Graphics and UI Artist

The Graphic and User Interface artist is directly responsible for design and creation of the front end game menu, in-game head-up display and console specific front end systems. Demonstrable skills in advanced graphic design, typographical and user interface design combined with a desire to be part of the design process are essential. This is a multi disciplinary role that requires high levels of creativity and self-motivation.
Specific requirements for this role:


Directly reporting to: Art Manager


DUTIES:

Work closely with design and technology teams to: -

-Conceptualise and prototype interface functionality, look, and feel.
-Create game front end menu systems.
-Create game head-up displays.
-Design and implement console specific front ends and menu systems.
-Create 'graphic design' centric game art assets.


ESSENTIALS:

Menu Flow and Design - Demonstrated interface development with a strong sense of user interface flow and consideration for end-user experience.

2D artwork - The ability to conceptualise and create high quality 2D game art assets using expert skills in industry
standard packages such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

Graphic Design - Specifically the use and application of numerous artistic and professional disciplines which focus on visual communication and presentation. The use of various methods to design, create and combine symbols, images and/or words to create a visual representation of ideas and messages from the game system. Production disciplines include: -

-Layout design.
-Typographic design and layout.
-Font selection, design and localisation.
-Logo and icon design.
-Colour theory application.

Pre-visualisation - The ability to rapidly prototype interface look and flow - primarily using After Effects and supported with industry standard packages such as Flash / Dreamweaver.

TRC Considerations - The ability and wish to both work within and learn the TRC requirements of the 1st party hardware vendors.

Communication - Strong communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills working within cross-functional teams

Create and iteratively develop game assets from inception to final review on the target hardware within the game engine using appropriate tools (BlitzTech Tools).



BENEFICIAL QUALITES:

3D Experience - Experience in the use and application of industry 3D packages such as 3DS Max and Maya to created and animate 3d art assets for the user interface.

Simplification - Experience in simplifying complex workflows in menu systems.

Cognitive Ergonomics - Experience with and a wish to develop skills on the fit between human cognitive abilities and limitations of the game interface. Specifically the ability to design easy-to-use interfaces using user and task analysis, information architecture, interface design, heuristic evaluation and usability testing.

Qualifications - Formal user-interface design qualifications in related fields such as information design, information science, cognitive psychology, human-computer interaction and human factors.


REGULAR ESSENTIALS:

Artists must possess a good grounding in artistic skills and exhibit the ability to make good artistic judgements coupled with robust tool skills and an all round ability to autonomously create high quality game art assets.

Traditional Art Skills
-Appreciation and ability to make good artistic judgements on form, colour and composition.
-An understanding of the basic principles of lighting.
-A basic working knowledge and general understanding of human anatomy.
-Good natural artistic ability and flair.
-Ability to develop and communicate ideas and concepts in a visual manner - both digitally and using traditional media.

Self Management and Organisation
- Ability to work to a brief, adopt working practices and work within the stated bounds including art style, technical specifications, scheduling and overall spirit of any given project.
- Ability to identify production issues and communicate them appropriately.

Teamwork and Communication
- Keep managers and any dependent team members informed about the progress of work including any potential conflicts or bottlenecks.
- Ability and willingness to fit into and contribute to a creative team environment.

Professional attitude and work ethic
- Ability to accept and work under the art direction of a project Art Manager.
- Will be thorough in their approach to problem solving and able to function independently as and when required
- Needs to be comfortable working to deadlines
- Attention to detail is essential and all tasks must be carried out to the highest standard
- A willingness and ability to learn and progress is essential
- A consistent professional approach to naming, filing, backing up and archiving of all work in accordance with company and team policy.
- Proficient skills in identifying a need for and sourcing appropriate visual reference material.


FORMAL QUALIFICATIONS:

In terms of formal qualifications, it is agreed that levels of attainment should not be set. Respective art and/or animation skills are paramount when considering any applicant, however, foreign applicants requiring work permits or visas would need due consideration. At Blitz Games Studios we adopt an approach that relevant higher qualifications are ‘preferred' as opposed to ‘required' for UK/European and other ‘work legal' applicants, however to be considered for this role demonstrable skills and ability in the role requirements will be expected and sought.


TRAINING:

Although the jobholder will be trained on the job, they will be expected to develop their artistic appreciation and tool skills using their own initiative and in their own time. As well as organised training sessions via the Blitz Academy, we encourage staff to broaden their skills further by giving them the opportunity to attend external courses as appropriate.