Advanced UI/UX 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!  

ADVANCED UI/UX GAME ARTIST POSITION

We are seeking a talented Advanced UX/UI Game Artist to join our dynamic team and contribute to an array of exciting projects, from online worlds and handheld games to themed interactive attractions. Team collaboration and self-directed efficiency are key qualities we value.

Our ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced team environment, balancing user experience needs, artistic challenges, and technical implementation throughout game development. You'll need to adhere to schedules and consistently meet milestones while delivering precise and user-friendly interface designs that cater to diverse styles within the media.

A strong portfolio showcasing UX documentation you’ve created or contributed to, including flowcharts and visual communication methods, is essential. Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and game engines to develop functional and navigable game UI and menu systems is required. You'll collaborate closely with game designers and engineers to ensure seamless communication and implementation of systems in-game. Core responsibilities include: 

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with the Art Director, Design Director, and VP/VP Representative to ensure the scope and schedule for UX/UI design are reasonable
• Coordinate with the Design team to define how UX/UI efforts complement the work of Designers engaged in UX for the game
• Establish clear responsibilities and best applications of expertise
• Participate in or lead UX workshops with Designers and the broader team, especially when dedicated UX staffing is limited

Design & Implementation

• Assist in evaluating user testing and playtesting results to inform and improve UX
• Develop documentation and establish 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

EXPECTATIONS OF AN ADVANCED ROLE AT SCHELL GAMES:

You consistently seek out best practices from experts within and outside of the studio and incorporate them into your work. Your craft skills allow you to deliver on the team's vision. You clearly understand how your work affects your colleagues and the experience you are building. Although you are still learning how to be an expert, your teams benefit greatly from your growing expertise.

You communicate effectively with colleagues and clients. You build relationships, communication channels, and efficiency within your team. You seek feedback, and address it consistently and effectively.

You excel in your project role. You advocate on behalf of the guest and understand how that translates to project goals and constraints. You're comfortable working within our development methodologies and explore different ways to make your team more effective. 

Others look to you to help make decisions on the team. You are able to constructively work through conflict with members of your team.

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
• Previous industry experience equivalent to 4+ years in UX/UI development for game titles or applications
• Display excellent communication skills, both verbal and visual (flowcharts, experience beats vis storyboard, etc)
• Portfolio of work must be available for review, with examples of UX documentation of experience flows and UI wireframes
• Expert knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and/or Illustrator - graphic design and UI illustration skills are required
• Flexibility with adoption of art styles and direction is critical
• Work that shows the creation of game assets that fit into a common theme
• Demonstrate competency in UI implementation in at least one game engine (Unity or Unreal preferred)
• UMG or Canvas-based approaches to UI implementation should be represented 
• Ability to be self-directed and work across both Design and Art disciplines (report to both Design and Art Directors) 

DESIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• Concept art foundational skills
• Previous work with VR and/or MR applications/Products
• Previous work with Location Based Experiences/Products
• Examples of UX flow in presentation format or in software like Figma, Adobe XD, etc.

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.

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