Lead UI Artist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead UI Artist

Company: 2K Sports Lab

Location: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Game Development - Art & Design

Date Posted: May 11, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the creative vision and establish a distinct UI art style for a groundbreaking new sports franchise.

• Lead and mentor a team of UI artists, fostering creativity and ensuring high standards of visual execution.

• Collaborate closely with Art Directors, UX Designers, and Engineers to craft visually compelling and functional user interfaces.

• Implement UI designs within Unreal Engine, utilizing UMG and addressing technical challenges with engineering partners.

• Develop engaging motion graphics, animations, and video assets to enhance the player experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for defining the player's interaction with the game. The Lead UI Artist will be instrumental in shaping the overall user experience, ensuring it is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional, directly impacting player engagement and retention.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain a cohesive and compelling UI art style that aligns with the game's overall aesthetic and vision.

• Design and produce high-quality UI assets, from initial concepts and wireframes to final polished graphics and interactive elements.

• Lead, mentor, and provide constructive feedback to the UI art team, overseeing their work and ensuring alignment with project goals.

• Partner with UX Designers to translate user flows and wireframes into intuitive and visually appealing interfaces.

• Integrate UI art assets into Unreal Engine using UMG, working closely with engineers to troubleshoot implementation issues and optimize performance.

• Create dynamic motion graphics, animations, and video sequences for UI elements, menus, and in-game notifications.

• Research and incorporate modern UI design trends and innovative solutions to elevate the player experience and differentiate the game.

• Manage UI art project timelines and deliverables independently, ensuring timely completion and adherence to production schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "implement designs in Unreal Engine" and "addressing technical challenges alongside Engineers" highlights a hands-on approach expected from this lead. It suggests a need for not just creative direction but also a solid understanding of engine capabilities and limitations for UI implementation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in UI art and design is paramount. Equivalent experience and a proven track record will be highly valued.

Experience: A minimum of 10 years of experience in UI art for video games, with a significant portion dedicated to leadership roles, and a history of shipping at least one AAA title.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing and mentoring UI art teams.

• Proven track record of shipping UI for at least one AAA game title.

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator for creating UI assets.

• Strong knowledge of Unreal Engine, specifically UMG (Unreal Motion Graphics) for UI implementation.

• Proficiency in Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premiere Pro for creating motion graphics and video assets.

• Deep understanding of UI architecture and best practices in game development.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across art, design, and engineering disciplines.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other game engines or UI middleware.

• Familiarity with UX design principles and user-centered design methodologies.

• Experience in creating animated character portraits or icons.

• Knowledge of performance optimization techniques for UI assets in real-time engines.

• Experience with version control systems like Perforce.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+" years of experience and requirement to have shipped a AAA game strongly indicate this role is for a seasoned professional. The emphasis on both creative tools (Adobe Suite) and game engine implementation (Unreal Engine/UMG) signifies a need for a hybrid skillset.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UI art projects, with a clear emphasis on AAA game development.

• Detailed case studies demonstrating the evolution of UI designs from concept to final implementation, highlighting problem-solving and creative decision-making.

• Examples of distinct and cohesive UI art styles applied across multiple game screens and menus.

• Specific examples of motion graphics, animations, and video assets integrated into a game UI.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the UI development pipeline, from initial wireframing and concepting through to asset creation, implementation, and iteration.

• Showcase experience in establishing and documenting UI style guides and asset specifications for team consistency.

• Provide examples of how you've collaborated with engineering to troubleshoot and optimize UI performance.

• Illustrate your approach to leading and managing a UI art team, including workflow management and feedback processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating not just aesthetic skill but also the ability to translate creative vision into functional, engine-ready assets and to articulate the process behind these achievements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The estimated base salary range for this position in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, is between CAD $119,300 and CAD $176,540 per year. This range is subject to adjustments based on factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.

• Basic life insurance.

• 14 paid holidays per calendar year.

• Paid vacation time (ranging from 15 to 25 days per year) or eligibility for a discretionary time off program.

• Up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year.

• Paid parental and compassionate leave.

• Wellness programs focused on mental health and overall support.

• Family planning support through Maven.

• Commuter benefits.

• Reimbursements for fitness-related expenses.

• Eligibility to participate in the 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program.

• Potential for bonus and/or equity awards.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are an estimated 40 hours per week, aligning with full-time employment expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Lead UI Artist role in a major Canadian tech hub like Vancouver/Burnaby, reflecting the seniority and AAA game development experience required. The extensive benefits package underscores a commitment to employee well-being and financial security.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development. 2K Sports Lab is a new studio within 2K, focused on creating a groundbreaking sports franchise, aiming to push boundaries with bold ideas and technical excellence.

Company Size: 2K is a large, established publisher. 2K Sports Lab is described as a "newest stand alone studio," suggesting it is building its team from the ground up, likely aiming for a dynamic, startup-like environment within a larger corporate structure.

Founded: 2K Sports Lab was founded in 2023, indicating a relatively new and agile studio environment.

Team Structure:

• The UI team will likely be part of a larger Art department, reporting to an Art Director.

• Close collaboration is expected with UX Designers, Game Designers, and Engineers.

• The Lead UI Artist will be responsible for mentoring and guiding other UI artists.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on "bold ideas, technical excellence, and creative collaboration."

• Focus on delivering an "exceptional experience."

• The UI development process will involve iterative design, implementation in Unreal Engine, and close feedback loops with other disciplines.

Company Website: 2K.com

📝 Enhancement Note: As a new studio (2K Sports Lab), the culture is likely to be a blend of established 2K practices and the agility and innovative spirit of a startup. The "groundbreaking sports franchise" goal implies a drive for innovation and high-quality execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Lead-level position, signifying a senior role with significant responsibility for creative direction, team management, and project execution within the UI art discipline. It requires a blend of artistic expertise, technical proficiency, and leadership capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The Lead UI Artist will likely report to the Art Director and will directly manage and mentor other UI Artists. They will also work very closely with UX Designers and Game Engineers.

Operations Impact: The UI is the primary interface through which players interact with the game. This role has a direct and profound impact on player engagement, satisfaction, and the overall perceived quality of the game. Effective UI design can significantly enhance the player experience, while poor UI can be a major detractor.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Opportunity to grow into a Senior Art Director role or lead larger art teams as the studio expands.

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in Unreal Engine's UMG and other advanced UI implementation technologies.

• Creative Direction: Influence the broader visual direction of the game beyond just the UI.

• Mentorship: Develop strong leadership and mentorship skills, shaping the next generation of UI artists.

• Studio Growth: Be part of a foundational team in a new studio, with potential to influence studio culture and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential, not just within UI art but also into broader art leadership or specialized technical roles within the evolving studio. The opportunity to shape a new franchise from its inception is a key career differentiator.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This suggests a collaborative setting designed for in-person teamwork.

Office Location(s): Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. This is a well-established hub for the gaming industry, offering access to a rich talent pool and a supportive ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is expected to foster "creative collaboration" and "bold ideas."

• Access to modern game development tools and technology, including Unreal Engine and the full Adobe Creative Suite, will be standard.

• Opportunities for direct interaction and feedback with cross-functional teams (Art, Design, Engineering) are integral to the workspace.

• The new studio setup likely means modern facilities and a dynamic workspace.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with standard working hours expected to be around 40 hours per week. Given the nature of game development, there may be periods of crunch time during critical development phases, though the company's benefits package (paid time off, wellness programs) suggests an aim for work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement points towards a preference for direct collaboration and team synergy, which is often crucial for complex projects like AAA game development. Burnaby offers a vibrant tech and gaming community.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio, discussing your design process, leadership experience, and technical skills (Photoshop, Illustrator, Unreal Engine/UMG, After Effects).

• Technical Assessment/Challenge: Potentially a small UI design or implementation task, or a discussion around solving specific UI challenges relevant to the game.

• Team & Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with the Art Director, Design Leads, and Engineering Leads to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit within the new studio.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership: Clearly demonstrate your experience leading UI teams, mentoring artists, and driving creative vision.

• Showcase AAA Work: Ensure your portfolio prominently features UI work from shipped AAA titles.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, explain your thought process, the challenges faced, how you collaborated with others, and the technical implementation details (especially regarding Unreal Engine/UMG).

• Visual Clarity: Present your work cleanly and professionally. Use mockups, animated examples, and video to best showcase motion graphics and interactive elements.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with the kind of sports game 2K Sports Lab is developing, showcasing your ability to create compelling and functional interfaces for this genre.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach establishing a UI style for a new sports franchise.

• Review common UI patterns and challenges in sports games.

• Refresh your knowledge of Unreal Engine's UMG capabilities and limitations.

• Practice articulating your design decisions and technical implementation strategies concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only artistic talent but also strong leadership, technical implementation skills within Unreal Engine, and a deep understanding of game development pipelines and cross-functional collaboration. The portfolio is the most critical element.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Photoshop: Essential for creating raster-based UI assets, textures, and graphical elements. Expect to demonstrate advanced proficiency.

• Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for vector-based UI elements, icons, and scalable graphics, ensuring crispness across different resolutions.

• Unreal Engine (UMG): The primary game engine. Deep understanding and hands-on experience with UMG (Unreal Motion Graphics) for UI implementation, widget creation, and blueprint integration are critical.

• Adobe After Effects: Required for creating motion graphics, animations, transitions, and dynamic UI elements.

• Adobe Premiere Pro: Useful for creating video assets or sequences that may be integrated into the UI.

Analytics & Reporting: While not directly managed by UI Art, understanding how UI performance is tracked and reported (e.g., load times, responsiveness) is beneficial. Familiarity with tools used for game analytics could be a plus.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this role, but understanding how player progression or in-game economies are managed through UI elements can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the specified Adobe Creative Suite tools and Unreal Engine's UMG is non-negotiable. The role demands a practical understanding of how UI assets are built and then implemented within the game engine.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Bold Ideas: The studio is focused on pushing boundaries and creating something groundbreaking. This means a willingness to experiment and propose novel solutions.

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to high-quality execution, both artistically and technically, ensuring polished and performant results.

• Creative Collaboration: Working effectively as a team, valuing input from all disciplines, and fostering a supportive environment for creativity.

• Player Focus: Designing with the player experience as the central goal, ensuring interfaces are intuitive, engaging, and enhance gameplay.

• Passion for Gaming: A genuine enthusiasm for video games and a desire to contribute to creating memorable gaming experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: UI artists will work hand-in-hand with UX designers, game designers, engineers, and other art disciplines. Open communication and shared understanding are key.

• Iterative Design: The process involves continuous feedback and iteration, with UI designs evolving based on playtesting and technical constraints.

• Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: As a lead, fostering a culture where team members share knowledge, provide constructive feedback, and support each other's growth is essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "bold ideas" and "creative collaboration" suggests a dynamic and open work environment where contributions from all team members are valued. A proactive and collaborative attitude will be highly regarded.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing a New IP: Creating the UI for a brand-new sports franchise means defining a visual identity from scratch, which requires significant creative vision and strategic thinking.

• Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality: Ensuring the UI is not only visually appealing but also highly functional, intuitive, and performs well within the game engine.

• Leading a New Team: Building and guiding a UI art team within a new studio environment, establishing workflows and fostering a strong team dynamic.

• Technical Integration: Navigating the complexities of implementing UI designs within Unreal Engine, potentially encountering and solving novel technical challenges.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously adapting to evolving UI design trends and player expectations in the competitive sports gaming market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Unreal Engine: Further hone skills in UMG and other Unreal Engine features relevant to UI development.

• Sports Game Specialization: Gain in-depth knowledge of UI conventions and player expectations specific to the sports genre.

• Leadership Training: Develop advanced leadership and team management skills through direct experience and potential company-provided resources.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain valuable insights into game design, engineering, and UX principles through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is shaping a new visual identity for a new game. However, this also presents a significant growth opportunity to leave a lasting mark on a new franchise.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach establishing a unique UI art style for a new AAA sports game franchise, considering the target audience and competitive landscape?"

• "Describe a time you led a UI art team through a challenging project. What were the key obstacles, and how did you ensure successful delivery?"

• "Walk us through your process for designing and implementing a complex UI feature, from initial concept to in-game functionality, using Unreal Engine."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about 2K Sports Lab and the opportunity to work on a new sports franchise?"

• "How do you foster a collaborative and creative environment within your UI art team?"

• "What are your thoughts on the importance of UI in player retention and overall game experience?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to clearly showcase your best work, starting with your most relevant AAA projects.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the "why" behind your design decisions, the challenges you overcame, and the impact your UI had on the player experience.

• Demonstrate Technical Skill: Clearly show your proficiency with Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and especially your implementation work within Unreal Engine/UMG. Use videos or interactive demos where possible.

• Highlight Leadership: Include examples of how you've led teams, mentored junior artists, and contributed to the overall art direction.

• Be Concise and Professional: Present your work clearly and efficiently, respecting the interviewers' time. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their leadership philosophy, their technical process within Unreal Engine, and their strategic approach to UI design for a new AAA title. Demonstrating a passion for sports gaming will also be beneficial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead UI Artist position:

• Submit your comprehensive application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is tailored to showcase your strongest AAA UI art experience, leadership examples, and proficiency with Unreal Engine (UMG). Prioritize projects that demonstrate your ability to create compelling visuals and functional interfaces.

• Resume Optimization: Craft your resume to highlight your leadership experience, years of experience in AAA game development, specific technical skills (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Unreal Engine/UMG), and key achievements in UI art. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, leadership approach, and technical implementation strategies. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio to answer potential interview questions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with 2K's existing sports titles and the mission of 2K Sports Lab. Understand the company's commitment to innovation and creative collaboration.

⚠️ 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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