Lead Digital Art Director - Interactive Media

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Health and wellness benefits

Professional development

Vibrant studio environment

Cutting-edge projects

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, is seeking a visionary Lead Digital Art Director to shape the visual identity of immersive interactive media projects. You will lead a talented team of digital artists, translate concepts into compelling visuals, and collaborate with designers, producers, and developers to ensure alignment with gameplay mechanics and technical constraints.

This permanent, full-time role offers relocation assistance, a dynamic studio environment, and opportunities to push the

Qualifications

• Senior/Lead Art Director in game development or interactive media
• Strong portfolio of digital art and leadership in creating immersive experiences
• Proficiency in Maya/3ds Max/Blender/ZBrush/Substance Painter
• Expertise in 2D tools: Photoshop and Illustrator for concept/asset creation
• Solid understanding of composition, color theory, lighting and form
• Experience with Unity or Unreal Engine is highly desirable
• Excellent leadership, communication and team management skills
• Ability to inspire and motivate a creative team
• Strong understanding of project management and production pipelines
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to George, Western Cape

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the visual style and artistic direction for interactive media projects
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of digital artists
• Collaborate with designers, producers and developers to align art with gameplay and tech
• Create mood boards, style guides, and concept art
• Oversee creation of all visual assets ensuring quality and consistency
• Conduct art reviews and provide actionable feedback
• Stay current with industry trends and techniques
• Solve artistic and technical challenges
• Manage the art production pipeline and timely asset delivery
• Present art direction to internal teams and external partners

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Visual storytelling

Communication

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

Blender

ZBrush

Substance Painter

Photoshop

Illustrator

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering digital entertainment studio based in George, Western Cape , is actively searching for a visionary Lead Digital Art Director to spearhead their interactive media projects. This leadership role is central to defining the visual identity and aesthetic direction of groundbreaking digital experiences. The ideal candidate will possess an exceptional eye for detail, a strong understanding of visual storytelling, and the ability to inspire and guide a team of talented artists. You will be responsible for translating abstract concepts into tangible, compelling visual realities that captivate and engage users. This position requires a hands‑on approach, with significant collaboration across departments to ensure a cohesive and immersive final product. If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of digital art and leading creative teams to success in a vibrant coastal city, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the overall visual style and artistic direction for interactive media projects, including games and immersive experiences.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of digital artists, providing constructive feedback and fostering a collaborative environment.
• Collaborate closely with game designers, producers, and developers to ensure artistic vision aligns with gameplay mechanics and technical capabilities.
• Create mood boards, style guides, and concept art to communicate artistic vision to the team and stakeholders.
• Oversee the creation of all visual assets, including character models, environments, UI elements, and visual effects, ensuring quality and consistency.
• Conduct art reviews and provide clear, actionable feedback to artists to maintain artistic integrity and quality standards.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and artistic techniques in digital art and interactive media.
• Problem‑solve artistic and technical challenges that arise during the development process.
• Manage the art production pipeline, ensuring timely delivery of assets and adherence to project schedules.
• Present art direction and concepts to internal teams and external partners.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Senior or Lead Art Director in the game development or interactive media industry.
• A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional artistic talent, visual design skills, and leadership in creating compelling digital experiences.
• Proficiency in industry‑standard 3D modeling, texturing, and rendering software (e.g., Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, ZBrush, Substance Painter).
• Expertise in 2D art tools such as Photoshop and Illustrator for concept development and asset creation.
• Deep understanding of art principles, including composition, color theory, lighting, and form.
• Experience with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine is highly desirable.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Ability to inspire and motivate a creative team.
• Strong understanding of project management and production pipelines.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to George, Western Cape .

Benefits

• Permanent full-time position with a competitive salary package.
• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge interactive projects.
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Professional development opportunities and training.
• A vibrant and creative studio environment.