User Interface Artist

Spark is looking for an experienced UI Artist to join us in making a breakout hit based on an established console franchise. This is an opportunity for you to have a hand in creating a bold new take on 3rd Person Action Slasher with Horror elements for the Ps3 and Xbox360. The User Interface Artist designs, creates and implements UI assets for our console game titles. This artist is responsible for innovating on a polished look, presenting game information in a clear, understandable manner, and maintaining the highest visual fidelity.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Game and Art Director to develop UI goals and assets that fulfill the requirements of the project’s game and visual design.
• Collaborate with the Art Director, Designers, Programmers and Producers to shape the visual and functional aspects of the game UI from concept to implementation.
• Create intuitive and engaging UI elements that support and encourage gameplay.
• Work within established technical restraints.
• The artist must work with Flash, Scaleform and Unreal to insure a competitive aesthetic in both the look and behavior of the interface.
• Work collaboratively with all levels of the development team, including active participation in Spark’s agile-development process. Cultivate a positive team dynamic, and exhibit a professional attitude by demonstrating a good balance between creativity and practical flexibility.

Requirements

• Design look of UI components: Menus, HUD, Inventory, etc.
• Design visual concept/prototype of the behavior and flow of the UI in Flash.
• Collaborate and Communicate with Art Directors, Game Designers, Engineers, and Producers on the flow, behavior, look and implementation of the User Interface.
• Collaborate on feedback from various departments, while giving feedback on tools and pipelines.
• Use Scaleform to help create in-game assets as needed.
• Excellent communication, time-management and organizational skills. A strong ability to work across multiple disciplines to gather feedback and address cross-functional issues. Penchant for practical innovation and the ability to bring new ideas to the table.
• assionate player of games with an ability to analyze competitive products for their strengths and weaknesses.

Preferred Skills

• Degree in Illustration, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, or equivalent work experience as a User Interface Artist.
• Strong knowledge of UI design and ability to generate great design ideas.
• Research current UI and design trends.
• At least 3+ years of experience with Flash Animation (aesthetic transitions and timing).
• Good knowledge of Actionscript (AS2/AS3).
• Strong knowledge of 2D art tools like Photoshop or Illustrator.
• Knowledge of Unreal and Scaleform Gfx.
• Strong design and traditional art skills.
• Portfolio or website demonstrating your abilities, aesthetic, sensibilities and attention to detail.
• Ability to work well in a team environment and to iterate on work until it shines.
• Ability and willingness to learn new programs and pipelines.
• Knowledge of good coding practices and design preferred.
• Experience working in an Agile/Scrum development environment.

• Applicants must be able to work at our Sherman Oaks, California studios.
• Email only. No visits or phone calls, please.
• The Subject line of your email must reference the job title and your name, like this: UI Artist: Last name, First name
• Include your resume as an email attachment, preferably as a PDF or in Word 2003 or later format. Include links to online portfolio if applicable.
• Include links to online portfolio or send demo reel materials to Spark Unlimited, Attn: Art Dept, 15000 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 202, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403. No drop offs please.
• Make sure your resume also includes your name, address, phone, and email.
• Send email to art-jobC0940@sparkunlimited.com

 

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