UI Artist

Blind Squirrel Games; Auckland; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A game development studio in Auckland is seeking a talented UI Artist to work on upcoming projects. The role requires proficiency in UI art, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and experience in creating UI elements for games, especially using Unreal Engine. This full-time position offers a dynamic work environment focused on creativity and innovation.

Qualifications

• Experience creating UI components for action-adventure games.
• Portfolio demonstrating high-quality UI design.
• Ability to work collaboratively and autonomously.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain UI aesthetic with team.
• Design user-centered interfaces that support gameplay.
• Prototype and build high-fidelity mockups.

Skills

UI art skills

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

3+ years industry experience

Tools

Adobe Suite

Unreal Engine

Job description

At Blind Squirrel Games, making great games is only the beginning. Blind Squirrel Games is a proud, independent studio that joins forces with developers and publishers seeking an innovative partner in creating quality games. At BSG, our people are our purpose, so we prioritize an inquisitive, proactive, and collaborative work environment for all our Squirrels.

Blind Squirrel Games (BSG) is a proud, independent studio that joins forces with developers and publishers seeking an innovative partner in creating quality games. At BSG, people are our purpose, so we prioritize an inquisitive, proactive, and collaborative work environment for all our squirrels. We currently have studio locations in Irvine, California; Austin, Texas, Auckland, New Zealand, & an upcoming new studio in Manizales, Colombia!

Skills and experience are highly valued at BSG, but we recognize that talent is a product of hard-work, resilience, and a growth-mindset. We champion individuals who have demonstrated they have the grit necessary to overcome challenges and subscribe to the notion that inclusion breeds synergy and innovation. To us,diversity isn\'t a metric—it\'s a must!

This is a full-time position based in Auckland, New Zealand, with a fulltime onsite requirement.

UI Artist’s at BSG:

You\'ve familiarized yourself with the ins-and-outs of game development through professional and/or independent work and are confident in your understanding of the UI Art pipeline. You have a solid UI art skillset but are ready to challenge yourself by starting to take on more responsibilities and larger projects within your specialization. While you may have dabbled in various roles early in your career, you\'ve now honed your focus and are dedicated to advancing as a UI Artist.

You are collaborative, open-minded, and maintain a positive disposition. You can take direction and feedback well, aren\'t afraid to ask questions, and appreciate the value of working autonomously.

Role and Responsibilities

Blind Squirrel Games (BSG) is looking for a UI Artist to join us for an upcoming project!

Supported by the Art Director and UI Lead, the UI Artist will work alongside other talented artists and developers to conceptualize and implement intuitive systems, synthesizing complex design features into practical in-game interfaces that incorporate the project\'s visual style.

As a UI Artist at BSG, you will contribute to the project by implementing and iterating on UI components and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to innovate user-friendly and dynamic interfaces.

The ideal candidate for this role has experience in creating UI components for action-adventure games in Unreal Engine and can translate a thorough understanding of flow chart and wireframe development into fabricating cutting-edge assets that meet project expectations and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the overall UI aesthetic in collaboration with both senior and junior artists to ensure a cohesive visual direction.
• Design polished, user-centered interfaces that not only reflect the project’s visual style but also support and reinforce gameplay.
• Prototype, wireframe, and build high-fidelity mockups to explore, test, and refine UI layouts and interactions before final implementation.
• Develop core UI elements—including icons, HUDs, menus, and screen art while maintaining consistency, clarity, and accessibility standards.
• Create reusable widgets and prefabs and establish a comprehensive UI style guide to streamline development and keep designs consistent.
• Partner with engineers, designers, and localization teams to implement UI across platforms and adapt assets for multiple languages and regions.
• Conduct research, competitor analysis, and usability testing to inform design choices and iterate on layouts based on feedback and playtesting.
• Optimize UI assets to meet performance goals, memory constraints, and certification requirements for consoles and other platforms.
• Produce supporting materials such as animations, effects, typography, and storyboards to bring designs to life and communicate intent.
• Document design decisions, pipelines, and best practices, helping to refine workflows and support the broader development team.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• 3+ years of industry experience in game development specializing in UI art.
• At least one shipped title as a UI Artist.
• Portfolio demonstrating ability to craft high-quality UI elements for games.

Preferred Skills

• Proficiency in Adobe Suite.
• Experience creating motion graphics using Flash, Nuke, or After Effects.
• Experience in Unreal Engine’s UMG system.
• Strong graphic design and layout sense.
• Understanding of user-centric UX design.
• Skilled in identifying and accommodating end-user needs.
• Experienced in translating written concepts into visual designs.
• Demonstrated understanding of the limitations of consoles, memory, and performance issues.
• Well-versed in giving and receiving professional critiques.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Pride in everything you create and an aptitude for problem-solving.
• Maintain a positive attitude in a highly collaborative and iterative team environment.

Blind Squirrel Entertainment, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Eligibility to participate in benefits and perks may vary depending on position term and location.

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