Lead Artist - Digital Gaming

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

Job summary

Mattel, Inc.and Subsidiaries in El Segundo, California, is seeking a Lead Artist for Digital Gaming. This role requires defining the artistic vision for mobile games based on Mattel IPs. Ideal candidates will have over 5 years of experience in the mobile gaming industry, supporting external developers and delivering high-quality art assets. A portfolio demonstrating relevant skills is essential, and the position offers a competitive salary ranging from $96,800 to $137,000.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a Lead Artist in the mobile game industry.
• Proven experience supporting external development teams.
• Shipped at least 2-3 mobile game titles.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute high-quality art assets across mobile game projects.
• Provide artistic guidance to external developers.
• Collaborate with other departments to align project objectives.

Skills

Artistic vision

Collaboration

Multitasking

Feedback incorporation

Team-oriented mindset

Education

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

Tools

Photoshop

Illustrator

Figma

Maya

Unity

Job description

Position Summary

Lead Artist – Digital Gaming. Reporting to the Art Director, you will help 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 departments, and showcasing versatility across multiple art styles.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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 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.

About Application

Don't meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Fair Chance Consideration

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.