Art Manager (Hands-On + External Production) UK Based

West Pier Studio; Kemp Town Estate; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A creative gaming studio in the UK seeks an experienced Art Manager to lead and define artistic direction while overseeing a growing team. The role involves hands-on creation of assets, managing external artists, and pushing visual innovation across multiple projects. Strong communication skills and a solid portfolio are essential for this position.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid setup

Creative freedom

Influence on visual identity

Qualifications

• 3+ years in a Senior Art Management role.
• Portfolio showcasing creativity across styles.
• Proven ability to multi-task and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Define artistic style and quality standards.
• Produce assets and direct team members.
• Drive production with external artists.

Skills

Artistic vision

Team leadership

Creative direction

Excellent communication

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

2D animation tools

3D tools

Job description

Overview

Art Manager (Hands-On + External Production) UK Based – West Pier Studio, Brighton • Permanent • Full-time

The Role

We\'re looking for a creative powerhouse who can both set the vision and get their hands dirty making stunning art. As our Art Manager, you\'ll shape the look and feel of our games, lead a small but growing team, and drive production through world-class external artists and studios. This is a chance to put your stamp on multiple projects, push visual quality to new heights, and grow with a studio that values bold ideas and polished execution.

What You'll Do

• Lead the Look & Feel - Define the artistic style, set quality standards, and ensure everything we ship looks world-class.
• Hands-On Creation - From concept art to UI, characters, and animation you\'ll produce assets yourself alongside directing others.
• Drive External Production - Source, brief, and manage freelance artists and outsource studios, keeping them aligned on quality, style, and deadlines.
• Mentor & Grow the Team - Inspire a small internal art crew today and help build and expand it tomorrow.
• Collaborate Across Disciplines - Work with designers, developers, and producers to deliver cohesive, engaging game experiences.
• Push Innovation - Contribute fresh ideas, stay on top of art and gaming trends, and experiment with new tools and workflows.

What You Bring

• 3+ years in a Senior Art Management role within gaming, mobile, or interactive entertainment.
• A portfolio that shows range, creativity, and polish across styles and platforms.
• Experience working with both internal teams and external vendors.
• Proven ability to multi-task across projects without sacrificing quality.
• Strong communicator, motivator, and collaborator.
• At least one published title (casual, mobile, social, or similar).
• Genuine passion for games and visual storytelling.

Technical Skills

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects) and some understanding of 2D animation tools (e.g., Spine).
• Strong understanding of composition, layout, and colour.
• Ability to design clean, intuitive UI/UX for mobile and web.
• Knowledge of 2D/3D pipelines, asset optimization, and multi-platform production.
• AI-savvy mindset - ability and willingness to adopt AI as a companion tool to speed workflows, spark creativity, and support production.
• Bonus: experience with 3D tools and/or web-based game technologies.

Nice to Have

• Background or interest in iGaming / real-money gaming (slots, casino, instant win).
• Experience with 2D animation and/or 3D design software.

Why Join Us?

• Direct influence on the visual identity of multiple games.
• The chance to create AND lead a rare hybrid role.
• Work with talented internal and external teams, scaling as the studio grows.
• Flexible hybrid setup with creative freedom and ownership.
• An environment that values innovation, bold ideas, and quality execution.

West Pier Studio