UX/UI Game Artist

Schell Games is a highly talented group of artists, programmers, producers, and game designers led by game industry veteran Jesse Schell.  We’re the largest full-service education and entertainment game development company in the United States.  Since 2002, we’ve worked with world-class clients and partners to create interactive experiences that engage and inspire players of all ages across all platforms.  Presently, we are focused on virtual reality, augmented reality, location-based experiences, and social games.

Do you like to work on innovative projects in a motivating, friendly atmosphere? Would you agree that games can engage and inspire?

If you answered “YES!” to both questions, you might be a fit for our studio!

UX/UI GAME ARTIST POSITION

We are seeking a talented UI/UX Game Artist to work on projects ranging from online worlds and handheld games to themed interactive attractions. Team experience is essential, as is the ability to be self-directed and be able to prioritize workloads efficiently.

Our ideal candidate will have the ability to handle both technical and artistic issues during game development, as well as be able to work quickly in a team atmosphere with schedules and reliable milestone delivery. Passion for precise and usable interface design and the ability to reach a wide range of styles within the media are crucial.

This candidate should have previous experience working within Photoshop, Illustrator and/or game engines to create fully functioning and navigable game UI and menu systems. Applicants are expected to have the ability to work with designers and game engineers to both communicate and implement these systems in-game.

EXPECTATIONS OF GAME LEVEL ROLES AT SCHELL GAMES:

You are building your skills within your discipline and can be relied upon by your team. You are focused on growth, and seek out experts in your craft from within the studio. You build relationships with colleagues through openness and trust. You can be relied on in your project role. You seek feedback on how you can improve.

You are a capable and responsible team member that fulfills your project responsibilities with appropriate guidance and mentoring. You take advantage of opportunities to learn game development best practices from your colleagues and industry experts. You recognize leaders within the studio and have identified traits you wish to emulate.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with the Art Director and Design Director to ensure the scope and schedule for UX/UI design are reasonable
• Work to understand the split of responsibilities between yourself and member(s) of the Design team for UX tasks
• Participate in UX workshops with Designers and the broader team, engaging in discussion about UX direction

Design & Implementation

• Assist in evaluating user testing and playtesting results with Design to inform and improve UX
• Develop or assist in developing documentation and conventions that define both the UX of the game and the UI aesthetic direction in collaboration with the Design Director and Art Director; reference this document for details on processes and expectations
• Work with Production to schedule UX and UI work while coordinating across disciplines and departments
• Execute the creation and implementation of UI, working with Engineering to determine necessary support for implementation and optimization

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be located in the Pittsburgh area for the role and expected to be in the office Tuesday-Thursday, with 3 extra WFH days per month
• Portfolio of work must be available for review, including UX process and wireframes as well as final UI assets
• Display excellent communication skills, both verbal and visual
• Expert knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and/or illustrator
• Flexibility with adoption of art styles and direction is critical
• Knowledge of at least one game engine (Unreal, Unity) and the ability to implement designs within them

 DESIRED SKILLS:

• Concept art foundational skills
• FIGMA Experience

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: 

BS/BA/BFA degree in graphic design, fine arts, visual communication, HCI, or similar

DEI COMMITMENT:

Our studio is committed to providing an equitable and inclusive work environment that ensures that all applicants and team members are treated with dignity and respect.  We will not tolerate any type of discrimination or harassment directed at any applicant or employee because of their sex, gender, gender identity, race, color, religion, age, disability, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, veteran, family or parental status or any other protected group characteristic.  This equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.

Prohibiting discrimination and harassment is only one part of the equation. “Diversity makes us strong” is more than just something we say.

We value diversity in all forms because it is essential to our success, and we want every member of our team to feel their best creative self.  Our development environment and social culture are based on welcoming, respecting, and celebrating differences among our team members and our players.  We rely on each person to add their own unique skills and perspective to our culture.  Every member of our team is responsible for making the studio as inclusive and equitable as possible.

Candidate selected for this position will be subject to standard employment verification and criminal background check upon offer of contingent employment.