Lead Artist - Digital Gaming

Mattel, Inc.; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 96,800 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

Mattel, Inc. is seeking a Lead Artist to help define and manage the artistic vision for mobile games. This role requires 5+ years of experience in the mobile game industry and a strong ability to support external developers with artistic guidance. The Lead Artist will develop high-quality art assets, ensure brand consistency, and collaborate with various departmental leads to align project vision. The annual salary range is $96,800 to $137,000, with comprehensive benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience as a Lead Artist or above in the mobile game industry.
• Proven experience supporting and providing clear, actionable feedback to external development teams.
• Strong proficiency in industry-standard art software.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-quality art assets across multiple mobile game projects.
• Directly support external developers by providing artistic guidance.
• Ensure brand consistency and adherence to style guidelines.

Skills

Artistic guidance

Communication skills

Multitasking

Adaptability

Education

BA/BS in illustration, Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or equivalent

Tools

Photoshop

Illustrator

Figma

Maya

Unity

Job description

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly organized and versatile Lead Artist to join our art team. Reporting to the Art Director, you will play an essential role in helping define and manage the artistic vision for our mobile games based on beloved Mattel IPs. The ideal candidate is a seasoned artist with strong experience supporting external developers, collaborating across departmental leadership, and showcasing versatility across a range of art styles. A positive attitude, excellent communication skills, and a growth mindset are key to success in this role.

What Your Impact Will Be

• Develop, refine, and execute high-quality art assets across multiple mobile game projects.
• Directly support external developers by providing artistic guidance, feedback, asset review, paint-overs, illustrating concepts, and clear direction to ensure adherence with project goals.
• Ensure brand consistency and adherence to style guidelines across all assets, whether produced internally or by external partners.
• Create mood boards, refine pitch decks, illustrate concepts, produce compelling marketing and UA art that aligns with brand vision and project requirements.
• Collaborate effectively with other departmental leads and leadership, including Design, Engineering, Product Management, and Marketing, to align project vision and objectives.
• Assist in hiring additional art personnel as needed, including reviewing portfolios, interviewing candidates, and contributing to the selection process.
• Demonstrate a flexible artistic approach, adapting easily across multiple art styles and genres.
• Support and step in for the Art Director as needed and take ownership where applicable.
• For marketing, aid in visual storytelling via storyboards or promotional visuals.
• Work closely with production, participate in brainstorming, sprint planning, and pipeline reviews.
• Proactively contribute ideas and solutions, maintaining an organized workflow, meeting project milestones, and staying attentive to details.

What We’re Looking For

• BA/BS in illustration, Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience as a Lead Artist or above in the mobile game industry.
• Proven experience supporting and providing clear, actionable feedback to external development teams.
• Shipped at least 2–3 mobile game titles and supported them through live operations.
• Strong proficiency in industry-standard art software (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, Maya, Unity).
• Exceptional organizational, multitasking, and time management skills, with a commitment to meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a supportive, team-oriented mindset.
• Proactively incorporate feedback, take swift action, and provide timely updates without prompting.
• Passionate about Mattel’s iconic IPs and excited about contributing to their continued evolution and appeal in the mobile gaming space.
• An enthusiastic attitude, adaptability, and eagerness to collaborate effectively in a dynamic environment.
• A portfolio demonstrating the associated skills needed for this role.
• Demonstrated a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.

Preferred Qualifications (Nice To Have)

• Prior experience with IP games and marketing art for mobile platforms.
• Familiarity with live operations and post-launch art asset production.Knowledge of current industry trends and familiarity with market‑leading mobile games.
• Experience working in Unreal.

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this position is between $96,800 and $137,000. The range is indicative of projected hiring range, however annual base salary will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.