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- Tasks: Lead the art team in creating stunning visuals for popular Sonic games.
- Company: Join HARDlight, a dynamic studio behind hit mobile games with over a billion downloads!
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work options, wellness support, and free SEGA games.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that values innovation and player engagement.
- Qualifications: Strong 2D/3D art skills and experience with game engines like Unity required.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; 12 days of training annually to boost your skills.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Lead Game Artist to join our Sonic Mobile team, responsible for developing Sonic Forces, Sonic Dash, and Sonic Boom — games with over a billion combined downloads! This role is ideal for a leader who understands the full project lifecycle and the importance of nurturing a live service game. You should be excited about how small improvements can significantly boost player engagement, retention, and community feedback.
You care about efficient pipelines and continuous improvement to support the game's ambitions. Since most art updates focus on characters and UI, this role suits someone who enjoys working across various aspects of game art.
Responsibilities
- Inspire and motivate the art team, promoting high-quality work and effective teamwork.
- Plan and prioritize art production to meet the game's roadmap milestones, adapting to live environment shifts.
- Create high-quality art assets for the games.
- Maintain visual consistency while pushing quality further.
- Collaborate with engineering to troubleshoot and resolve art-related technical challenges.
- Work with IP holders to approve official artwork.
- Manage the art team through 1-1s and support career development.
- Identify and implement pipeline improvements for efficiency and quality.
- Keep documentation for art processes and standards up to date.
- Coordinate with stakeholders to deliver art improvements considering implementation and resource needs.
- Lead by example, embodying values of determination, compassion, and collaboration.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Strong 2D and 3D art creation skills.
- Experience with Unity or similar game engines, including implementation and optimization.
- Proficiency with tools like 3DS Max, Maya, Blender, Photoshop, Painter.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Desirable Experience
- Good eye for graphic design and animation quality.
- Experience with video editing tools like Premiere and After Effects.
- Player-focused approach — understanding what makes a game fun.
- Interest in Sonic, SEGA, and stylized art styles.
Why work at HARDlight?
- Flexible benefits including ULEV car salary sacrifice, healthcare, pension, and more.
- Wellbeing support such as duvet days, volunteer days, health checks, and flu jabs.
- Up to 26 work-from-home days per year.
- Performance and profit-sharing bonuses.
- Free SEGA games and discounts on home tech.
- Gym memberships and ride-to-work schemes.
- Core hours with flexible start/end times.
- 12 days of training annually to enhance skills.
This role is based on-site at our Leamington Spa studio, UK, with hybrid working options (Monday and Friday remote).
Lead Game Artist employer: SEGA
Contact Detail:
SEGA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Game Artist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Sonic franchise and its art style. Understanding the aesthetic and gameplay mechanics of Sonic games will help you demonstrate your passion and knowledge during interviews, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing past experiences where you've inspired and motivated a team. Prepare specific examples that highlight your ability to manage art production and adapt to changing project needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the gaming industry, especially those who have worked on live service games. Engaging with others can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in game art and technology. Being knowledgeable about new tools and techniques will not only enhance your skill set but also show your commitment to continuous improvement, which is crucial for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Game Artist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in 2D and 3D art creation, as well as your proficiency with tools like 3DS Max, Maya, and Photoshop. Emphasise any relevant projects that showcase your skills in game art.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the Sonic franchise and your understanding of live service games. Discuss how your leadership style can inspire and motivate an art team to achieve high-quality results.
Showcase Your Portfolio: Include a link to your portfolio that demonstrates your best work in game art. Make sure to feature examples that align with the responsibilities of the role, such as character design and UI elements.
Highlight Collaboration Skills: In your application, mention specific instances where you've successfully collaborated with engineers or other stakeholders to resolve technical challenges. This will show your ability to work effectively in a team environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at SEGA
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Make sure to bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best 2D and 3D art pieces. Include examples that demonstrate your skills in character design, UI elements, and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those related to game art.
✨Understand the Game's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Sonic Forces, Sonic Dash, and Sonic Boom before the interview. Show your enthusiasm for the franchise and discuss how your artistic vision aligns with the game's goals and community feedback.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams and inspiring creativity. Share specific examples of how you've motivated your team, managed production timelines, and implemented improvements in art pipelines.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions about your experience with game engines like Unity and tools such as 3DS Max or Blender. Be prepared to discuss how you've tackled technical challenges in past projects and how you ensure visual consistency across different platforms.
