At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a talented team of artists while shaping the creative vision of an exciting new game.
- Company: Dynamic video game development studio in Guildford, UK, focused on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, private healthcare, and access to cutting-edge hardware.
- Other info: Passionate about diversity, inclusion, and career development in the gaming industry.
- Why this job: Join us to create visually stunning AAA games and grow your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as an Associate Art Director or Lead Artist with a strong portfolio and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
- The Studio
- We are a video game development studio with offices in
- Guildford, UK and
Utrecht, Netherlands .
Sitting within the heart of thriving communities of game developers and publishers, we focus on quality and excellence, and our partners and players are always at the front of everything we do.
Games are not just about gameplay.
We believe in the importance of balancing every single aspect of a game that you, as a player will interact with; what you see, how you play and how it makes you feel.
It couldn't be a more exciting time to join us as we embark on a new unannounced project, pushing the boundaries of all aspects of the game to create a truly AAA experience.
The Role
Our studio is going from strength to strength and we're now looking for an Associate Art Director to join us to continue building upon our high-quality art aspirations but also leading a team of high achieving artists.
This role sits on a new, unannounced project - so if you're looking to grow and nurture teams, while shaping the creative vision, this could be the role for you.
You will collaborate with the Art Director and teams across many disciplines including UI, Hard Surface, World, VFX, Animation, Engineering and Production to define and drive the quality in our games.
Alongside leveraging your artistic abilities, you'll also mentor and manage a variety of artists in different disciplines, providing guidance and support to help them reach their full potential.
We're passionate about career development, and our Associate Art Director will play a key role in the progression of our teams.
You'll be a naturally strong communicator and team leader, who can maintain the balance of artistic creativity and technical constraints to help us deliver visually stunning and immersive game experiences.
As our Associate Art Director, you will
- Help to refine and sculpt the artistic vision of the game alongside our Art Director and Head of Creative
- Collaborate across teams to ensure the art direction complements gameplay
- Lead and mentor our team of talented artists, giving regular feedback and check ins on the work produced
- Work to grow the team's overall capabilities, maintaining and fostering a healthy culture that means everyone is hungry to be class leading across all disciplines.
- Ensure we are delivering quality and consistency regarding the artwork we are creating for our projects
- Communicate and celebrate art progress alongside highlighting risks and concerns looking to optimise the maximum potential of the team
Requirements
- Proven experience as an Associate Art Director or Lead Artist on released game projects within the AAA space.
- Exceptional portfolio showcasing a strong understanding of artistic fundamentals, including composition, lighting, and visual storytelling.
- Proficiency in industry standard art tools (e. g., Photoshop, Maya, Blender, ZBrush, Substance Suite) and game engines (e. g., Unreal Engine).
- Strong leadership and mentorship skills, with a track record of guiding and developing artistic talent.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey artistic vision and provide constructive feedback across multiple disciplines.
- Ability to balance creative ambition with production realities and technical constraints to deliver high quality results on time.
- Strong understanding of the game development process and the intersection of art and technology in game production.
- Bonus Points For
- Experience working on large scale, open world, or multiplayer games.
- Knowledge of advanced rendering techniques and tools (e. g., shaders, lighting systems).
- Experience in developing art pipelines and workflows that improve productivity and efficiency.
- Passion for video games and a strong understanding of the latest industry trends in game art and visual styles.
Benefits
- Flexible hybrid working (we work 3 days per week on site)
- Holiday Accrual Scheme
- International AAA game projects
- Access to cutting edge hardware
- Discretionary bonus scheme
- Private Healthcare Plan incl. Dental and Eye care
- Pension Plan
- Life Assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme - Wellness Support
- Regular Team Incentives and Social Events
We're on an important journey with our teammates, candidates and industry partners to tackle barriers to equality and promote diversity, inclusion and accessibility across the markets we work in.
If you need any support during the interview process or any feedback on our processes, please let us know.
Associate Art Director Art Guildford, UK United Kingdom employer: Stellar
Stellar Entertainment is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, perfect for those passionate about next-gen graphics. With a focus on employee growth, we offer opportunities to enhance your skills in a dynamic environment while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid work model in the vibrant town of Guildford. Join us to be part of a team that values creativity and technical excellence, pushing the boundaries of rendering technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Art Director Art Guildford, UK United Kingdom
✨Show Off Your Skills with a Killer Portfolio
As a graphic designer, your portfolio is your secret weapon! Make sure it's not just a collection of your work but showcases your creative process too. Use platforms like Behance or Dribbble to share your designs and gain visibility within the design community.
✨Get Involved in Design Meetups
Networking is key in the design world! Check out local design meetups or workshops where you can connect with other creatives and potential employers. This is a goldmine for finding unadvertised job openings at companies like Stellar.
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you’re applying for a full-time role at a creative company like Stellar, don’t go for a one-size-fits-all approach. Ensure your application highlights specific projects or styles that align with their brand image, showing that you’re a perfect fit for their team.
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Don't underestimate the power of social media in landing your dream design job! Share your work on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest, and engage with accounts from your desired companies—this could put you on their radar before they start hiring.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Art Director Art Guildford, UK United Kingdom
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Portfolio:Your portfolio is your visual CV! Make sure to include a link to your best design projects that showcase your creativity and versatility. Tailor it to include works that relate to the kind of design work Stellar does, so they can see you in action.
Tailor Your CV for Design:When crafting your CV, highlight your design skills and software proficiencies, like Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch. Mention any relevant experience you have with branding, UI/UX design, or typography, as we want to see how you fit in with the creative team at Stellar.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your design philosophy and what excites you about working at Stellar. Let us know how you approach your design projects and any specific campaigns or themes that resonate with you, showing we’re not just a good fit but a perfect match!
Highlight Collaboration Skills:As a graphic designer, you often work with various teams and stakeholders. In your application, mention experiences where you've collaborated with others to bring a project to life, whether it's with clients, writers, or developers. This shows you can thrive in a team environment, which is key at Stellar.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stellar
✨Get Your Portfolio Ready
Your portfolio is your secret weapon in graphic design interviews! Make sure it's showing off your best work, with a variety of styles and projects that highlight different skills — from branding to digital illustration. Be prepared to talk through each piece, focusing on your creative process and the tools you used.
✨Know Your Design Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with software like Adobe Creative Suite is a must! Brush up on your skills with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, as interviewers might dive into specific technical questions or ask for your workflow. If you’ve worked with any innovative tools or techniques, don't hesitate to showcase that expertise!
✨Prepare for Design Challenges
Some companies may throw a design challenge your way during the interview! This might involve sketching out ideas or solving a branding issue on the spot. Practising these quick thinking exercises beforehand can help us show off our creativity and adaptability.
✨Passion Counts
For a full-time position, showing genuine enthusiasm for design is key! Talk about your inspirations, the projects you're excited about, and why you're drawn to Stellar. They want to see not just a skilled designer, but someone who'll bring passion and fresh ideas to the team.
