UI Artist (Implementor)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI Artist (Implementor)

Company: Smoking Gun Interactive

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Game Development - Art & Design

Date Posted: September 17, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Remote (with preference for BC residents)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the implementation and integration of UI art assets and animations within game engines, demanding a strong technical understanding of UI implementation pipelines.

• The position requires close collaboration with UX designers, game designers, and engineers to translate high-fidelity graphics and interactive elements into functional in-game interfaces.

• Candidates will be responsible for ensuring pixel-perfect execution of UI designs across multiple platforms, adhering to specific technical specifications and creative direction.

• The role involves rapid iteration and problem-solving to address design challenges and integrate feedback, contributing to a polished and bug-free user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role title is "UI Artist (Implementor)", the core responsibilities and required skills indicate a significant emphasis on the technical implementation aspect of UI art, rather than purely artistic creation. This suggests a need for candidates who are comfortable working within game engines and understanding technical constraints. The preference for BC residents, despite being remote, implies potential for future hybrid work or team events.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Build and implement UI art assets and animations within game engines (Unity, Unreal, or similar).

• Collaborate closely with UX designers, game designers, and engineers to set up screens, layouts, and interactive UI elements.

• Create high-fidelity UI graphics and layouts in conjunction with the Lead Artist, ensuring visual consistency and adherence to art direction.

• Work with engineers to integrate UI assets and animations according to technical specifications for PC and mobile platforms.

• Rapidly iterate on design solutions, adapting to feedback and challenges while maintaining creative and art direction integrity.

• Address and integrate feedback from various departments (design, engineering, QA) to achieve a polished and bug-free user experience.

• Assist the Lead Artist with necessary duties and contribute to the overall UI art pipeline efficiency.

• Ensure all implemented UI elements are pixel-perfect and meet quality standards for the target platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of artistic execution and technical implementation. The emphasis on "integrating assets and animations within tech specifications for multiple platforms in editor" points to a hands-on role requiring proficiency in game engine UI tools.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Degree/Diploma in Graphic Design, Animation, Motion Graphics, Illustration, or equivalent practical work experience.

• While a Bachelor's degree is listed as a requirement, equivalent work experience will be considered. Experience:

• 3+ years of experience developing interactive interfaces in a game engine or web-based UI editors and tools.

• At least one shipped game title on PC or mobile platforms.

• Proven experience working within a game development environment. Required Skills:

• Expert knowledge of 2D art tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Animate, and After Effects.

• Proficiency in Unity, Unreal Engine, or other comparable game engine UI editors.

• Strong visual design skills, including composition, layout, typography, and color theory.

• Excellent understanding of art and animation fundamentals and their application to game UI assets.

• Ability to translate complex information into user-friendly and intuitive layouts.

• Demonstrated passion for problem-solving and strong organizational and analytical skills.

• Meticulous attention to detail, with an obsession for achieving pixel-perfect designs.

• Ability to accept constructive direction and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

• Experience integrating UI assets and animations based on technical specifications. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics and animation for UI elements.

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

• Understanding of UI performance optimization for various platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "at least one shipped game title" and "3+ years of experience developing interactive interfaces in game engine or web-based UI editors" strongly suggests a mid-level role. The emphasis on pixel-perfect execution and integration within a game engine points towards candidates with a strong technical foundation in UI implementation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• An exceptional online portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a range of your 2D UI work, with a strong emphasis on implementation within a game engine or interactive environment.

• Include case studies demonstrating your process from concept to final implementation, highlighting problem-solving and iteration.

• Showcase examples of UI layouts, high-fidelity graphics, and animations you have built and integrated.

• Provide clear explanations of the tools and game engines used for each project, detailing your specific contributions.

• Demonstrations of pixel-perfect execution and adherence to technical specifications are highly valued. Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your process for collaborating with designers and engineers during the UI implementation phase.

• Articulate your methods for iterating on designs and integrating feedback to achieve optimal user experience.

• Explain your approach to ensuring UI assets meet technical specifications and performance requirements for different platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Implementor" aspect of the title and the responsibilities, the portfolio should heavily feature examples of UI implemented in-engine, not just static mockups. Demonstrating the ability to work with code/scripting interfaces within engines or similar technical environments will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $50,000 - $70,000 CAD per year.

Benefits:

• 10 days vacation leave

• 5 paid days personal leave

• 7 paid sick days

• Life Insurance & Accidental Death & Dismemberment

• Dependent Life Insurance

• Long Term Disability (LTD)

• Extended Healthcare Benefit

• Dental Care

• RRSP/DPSP matching (Retirement Savings Plan/Deferred Profit Sharing Plan)

• Hybrid working/Remote work options

• Training & Development opportunities Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week.

• The role is offered on a remote basis, with potential for hybrid work arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $50,000 - $70,000 CAD for a UI Artist (Implementor) with 3+ years of experience and a shipped title in Vancouver, BC, aligns with industry benchmarks for mid-level roles in game development. The comprehensive benefits package, including RRSP matching and extensive leave, is competitive for the Canadian market.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Game Development, Interactive Entertainment. Smoking Gun Interactive (SGI) is a Keywords Studio, specializing in creating original IP and partnering with renowned brands to develop immersive titles for strategy gamers and casual players across mobile and PC platforms.

Company Size: SGI is part of Keywords Studios, a large global company, but operates as a distinct studio. The specific size of the SGI studio is not provided, but it implies access to larger studio resources.

Founded: Smoking Gun Interactive was founded in 2007 by award-winning industry veterans.

Team Structure:

• The UI team likely includes a Lead Artist, UI Artists (Implementors), and potentially UI/UX Designers.

• This role will involve close collaboration with game designers, engineers, and potentially other art disciplines (e.g., 3D artists, animators).

• The reporting structure would likely be to the Lead Artist or Art Director. Methodology:

• Data-driven iteration and refinement based on feedback from design, engineering, and QA departments.

• Agile development methodologies are common in game development, suggesting a fast-paced, iterative process.

• Emphasis on technical specifications and platform-specific integration for UI elements.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: As part of Keywords Studios, SGI benefits from the infrastructure and resources of a large global entity while maintaining its studio identity. This suggests a stable environment with opportunities for professional development within a larger ecosystem.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level UI Artist (Implementor). It requires demonstrated experience and the ability to work independently on specific tasks while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams. The title "Implementor" suggests a focus on bringing designs to life within the game engine, requiring both artistic and technical aptitude.

Reporting Structure: The UI Artist (Implementor) will likely report to the Lead Artist or a Senior UI Artist. They will work closely with UX Designers, Game Designers, and Engineers on a daily basis.

Operations Impact: The UI Artist (Implementor) has a direct impact on the player's experience by creating intuitive, visually appealing, and functional interfaces. A well-implemented UI is critical for game usability, player engagement, and overall game quality, directly influencing player satisfaction and retention.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific game engines (Unity/Unreal) or UI implementation techniques.

• Senior UI Artist: Progress to a Senior role, taking on more complex UI projects, mentoring junior artists, and contributing more significantly to UI art direction.

• Lead UI Artist: Advance to a leadership position, managing the UI art team, defining UI style guides, and overseeing the entire UI art pipeline.

• Technical Artist: Develop skills in areas like shaders, scripting, or optimization, bridging the gap between art and engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Implementor" designation suggests a pathway for growth into more technical art roles or senior-level UI implementation specialists. The need for collaboration with engineers indicates potential for developing cross-disciplinary skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is designated as TELECOMMUTE, meaning it is a remote position. However, the posting specifies a preference for applicants currently located in British Columbia, Canada, and ideally within the greater Vancouver area. This suggests that while remote, there might be an expectation or opportunity for occasional in-person collaboration, team events, or future hybrid work arrangements.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the company has a presence in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Workspace Context:

• Remote work environment, requiring self-discipline, strong time management, and effective communication skills.

• Access to necessary hardware and a stable internet connection will be crucial for remote collaboration and asset integration.

• The company provides training and development, suggesting investment in employee growth within their remote or hybrid setup.

• Collaboration will primarily occur through digital tools like Slack, Discord, project management software, and version control systems. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be available, but adherence to project deadlines and team synchronization is paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "TELECOMMUTE" designation combined with the BC residency preference indicates a remote-first approach with a strong local anchor. Candidates should be prepared for a remote setup but also open to the possibility of occasional on-site requirements or team gatherings in the Vancouver area.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on game engine UI implementation experience (Unity/Unreal), 2D art tools proficiency, and understanding of technical specifications. Candidates may be asked to walk through specific portfolio pieces and explain their implementation process.

• Art/Design Interview: Evaluation of visual design skills, understanding of art fundamentals, and ability to translate concepts into effective UI. Discussion of portfolio examples, focusing on aesthetic choices and problem-solving.

• Practical Test/Challenge: A potential assignment or in-editor task to assess real-time problem-solving, implementation skills, and adherence to direction under timed conditions. This might involve setting up a specific UI screen or animating a UI element.

• Final Interview: Conversation with the hiring manager or Lead Artist to assess cultural fit, communication skills, passion for game development, and overall suitability for the team and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Implementation: Clearly showcase UI elements that have been implemented within a game engine or interactive environment. Use videos or interactive demos where possible.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, explain the problem you were solving, your design choices, the tools/engines used, and your specific role in the implementation.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Include examples demonstrating your proficiency with Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and at least one major game engine's UI system.

• Pixel Perfection: Ensure all examples demonstrate meticulous attention to detail and pixel-perfect execution.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Organize your portfolio logically and provide brief, clear descriptions for each piece.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with the UI implementation workflows in Unity (UI Toolkit/UGUI) and Unreal Engine (UMG).

• Practice creating and animating UI elements quickly and efficiently using Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach common UI challenges, such as responsive design for different screen resolutions or optimizing UI performance.

• Review fundamental art principles (composition, color, typography) and be ready to apply them to UI design scenarios.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Implementor" role means the portfolio and any practical tests will heavily scrutinize the candidate's ability to work within a game engine. Simply having beautiful mockups won't suffice; the candidate must prove they can bring those designs to life technically.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Game Engines: Unity, Unreal Engine (proficiency in at least one is required).

• 2D Art & Animation Software: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Animate, Adobe After Effects (expert knowledge).

• Version Control: Git, Perforce, or similar systems for asset management and collaboration.

• Project Management: Jira, Trello, Asana, or similar tools for task tracking and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for data analysis, understanding how UI choices impact user engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates, task completion times) is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but familiarity with collaborative platforms like Slack or Discord is expected for team communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Unity, Unreal, Photoshop, Illustrator, Animate, and After Effects makes this section straightforward. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience level and specific use cases for each tool within a game development context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working effectively with cross-functional teams (UX, Design, Engineering) to achieve shared goals.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality, pixel-perfect UI art and animations that enhance the player experience.

• Innovation & Iteration: Embracing a process of rapid iteration, feedback integration, and continuous improvement to solve design challenges.

• Passion for Games: A genuine enthusiasm for video game development and a desire to contribute to creating engaging and immersive titles.

• Professionalism & Adaptability: Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment, accept direction, and adapt to evolving project needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Expect a highly collaborative environment where ideas are shared freely, and feedback is integral to the development process.

• Cross-Functional: Close working relationships with designers, engineers, and leads are essential for successful UI implementation.

• Communication: Open and clear communication, both verbal and written, is crucial for coordinating tasks, resolving issues, and ensuring alignment across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture, as part of Keywords Studios, likely values a blend of creative freedom and structured processes common in game development. The emphasis on iteration and problem-solving indicates a culture that embraces challenges and learns from them.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Technical Implementation Hurdles: Integrating complex UI animations and ensuring they function flawlessly across different platforms and resolutions within a game engine can be technically demanding.

• Balancing Art and Technical Constraints: Effectively translating high-fidelity artistic visions into practical, performant UI elements that meet engineering specifications requires careful balancing.

• Rapid Iteration Cycles: Working in a fast-paced game development environment means constantly adapting to changing design needs and incorporating feedback quickly without sacrificing quality.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong communication and collaboration with a remote team requires proactive effort and excellent digital communication skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Game Engine Expertise: Deepen proficiency in Unity or Unreal Engine's UI systems, potentially exploring scripting or shader applications for UI.

• Advanced Animation Techniques: Further develop skills in motion graphics and UI animation for more dynamic and engaging user experiences.

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

• Industry Trends: Stay updated on emerging UI trends, tools, and technologies in the ever-evolving game development landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Implementor" aspect of the role presents a unique challenge and growth opportunity. It requires a candidate to be comfortable with the technical side of UI development, which can be a stepping stone to more specialized technical art roles or leadership positions focusing on UI pipeline efficiency.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a challenging UI implementation you faced in a previous project and how you overcame it. What tools and techniques did you use?"

• "How do you ensure your UI assets are pixel-perfect and meet the technical specifications provided by engineers?"

• "Walk us through your process for translating a static UI mockup into an interactive element within Unity or Unreal Engine."

• "How do you balance artistic quality with performance requirements when implementing UI for mobile and PC platforms?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Smoking Gun Interactive and our approach to game development?"

• "How do you approach collaboration with designers and engineers on a remote team?"

• "What are your thoughts on the importance of UI in player experience, and how do you contribute to that?"

• "How do you stay updated with the latest UI design and implementation trends in the gaming industry?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Implementation: For each portfolio piece, clearly explain your role in the implementation process. Show, don't just tell, how you worked within an engine.

• Technical Walkthrough: Be prepared to discuss the specific engine features, tools, and technical challenges you encountered and how you resolved them.

• Show Problem/Solution: Structure your case studies around a problem (e.g., a complex animation, a specific technical constraint) and your solution through implementation.

• Highlight Pixel Perfection: Point out specific examples in your work that demonstrate your meticulous attention to detail and adherence to design specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: When discussing your portfolio, emphasize your experience with game engines and your ability to troubleshoot and integrate assets. Candidates should be ready to articulate their understanding of technical constraints and how they overcome them to deliver polished UI.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI Artist (Implementor) position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight experience with game engines (Unity/Unreal), 2D art tools (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects), and any shipped game titles. Quantify your experience with years of relevant work.

• Curate your portfolio: Ensure your online portfolio prominently features examples of UI implementation within game engines. Include detailed explanations of your process, tools used, and challenges overcome. Prioritize showing pixel-perfect execution and interactive elements.

• Prepare for technical questions: Be ready to discuss your experience with specific game engine UI systems, asset integration, and troubleshooting common UI implementation issues.

• Research Smoking Gun Interactive: Understand their game portfolio, company culture, and the type of games they develop to tailor your application and interview responses.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Smoking Gun Interactive during the application and interview process.