Video Game Artist: Generalist

JobStart Scheme; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

An indie game studio is looking for a talented Generalist Artist for a 6-month fixed-term contract in Newcastle upon Tyne. The role focuses on creating 2D and 3D assets for a new game while collaborating closely with the creative lead. The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of art fundamentals and foundational proficiency in tools like Blender and Photoshop. This position offers flexible hours up to 25 hours per week, in a friendly and creative environment where curiosity and experimentation are valued.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of art fundamentals.
• Ability to take direction and work within established styles.
• Foundational proficiency in a 3D modelling tool is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Create 2D and 3D assets under guidance.
• Assist with texturing, UV mapping, and simple animations.
• Support creation of concept art and style guides.

Skills

Art fundamentals: shape, form, colour, composition

3D modelling proficiency (e.g. Blender)

Digital painting/image editing (e.g. Photoshop)

Communication and collaboration

Sketching or generating rough concepts

Understanding of modular asset creation

Interest in design and game design

Tools

Blender

Photoshop

Unity

Job description

THE EMPLOYER IS: POTATO GAFFS. Potato Gaffs is looking for a talented Generalist Artist to join on a 6‑month fixed‑term contract. You’ll help iterate, define, and shape the art style and pipeline for an exciting new game currently in development, working closely with the creative lead for guidance and support. You’ll contribute across concept, environment, character, and asset creation, helping to establish the visual direction for the project. You’ll have the freedom to explore ideas, while also having support and collaboration to ensure the game’s look and feel comes together cohesively. As a small, founder‑led studio, you’ll work directly with the creative lead, gaining clear direction, fast feedback, and plenty of opportunities to influence the game. Potato Gaffs is an indie studio built on curiosity, creativity, and a love for all things described as stupid fun. We make games that make people smile, laugh, and sometimes scratch their heads in delight. We embrace our quirks, humour, and absurd ideas. We value openness, optimism, and a spirit of curiosity, creating a team environment where questions, experimentation, and learning are encouraged. This role is a great fit for artists with some existing experience and we also welcome motivated graduates with strong fundamentals.

Working hours: up to 25 hours per week, flexible between 8 am and 6 pm Monday to Friday.

Responsibilities

• Create 2D and 3D assets under guidance (props, environments, characters, UI elements).
• Assist with texturing, UV mapping, and simple animations.
• Support the creation of concept art and style guides.
• Import and optimise assets for use in Unity.
• Work closely with the project lead / mentor to understand project art needs.
• Have the opportunity to develop skills in tools such as Blender, Photoshop, and Unity.
• Participate in feedback sessions and iterate on work based on direction.

Skills and Qualifications

• Strong understanding of art fundamentals: shape, form, colour, and composition.
• Ability to take direction and work within an established style.
• Foundational proficiency in a 3D modelling tool (e.g. Blender).
• Experience with digital painting or image editing (e.g. Photoshop / Affinity).
• Ability to import, position, and organise assets within Unity.
• Good communication and ability to work with others.
• Ability to sketch or generate rough concepts.
• Experience participating in game jams or small collaborative projects.
• An interest in design and game design.
• Familiarity with art workflows or visual development.
• Understanding of modular asset creation or kitbashing.
• Early experience with lighting, shading, or simple VFX in Unity.
• Ability to explore multiple ideas quickly through sketches or rough blockouts.