artist (UIアーティスト)
Company: LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS
Location: Japan (Tokyo - Business Tower, Osaka)
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Art & Design / Game Development Operations
Date Posted: September 15, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and create visually engaging user interface (UI) artwork for AAA action games, including menus, Heads-Up Displays (HUDs), and various in-game screens.
• Conduct research and analyze player behavior to inform and optimize the user experience (UX) for intuitive and impactful gameplay.
• Develop game-ready UI assets, such as textures and icons, ensuring seamless integration within the game engine.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and art teams to translate design concepts into technically feasible and aesthetically superior in-game elements, supporting the overall GTM strategy for game releases.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is artistic, the role's success is intrinsically tied to operational efficiency in game development. Designing intuitive UIs directly impacts player retention and engagement, crucial for the Go-To-Market (GTM) success of AAA titles. The collaboration aspect highlights the need for strong cross-functional operational alignment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and produce high-quality UI artwork for game menus, HUDs, and other interactive elements within AAA action titles.
• Analyze player data and conduct UX research to identify areas for improvement and translate findings into actionable UI design solutions that enhance player engagement and retention.
• Create and optimize UI assets, including textures, icons, and graphical elements, ensuring they are game-engine ready and meet performance standards.
• Work collaboratively with game designers, engineers, and other artists to ensure UI designs are integrated effectively and meet technical requirements throughout the development lifecycle.
• Participate in iterative design processes, incorporating feedback from playtesting, team reviews, and project management to refine UI elements.
• Contribute to the visual language and style guide of the game's UI, ensuring consistency and aesthetic appeal across all interfaces.
• Assist in the documentation of UI design specifications and asset requirements for development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative design and practical application within a structured development environment. The mention of player behavior analysis and UX research points to a data-informed approach, which is a cornerstone of effective GTM operations in the gaming industry.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a strong portfolio demonstrating UI/UX design skills is paramount. A degree in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Fine Arts, or a related field would be beneficial.
Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in UI/UX design, with a strong preference for experience on AAA or AA game projects. Experience in action game development is a significant advantage.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in UI/UX design, particularly within the gaming industry (AAA or AA projects highly desirable).
• Mastery of design tools such as Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, and similar industry-standard software for visual creation and motion graphics.
• Strong design thinking capabilities, with a consistently user-centered approach to problem-solving and design conception.
• Excellent artistic skills, including a keen eye for aesthetics, composition, typography, and color theory.
• Demonstrated creativity and innovative thinking in developing unique and compelling interface solutions.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and work effectively within cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience in developing AAA action games.
• Familiarity with game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) and their UI implementation pipelines.
• Experience with motion graphics and animation for UI elements.
• Understanding of player psychology and game design principles.
• Ability to create wireframes, prototypes, and user flow diagrams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements highlight a need for both technical proficiency in design tools and a deep understanding of user-centered design principles, crucial for optimizing player experience and, by extension, the game's market reception. The preference for AAA action game experience indicates a focus on high-quality, performance-driven output.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of UI/UX design projects, with a strong emphasis on gaming applications.
• Demonstrations of visual design for menus, HUDs, and interactive screens, highlighting aesthetic appeal and clarity.
• Case studies or examples detailing the user-centered design process, from research and ideation to final implementation and iteration.
• Examples of in-game UI asset creation, such as icons, textures, and graphical elements, demonstrating technical readiness for engine integration.
• Visuals or links to motion graphics and animations used in previous UI designs, if applicable.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of a systematic approach to UI/UX design, including wireframing, prototyping, and user testing methodologies.
• Examples of how player feedback and data analysis were incorporated into the design process to drive improvements.
• Documentation illustrating collaboration with engineers and artists, showing how technical constraints were addressed in the design phase.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UI Artist role, the portfolio is critical. It serves as the primary evidence of the candidate's ability to execute on design requirements and understand the development pipeline. The focus on process demonstrates an organized and iterative approach, essential for efficient project delivery within a game development studio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Negotiable, based on experience and skills.

• Estimated Range: ¥6,000,000 - ¥10,000,000 per annum (approximately $40,000 - $67,000 USD, subject to exchange rates).
• Justification: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for mid-level UI Artists in Japan, considering the AAA game development context. Salaries in Tokyo and Osaka can vary, but this range reflects competitive compensation for specialized artistic and technical skills in the gaming sector. Specifics will be determined by the company based on the candidate's qualifications and the role's demands.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive insurance coverage: Health Insurance, Employment Insurance, Workers' Accident Compensation Insurance, Welfare Pension Insurance, Group Life Insurance (GTL), Business Accident Insurance (GPA), Group Long-Term Disability Insurance (GLTD), Overseas Travel Insurance.
• Commuting Allowance: Up to ¥50,000 per month.
• Communication Allowance: Up to ¥10,000 per month.
• Self-Development Allowance: Up to ¥20,000 per month, encouraging continuous learning.
• Meal Subsidy: ¥1,800 per day for days worked on-site.
• Regular Health Checkup Allowance: Up to ¥75,000 per year.
• Free Drink Corner: Access to complimentary beverages.
• Gift Cards: Issued twice annually (Obon and New Year), ¥20,000 per occasion.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for employees.
• Congratulatory and Condolence Payments: For significant life events.
• Long Service Awards and Leave: Recognition for tenure.

Working Hours:

• Standard Hours: 09:30 - 18:30 (9 hours, including 60 minutes break).
• Flexibility: Flextime system available, allowing for adjusted start and end times.
• Work Arrangement: Primarily on-site in Tokyo or Osaka.
• Paid Time Off: Full day off on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Annual paid leave accrues based on hire date in the first year, up to 22 days with tenure.
• Additional Leave: New Year's holiday (December 30 - January 3), Sick Leave (12 days/year, separate from paid leave).

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation structure includes potential overtime pay (fixed for 35 hours for general staff, 10 hours for management), indicating a standard work week with provisions for additional hours. The benefits package is extensive, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and professional development, which can indirectly support operational excellence by fostering a stable and motivated workforce.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Game Development (AAA Action Titles). LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS is focused on creating original, high-caliber action games for a global audience. This industry context implies a fast-paced, innovative, and quality-driven environment where creative output is paramount. Company Size: Part of Tencent, a global technology and gaming giant. LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS itself operates across two main locations with a dedicated team of game creators. The scale suggests significant resources and established development processes, but with the agility of a specialized studio. Founded: While the founding date of LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS specifically isn't provided, the studio is led by industry veteran Hideaki Itsuno, known for his work on prominent action game franchises. This leadership implies a culture that values experience, vision, and creative direction.

Team Structure:

• The UI Art team is likely integrated within the broader Art Department, working closely with Game Designers, Engineers, and other Artists (e.g., 3D Modelers, Environment Artists, Technical Artists).
• Reporting lines would typically lead to a Lead UI Artist or Art Director, with project-specific reporting to Producers or Project Managers.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a core aspect, as UI design impacts gameplay experience and technical implementation.

Methodology:

• Data-driven design is emphasized through user experience research and player behavior analysis.
• Iterative design processes, incorporating feedback loops from playtesting and team reviews, are standard for ensuring quality and player satisfaction.
• Agile development methodologies may be employed, requiring flexibility and continuous adaptation in design and implementation.

Company Website: https://lightspeed-studios.com/ (Note: The provided URL https://tencent.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Lightspeed/job/Japan-Tokyo-Business-Tower/UI-UI-Artist_R105754 is for job applications, not the main company site. A general search for "Lightspeed Studios" reveals the primary URL.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on AAA action games and established leadership suggests a culture that values artistic excellence, innovation, and rigorous development processes. The dual locations in Tokyo and Osaka indicate a distributed team structure that requires clear communication and operational coordination.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-level position (2-5 years of experience) focused on specialized artistic execution within the game development pipeline. It's a key contributor role, translating high-level design concepts into tangible in-game UI elements. Reporting Structure: The UI Artist will report to a Lead UI Artist or Art Director. They will collaborate extensively with game designers, engineers, and other members of the art team, as well as project managers and producers. This cross-functional interaction is vital for aligning UI development with the overall game production roadmap. Operations Impact: While not a traditional "Operations" role in the GTM sense, the UI Artist's work has a direct and significant impact on the game's marketability and player retention. A well-designed, intuitive, and visually appealing UI is a critical factor in player satisfaction, reviews, and ultimately, the commercial success of a AAA title. Effective UI design underpins the user's ability to engage with the game's mechanics and narrative, directly influencing conversion rates (e.g., initial purchase, continued play).

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UI/UX design, such as HUD design, menu navigation, motion graphics, or accessibility features for games.
• Leadership: Progress to a Senior UI Artist role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior artists, and contributing to design strategy. Potential progression to Lead UI Artist or Art Director roles within the studio.
• Skill Development: Opportunities to learn new design tools, game engines, and emerging UI/UX trends through company-provided training, workshops, and industry conferences.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain exposure to other areas of game development, such as game design and technical art, which can broaden understanding and career options.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a UI Artist is typically within the art discipline of game development. The "operations impact" is framed through the lens of how artistic execution influences player engagement and commercial success, aligning with GTM objectives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company operates from modern office spaces in Tokyo (Toranomon Hills Business Tower) and Osaka (JP TOWER OSAKA). These locations suggest professional, well-equipped environments designed for creative collaboration. Office Location(s):

• Tokyo: Toranomon Hills Business Tower, a prestigious business district, offering excellent connectivity and amenities.
• Osaka: JP TOWER OSAKA, located near JR Osaka Station, providing convenient access and a vibrant urban setting. Candidates can express preference for one of these locations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative and creative atmosphere, fostering teamwork among artists, designers, and engineers.
• Access to industry-standard design tools and technology required for UI asset creation and implementation.
• Opportunities for regular interaction and feedback sessions with team members and leads, crucial for iterating on designs.
• A supportive environment that encourages innovation and pushing creative boundaries in game development.

Work Schedule: The standard workday is from 09:30 to 18:30, with a 60-minute break. The availability of a flextime system allows for some adjustment of start and end times, providing a degree of work-life balance that can support focused creative work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The office locations in major Japanese cities indicate a professional and accessible work environment. The emphasis on collaboration and access to tools points to a well-supported creative workflow, essential for producing high-quality game assets.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and artistic merit.
• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: A more in-depth discussion of the candidate's portfolio, focusing on design process, problem-solving, tool proficiency, and artistic vision. This may involve a practical design exercise or case study presentation.
• Team/Manager Interview: Interviews with the hiring manager and potential team members to evaluate collaboration skills, cultural fit, and understanding of game development workflows. Questions will likely probe design philosophy and experience with AAA production.
• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss broader alignment with company goals and vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your best work, focusing on projects relevant to AAA action games. Quality over quantity.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the tools used, your specific contributions, and the outcome or impact. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Highlight Process: Include wireframes, user flows, and early concepts to demonstrate your thinking and iterative design process.
• Showcase Technical Readiness: If possible, include examples of UI assets implemented in a game engine or demonstrate motion graphics that show how your designs animate.
• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize UI/UX design for games, particularly action titles, and highlight your ability to work with design tools like Photoshop and After Effects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a practical design challenge that may involve creating a UI concept for a specific game scenario or improving an existing UI.
• Practice articulating your design choices clearly and concisely, explaining the rationale behind your aesthetic and functional decisions.
• Understand the target audience and genre (AAA action games) and how that influences UI design.
• Be ready to discuss your experience collaborating with engineers and artists, and how you handle technical constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a creative role like UI Artist heavily relies on the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to deeply discuss their creative process, technical skills, and ability to collaborate within the demanding environment of AAA game development.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop (essential for raster graphics, textures, UI elements), After Effects (essential for UI animation, motion graphics, visual effects).
• Design & Prototyping Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar for wireframing, prototyping, and user flow creation.
• Game Engines (Familiarity beneficial): Unreal Engine, Unity. Understanding how UI is implemented within these engines is advantageous.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics, understanding how UI performance is measured through player data and analytics platforms (e.g., internal studio tools, potentially integrating with services like GameAnalytics or Unity Analytics) can inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role. The focus is on creative tools and game development platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop and After Effects, is non-negotiable. Familiarity with prototyping tools and a basic understanding of game engine UI implementation pipelines are highly beneficial for effective collaboration and output.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A core value is designing with the player's experience at the forefront, ensuring intuitive and enjoyable interactions. This directly supports the game's GTM success by maximizing player satisfaction.
• Artistic Excellence: A commitment to high-quality visual design and aesthetic appeal, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in game UI.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and open communication, fostering an environment where diverse ideas are shared and integrated.
• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and exploring new approaches to UI/UX design to enhance gameplay and player engagement.
• Efficiency: While creative, the team values efficient workflows and the creation of assets that are optimized for engine implementation, contributing to smoother development cycles.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional: UI Artists work closely with game designers to understand gameplay mechanics, engineers to ensure technical feasibility, and other artists to maintain visual consistency.
• Iterative: Design feedback is actively sought and incorporated through regular reviews, playtests, and team discussions.
• Knowledge Sharing: Team members are encouraged to share best practices, new techniques, and insights to collectively elevate the team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture is built around a shared passion for creating exceptional gaming experiences, driven by player satisfaction and artistic quality. This operational ethos ensures alignment with the broader goals of delivering a successful product to market.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality: Creating UIs that are both visually stunning and highly functional, catering to diverse player needs and technical constraints.
• AAA Production Demands: Working under tight deadlines and high expectations inherent in AAA game development, requiring efficient workflow and robust problem-solving skills.
• Adapting to Evolving Technology: Staying current with new game engines, design tools, and UI/UX trends to maintain a competitive edge.
• Cross-cultural Collaboration: Working within a global studio, potentially with team members across different regions, requires strong communication and cultural sensitivity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to workshops and courses focused on advanced UI design techniques, motion graphics, and emerging UX methodologies.
• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to attend gaming industry conferences and events to learn from peers and leaders.
• Mentorship: Guidance from senior artists and leads, providing insights into career progression and skill development within the AAA gaming space.
• Project Variety: Exposure to different game projects and genres can broaden skill sets and understanding of diverse player needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for high-level creative roles in the demanding AAA gaming industry. The growth opportunities are geared towards continuous skill enhancement and career advancement within art and design disciplines.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a new UI element, from initial concept to final implementation." (Focus on user-centered design, iteration, and collaboration.)
• "How do you balance aesthetic appeal with functional requirements in game UI design?" (Highlight trade-offs and problem-solving.)
• "Walk us through a challenging UI project from your portfolio. What was the problem, your solution, and the outcome?" (Prepare a detailed case study.)
• "How do you approach incorporating player feedback or data into your UI designs?" (Demonstrate data-informed decision-making.)
• "What are your thoughts on UI accessibility in games, and how would you incorporate it?" (Show awareness of inclusivity.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS and our approach to AAA action games?" (Research company values, leadership, and recent projects.)
• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Emphasize openness to iteration.)
• "Describe your experience working in a team environment. What is your preferred collaboration style?" (Highlight teamwork and communication skills.)
• "What AAA action games do you admire for their UI, and why?" (Demonstrate industry awareness and critical eye.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or chronological order. Start with your strongest, most relevant work.
• Narrative: For each project, clearly explain the context, your role, the problem you solved, your design process, the tools used, and the results. Use visuals effectively—screenshots, mockups, and videos of animations.
• Technical Details: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your work, such as asset optimization, bleed areas, and integration considerations for game engines.
• Engagement: Be ready to answer questions about your design choices and defend your creative decisions with rationale. Ask thoughtful questions about the team, projects, and company culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on showcasing both artistic talent and a robust, process-driven approach to UI/UX design within the specific context of AAA game development. The ability to articulate design rationale and collaborate effectively are key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI Artist position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.
• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, well-organized, and highlights your most relevant UI/UX design work, with a strong emphasis on gaming projects. Tailor it to showcase skills in visual design, user experience, and asset creation for games.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your experience with UI/UX design, specific tools (Photoshop, After Effects), and any AAA/AA game development projects. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS, their lead developer Hideaki Itsuno's work, and the types of AAA action games they aim to produce. Understand their commitment to quality and innovation.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your design process, specific projects from your portfolio, and your approach to collaboration. Practice articulating your design decisions and rationale clearly and concisely.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS through their official channels before making application decisions.