Senior UI Designer

Frima Studio
Full-timeQuebec, Canada

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI Designer

Company: Frima Studio

Location: Quebec, Quebec, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Game Development Operations / Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-09T15:00:16.503

Experience Level: Senior (10+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid/Remote/On-site (Flexible)

🚀 Role Summary

  • Lead UI Art direction and execution for video game projects, ensuring visual quality and consistency across all interfaces.

  • Drive the conceptualization, illustration, and implementation of engaging and functional user interfaces (UI) within the Unity game engine.

  • Act as the primary UI Art expert, providing guidance and mentorship to junior UI designers and contributing to studio-wide process improvements.

  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including game designers, artists, and developers, to define and deliver cohesive game experiences.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Serve as the UI Art expert on assigned video game projects, acting as the point of contact for internal teams and external partners.

  • Maintain and evolve the visual direction and quality standards for all user interfaces within a project.

  • Create compelling UI assets, including icons, menus, HUD elements, and other interface components, through illustration and design.

  • Conduct thorough visual research to inform UI design decisions and maintain artistic integrity.

  • Sketch, conceptualize, and implement interfaces, ensuring they are intuitive, aesthetically pleasing, and aligned with the game's overall artistic vision.

  • Develop clear and comprehensive navigation diagrams (flowcharts) to map out user journeys and interaction flows.

  • Integrate UI designs into the Unity game engine, collaborating with development teams to ensure seamless implementation.

  • Document UI design processes, workflows, and best practices for the production team and/or clients.

  • Mentor and guide other UI designers, sharing expertise and promoting the adoption of best practices in UI Art and design.

  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of studio-wide tools, templates, and methodologies for UI production.

  • Participate in project retrospectives to identify lessons learned and enhance future UI development processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Senior UI Designer" with a strong emphasis on "UI Art" expertise, indicating a focus on the visual aesthetic and execution of interfaces within the game development context. The responsibilities highlight leadership, mentorship, and process improvement, suggesting a key contributor role beyond individual design tasks. The mention of "documentation of process workflows" and "contributing to the evolution of tools, templates, and work methods" points to a significant involvement in operational efficiency within the UI design discipline.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: College degree in graphic design, visual arts, multimedia, or any other relevant field.

Experience: A minimum of ten (10) years of experience specifically in designing interfaces for video games.

Required Skills:

  • UI Art Expertise: Proven ability to design visually attractive, functional, and contextually relevant user interfaces that align with a project's artistic direction.

  • Interface Design & Illustration: Proficiency in creating a wide range of UI elements, from concept to final assets, for video games.

  • Visual Research & Conceptualization: Strong ability to conduct research, develop visual concepts, and translate them into compelling interface designs.

  • Unity Game Engine Integration: Experience with integrating UI designs directly into the Unity game engine, understanding its workflow and limitations.

  • Navigation Diagramming (Flowcharts): Skill in creating clear and effective flowcharts to map user interactions and navigation paths.

  • Mentoring & Guidance: Demonstrated ability to mentor junior designers, share best practices, and provide constructive feedback.

  • Graphic Design Principles: Solid understanding of graphic design fundamentals, including typography, color theory, layout, and visual hierarchy.

  • French and English Fluency: Excellent written and spoken proficiency in both French and English, essential for collaboration with international partners.

  • Portfolio: A strong portfolio and/or demo reel showcasing relevant video game UI design work is mandatory.

Preferred Skills:

  • User/Machine Interaction (Ergonomics): Knowledge of user interface ergonomics and usability principles to create intuitive and accessible designs.

  • Motion Design for UI: Experience with animating UI elements or understanding motion design principles for dynamic interfaces.

  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, including game designers, artists, and programmers.

  • Time Management & Deadline Adherence: Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage workload effectively to meet production deadlines.

  • Independence & Resourcefulness: Ability to work autonomously, solve problems creatively, and take initiative.

  • Professional Rigor: A systematic and organized approach to design processes and project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "ten (10) years of experience in designing interfaces for video games" strongly suggests this is a lead or principal-level role within the UI design function. The emphasis on "UI Art" expertise, alongside general interface design, indicates a need for someone who not only understands user experience but can also drive the aesthetic vision. The mandatory portfolio requirement is critical for evaluating a candidate's practical skills and artistic style relevant to game development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Game UI Case Studies: Demonstrate end-to-end UI design process for at least 2-3 distinct video game projects, highlighting conceptualization, wireframing, visual design, and implementation considerations.

  • Visual Quality & Consistency: Showcase examples that clearly illustrate your ability to maintain a high level of visual quality and artistic consistency across various UI screens and elements.

  • System Integration Examples: Include any work that demonstrates experience integrating UI designs into game engines like Unity, or examples of how your designs account for technical constraints.

  • Process Documentation Samples: Provide samples of process workflows, navigation diagrams, or documentation created to support UI production for a team or client.

Process Documentation:

  • Clearly outline the stages of your UI design process, from initial concept and research to final asset delivery and integration support.

  • Detail your approach to creating and maintaining visual style guides or UI kits for projects.

  • Explain methods used for collaborating with developers on UI implementation and iterating based on feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UI Designer role, particularly in game development, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just showcasing pretty screens; it must demonstrate a deep understanding of the UI design lifecycle within a game development context. This includes showing how designs are conceptualized, how they function within a game engine, and how they are documented for team use. The emphasis on "process" implies the hiring team wants to see a structured and repeatable approach to UI design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on Frima Studio's location in Quebec City, Canada, and the Senior level with 10+ years of experience, the estimated annual salary range for a Senior UI Designer is CAD $90,000 - $130,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Quebec City and industry benchmarks for experienced UI/UX professionals in the Canadian game development sector.

Benefits:

  • Work Schedule Flexibility: 4.5-day work week with Friday afternoons off year-round.

  • Flexible Work Arrangements: Options for 100% remote, hybrid, or 100% in-person work.

  • Generous Time Off: Up to 7 weeks of vacation per year, plus sick days and personal days.

  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Complete group insurance coverage from day one.

  • Retirement Savings: Contribution to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP).

  • Ergonomic Support: CAD $400 allowance for the purchase of ergonomic equipment.

  • Studio Perks: Access to chair massages, fresh fruit and snacks, gym facilities, and organized sports activities.

  • Professional Development: Regular presentations on projects and studio developments.

Working Hours: The standard work week is structured around a 4.5-day model, implying a total of approximately 36-40 hours per week, with the benefit of a consistently shorter Friday. The flexible work arrangement allows for adaptation to individual needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits are exceptionally generous, particularly the 4.5-day work week and extensive vacation time. These are significant attractors for candidates seeking work-life balance. The salary estimate is based on typical senior-level compensation for specialized creative roles in Canada, adjusted for Quebec City's cost of living and the specific requirements of the video game industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development. Frima Studio is a well-established player in the Canadian game development scene, with over 20 years of experience creating games across various platforms. This industry context means a dynamic, creative, and often fast-paced environment, with a strong emphasis on innovation and player experience.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the mention of "hundreds of passionate talents" suggests a mid-to-large sized studio, offering a good balance between the collaborative spirit of smaller teams and the resources of larger organizations.

Founded: Over 20 years ago. This long history indicates stability, accumulated expertise, and a proven track record in the competitive game development market.

Team Structure:

  • UI Team: The Senior UI Designer will join an existing UI team, implying a collaborative environment where knowledge is shared and specialized roles are respected.

  • Reporting: While not explicitly stated, senior roles often report to a UI Lead, Art Director, or a Creative Director, with a clear hierarchy for design decisions and project oversight.

  • Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires significant interaction with game designers, 2D/3D artists, animators, and programmers, necessitating strong communication and teamwork skills.

Methodology:

  • Player-Centric Design: Game development UI inherently focuses on player experience, requiring designs that are intuitive, accessible, and enhance gameplay.

  • Agile Development: It's common for game studios to follow agile or iterative development cycles, requiring UI designers to be adaptable and responsive to changes.

  • Data-Informed Decisions: While not explicitly mentioned for UI, senior roles often involve leveraging playtest feedback and analytics to refine interface designs.

Company Website: https://frimastudio.com/en/about/

📝 Enhancement Note: Frima Studio's established history and mention of "hundreds of talents" suggest a robust studio environment. The culture appears to prioritize employee well-being (generous benefits, flexible work) alongside creative output. For a Senior UI Designer, this means opportunities to influence design direction and mentor others within a supportive, professional framework.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, indicating significant autonomy, responsibility, and influence. The role is expected to not only execute but also to guide, mentor, and contribute to the strategic direction and operational efficiency of UI design within the studio. It sits above entry-level or mid-level UI designers.

Reporting Structure: Typically, a Senior UI Designer would report to a UI Lead, Art Director, or a similar senior creative management position. They are expected to work independently on assigned projects while also contributing to broader team and studio initiatives.

Operations Impact: The Senior UI Designer's impact is directly on the player experience and the overall quality of the game. Effective UI design improves player engagement, reduces frustration, and contributes to the game's aesthetic appeal and marketability. Their contributions to process improvement can lead to increased efficiency and reduced development costs for UI tasks.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Leadership Track: Potential to grow into a UI Lead or Art Director role, managing teams and overseeing UI strategy for larger projects or multiple titles.

  • Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of UI, such as UX research for games, UI animation, or technical UI implementation.

  • Mentorship & Training: Continued development of mentoring skills, potentially leading to formal training programs or workshops for junior designers.

  • Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to other areas of game development, allowing for a broader understanding of the production pipeline and potential career pivots.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title combined with mentorship and process improvement responsibilities signals a role with significant growth potential. Candidates should look for opportunities to not only enhance their design skills but also develop leadership and operational management capabilities within the creative domain of game development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Frima Studio offers flexibility: 100% remote, hybrid, or 100% in-person. This allows individuals to choose the environment that best suits their working style and personal circumstances.

Office Location(s): Quebec City and Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The specific office location will depend on the chosen work arrangement. The Quebec City address provided is 395, rue Victor Revillon, Québec, G1K 3M8.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Spaces: Whether remote or in-person, the studio emphasizes close-knit and caring teams, suggesting a culture that fosters collaboration and mutual support. In-office environments likely feature collaborative workspaces designed for team interaction.

  • Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software and potentially specialized tools for game UI integration (e.g., Unity). The allowance for ergonomic equipment further supports a comfortable and productive workspace.

  • Team Interaction: Even in remote settings, the studio strives for inclusivity, indicating regular communication channels, virtual team-building activities, and opportunities for designers to connect and exchange ideas.

Work Schedule: A unique 4.5-day work week (Friday afternoons off) is a significant feature, promoting work-life balance. This schedule requires efficient time management and a focus on productivity during working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extreme flexibility in work arrangement (fully remote, hybrid, or in-office) is a major draw. For a Senior UI Designer, this means the ability to choose a setup that maximizes their productivity and well-being, whether it's the focused environment of home, the social interaction of the office, or a blend of both. The 4.5-day week is a strong indicator of a company culture that values employee time and output over sheer hours logged.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements.

  • Technical Interview: Discussion focused on UI Art principles, game UI design methodologies, experience with Unity, and problem-solving approaches. This may include a portfolio walkthrough.

  • Design Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a small design exercise or a case study analysis related to UI challenges in game development. This assesses practical application of skills and creative thinking.

  • Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Conversation with potential team members or management to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural alignment with Frima Studio's values.

  • Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership (e.g., Art Director) to confirm fit, discuss career aspirations, and finalize offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Showcase Game UI Expertise: Prioritize projects that are video games or have game-like interactive elements. Clearly label each project with its context (genre, platform, your role).

  • Demonstrate Process: For key projects, include wireframes, user flow diagrams, mood boards, and iterations to show your thought process, not just final polished assets.

  • Highlight UI Artistry: Emphasize the visual appeal, thematic consistency, and aesthetic quality of your UI designs.

  • Quantify Impact (if possible): If you can, mention how your UI designs contributed to usability, player engagement, or met specific project goals.

  • Technical Understanding: Briefly mention your experience with game engines like Unity and how you consider technical constraints during design.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand Game UI Conventions: Be prepared to discuss common UI patterns in different game genres and why they work.

  • Problem-Solving Scenarios: Think about how you would approach common UI challenges, such as designing for different screen resolutions, creating accessible interfaces, or simplifying complex information displays.

  • Art Direction Alignment: Be ready to discuss how you would interpret and translate a game's overall art direction into its user interface.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior role, the interview process will likely be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on the portfolio's ability to demonstrate not just design skill but also strategic thinking, leadership potential, and a deep understanding of game development workflows. The "game-changer" aspect mentioned in the company description suggests they are looking for proactive individuals who can innovate and lead.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • UI Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Figma, Sketch, or similar for creating UI assets and mockups.

  • Prototyping Tools: Experience with tools like Adobe XD, Figma, InVision, or similar for creating interactive prototypes and user flows.

  • Game Engine Integration: Direct experience and comfort working within the Unity game engine is crucial for integrating UI designs and collaborating with developers.

  • Vector Graphics Software: Expertise in vector-based tools (e.g., Adobe Illustrator) for creating scalable UI elements.

Analytics & Reporting: (While not directly a UI Designer's primary tool, understanding is beneficial)

  • User Feedback Tools: Familiarity with tools or methods for gathering and analyzing player feedback on UI/UX.

  • Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or similar for tracking tasks and project progress.

CRM & Automation: (Generally not applicable to this role)

  • This role does not typically require CRM or marketing automation tool proficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Unity as a game engine for integration is a key technical requirement. Candidates must demonstrate not just design skills but also an understanding of how those designs are implemented in a game development environment. Proficiency in leading design tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe Creative Suite is expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Creativity & Innovation: A drive to create unique, engaging, and visually stunning interfaces that push the boundaries of game design.

  • Collaboration & Teamwork: A commitment to working effectively with diverse teams, sharing ideas, and supporting colleagues to achieve common goals.

  • Quality & Polish: A dedication to delivering high-quality, polished work that meets and exceeds player expectations and studio standards.

  • Adaptability & Resilience: The ability to thrive in a dynamic industry, adapt to changing project requirements, and maintain a positive attitude.

  • Player Focus: A deep understanding of and passion for creating experiences that resonate with players.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: A proactive approach to collaborating with game designers, artists, and programmers, ensuring UI designs are technically feasible and enhance the overall gameplay experience.

  • Constructive Feedback: An open and receptive attitude towards receiving and providing constructive feedback to foster continuous improvement.

  • Knowledge Sharing: A willingness to share expertise, mentor junior team members, and contribute to the collective knowledge base of the UI team and studio.

📝 Enhancement Note: Frima Studio emphasizes "passionate talents" and "close-knit, caring and inclusive teams." This suggests a culture that values both individual contribution and collective success, with a strong emphasis on mutual respect and support. For a Senior role, demonstrating strong collaborative skills and a willingness to mentor is key to fitting into this environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality: Constantly striving to create visually stunning interfaces that are also highly functional, intuitive, and accessible for diverse player bases.

  • Technical Constraints: Designing within the technical limitations of game engines (like Unity) and platform-specific requirements, requiring creative problem-solving.

  • Evolving Game Design: Adapting UI designs to iterative changes in game mechanics, narrative, or overall game direction throughout the development cycle.

  • Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong team cohesion, clear communication, and design consistency across distributed or hybrid teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced UI/UX for Games: Opportunities to attend industry conferences (e.g., GDC) or workshops focused on specialized topics in game UI/UX.

  • Technical Skill Enhancement: Deepening expertise in Unity's UI system or exploring related areas like procedural UI generation or advanced animation.

  • Leadership & Mentorship Training: Developing skills in managing teams, providing effective feedback, and leading design initiatives.

  • Cross-Studio Collaboration: Potential to contribute to different projects or genres within Frima Studio, broadening design experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The game development industry is known for its rapid evolution. A Senior UI Designer must be prepared to tackle complex design challenges and embrace continuous learning to stay ahead of trends in both UI/UX design and game technology. The growth opportunities highlight a path for individuals looking to advance their careers beyond individual contribution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe your process for developing a UI for a new video game title, from initial concept to implementation." (Focus on structured approach, research, iteration, and collaboration.)

  • "How do you ensure your UI designs are both visually compelling and highly functional for players, especially considering different skill levels or accessibility needs?" (Highlight user-centric design principles and problem-solving.)

  • "Walk us through a challenging UI project in your portfolio. What were the key challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the outcome?" (Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result, focusing on your specific contributions and problem-solving.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What excites you about working at Frima Studio, and how do you see yourself contributing to our 'game-changer' culture?" (Research Frima's games, values, and express genuine interest.)

  • "Given our flexible work model, how do you maintain productivity and collaborate effectively with your team, whether remote or in-office?" (Discuss your preferred work style and strategies for effective communication.)

  • "How do you stay updated on the latest UI/UX trends and technologies in the gaming industry?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning and industry awareness.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Tell a Story: For each project, explain the problem, your role, your design process, the decisions you made, and the final outcome. Focus on the "why" behind your design choices.

  • Highlight Key Assets: Showcase your best work, focusing on clarity, visual appeal, and functional design. Annotate screens to explain specific elements or interactions.

  • Demonstrate Technical Awareness: Briefly explain how your designs were or could be integrated into a game engine like Unity, mentioning any technical considerations.

  • Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, your use of tools, and how you handle feedback and iteration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely probe not just your design skills but also your ability to lead, mentor, and contribute to operational improvements. Be prepared to discuss your experience with Unity and demonstrate a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in UI design for video games.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UI Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest video game UI projects that best showcase your UI Art skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with Unity integration. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., a personal website or dedicated portfolio platform).

  • Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 10+ years of relevant experience in game UI design, emphasizing senior-level responsibilities, mentorship, and any contributions to process improvements. Use keywords from the job description.

  • Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, articulating your design process, and explaining your decisions clearly and concisely. Be ready to discuss specific UI challenges and solutions.

  • Research Frima Studio: Understand their game portfolio, company culture, and values. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about the team, projects, and studio environment.

⚠️ 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.


Application Requirements

Requires a college degree in graphic design or a related field and at least ten years of experience in video game interface design. Candidates must possess a strong portfolio and fluency in both English and French.