2D UI Artist - Freelance

CI Games Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 months freelance contract

Remote work

Flexible CET core hours (10am-4pm)

World-wide collaboration

Job summary

CI Games Group is seeking a Freelance 2D UI Artist to shape the future of its in-game UI and iconography. You will design icons, maintain style consistency, and integrate assets into Unreal Engine 5.

Remote 4-month contract with flexible CET core hours (10am-4pm) and collaboration with UX and UI leads across the world.

You'll export assets, optimize sprites, and ensure readability at small sizes while aligning with project guidelines and vibrant color theory.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional experience as a 2D artist or UI artist with a focus on game iconography and small props.
• Proficiency in digital painting tools such as Photoshop, Affinity, or Procreate.
• Strong portfolio showing rendering, color theory, and readability at small UI sizes.
• Understanding of sprite sheets, UI optimization, texture compression, and Unreal Engine is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and render high-quality game icons including items, weapons, abilities, and resources.
• Take assets from rough sketches to final polished art while meeting high-fidelity benchmarks.
• Export and optimize 2D assets for engine use and integrate into Unreal Engine 5.
• Manage sprite sheets, UI layouts, and texture compression for optimal performance.
• Collaborate with UX designers, game designers, and the UI Lead to iterate icons based on feedback.

Skills

2D UI art

UI iconography

Small props

Portfolio

Sprite sheets

UI optimization

Texture compression

Unreal Engine

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Affinity

Procreate

Job description

Join CI Games and be part of shaping the future of gaming. As we embark on an ambitious strategic roadmap with major releases planned for 2026-2028, we're seeking a talented and dedicated Freelance 2D UI Artist to help us create ground-breaking experiences that captivate players worldwide.

Key Deliverables:

Icon Creation

• Design and render high-quality game icons including items, weapons, abilities, and resources.

• Take assets through the full pipeline, from rough thumbnail sketches to final polished art.

• Ensure all final deliverables meet the project's high-fidelity benchmarks.

Art Style Consistency

• Match and maintain established art guidelines and colour palettes.

• Uphold the visual hierarchy across all user interface elements.

• Ensure absolute cohesion across all in-game iconography.

UI Integration Support

• Export and optimize all 2D assets for engine use.

• Set up and integrate all final assets directly into Unreal Engine 5.

• Manage sprite sheets, UI layouts, and texture compression effectively.

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Work closely alongside UX designers, game designers, and the UI Lead.

• Iterate and refine icon clarity based on internal playtesting data.

• Incorporate player feedback to continuously improve UI readability.

Key Requirements:

• 3+ years of professional experience as a 2D artist or UI artist specializing in game iconography and small props.

• Advanced proficiency in digital painting tools like Adobe Photoshop, Affinity, Procreate or similar.

• Strong technical knowledge, including an understanding of sprite sheets, UI optimization, texture compression, and engine implementation (Unreal Engine experience is preferential).

• A targeted portfolio demonstrating strong fundamental rendering skills, colour theory, readability at small UI sizes, and the ability to adhere to various distinct art styles.

What we offer:

• 4 months freelance contract with immediate start

• Remote work with flexible schedules (core working hours 10am-4pm CET), allowing you to work alongside talented individuals from around the world.

• An opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and stay at the forefront of the gaming industry.

• A diverse and inclusive workplace that celebrates all backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or social status.