Lead Artist

JOB DESCRIPTION


 
Pixelberry Studios is a top mobile games developer, creating fun and engaging games with heart for over nine years. We’re a division of Nexon, one of the Top 10 largest gaming companies in the world. Our studio is 3-for-3 launching games into the App Store's Top 25 Grossing chart. Our market-leading, award-winning mobile game, Choices: Stories You Play,  broke into the Top 5 in the App Store. Our vision for success is based around innovative game design, diversity, and putting our players first!
 


 
We've seen firsthand the positive impact that games can make. Because of that, we leverage our commercial success to make a real difference: we have partnered with numerous non-profits, saved actual lives with our games, and donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to charities. Players love our games’ focus on racial, gender, sexual, and identity diversity while holding us accountable when they expect more. 
 


 
Some of us at Pixelberry have worked together for over 10 years through multiple companies. As a result, we strive to create long-term relationships that help sustain our success. We continue to add new individuals who aren’t just searching for another stepping stone but a place to put down roots and actively make a difference. We love what we do and are looking for passionate, like-minded people who want to grow, learn, and make a difference together.


 
SUMMARY OF POSITION 
 
Pixelberry is seeking a Lead Game Prototyping Artist to discover, define, and bring to life the aesthetic vision of our next hit title.
 
As a founding member of our new game incubation team, you'll work closely with our Game Director to:
 

  
Prototype mobile games at increasing levels of fidelity
  
Iterate quickly on promising concepts
  
Solve problems and explore possibilities
  
Have and make fun!
 
 
This is an opportunity that offers creative involvement from start to ship, and beyond. You'll work in a small team to ideate, prototype, test, and refine the next generation of Pixelberry titles.
 
Since we are discovering a brand new game together, this role requires someone with a wide range of artistic and technical skills across 2D and 3D as well as varied art styles, and a deep understanding of how aesthetics, mechanics, technology, and story synthesize into cohesive, unforgettable gaming experiences.
 
Our headquarters are in Los Altos, CA but we can accommodate a remote work environment for a candidate from the following states: California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, and Washington.
 
Currently, all Pixelberry staff work remotely with the option to work in-office, if desired.


 
RESPONSIBILITIES
 

  
Work closely with the Game Director to define the art direction for the team’s rapid prototypes
  
Explore, test, and iterate art styles so that the look of a prototype delights its players and reinforces its gameplay and narrative
  
Research, analyze, compare, and report on the art style trends in the mobile games industry and beyond.
  
Develop concept art for characters, props, environments, and key art by hand in a multitude of styles to communicate your vision
  
Create other artifacts like iterative sketches, visual style guides, mood boards, art bibles, references, callout sheets, and documentation
  
Work with outsourcing vendors to create example production-level assets, providing specs and detailed feedback, ensuring quality, and managing costs and timelines
  
Work with the team’s Engineers to implement art and animations hands-on in Unity and balance visual fidelity with technical performance
  
As the only artist on a very small team of domain experts – and the champion for all aesthetic concerns – you will be defining and prioritizing many of your own tasks: Anticipate project challenges, set related goals, and spearhead the solutions
  
Interview and onboard new Game R&D team members to help grow the team
  
Share your domain expertise with the team, and learn from your colleagues about theirs
  
Promote an inclusive, high-morale, and high-functioning work environment


 
 
REQUIREMENTS
 

  
5+ years studio experience in the games industry
  
Have shipped at least one game as an artist
  
Experience working in both 2D and 3D disciplines, workflows, and industry-standard software
  
Experience working in Unity
  
Experience working on mobile, F2P, casual, or female-oriented games
  
Experience working with art outsourcing vendors professionally
  
Able to design and iterate prototype-level user interfaces
  
Avid player of many genres of video games
  
A portfolio demonstrating:
   

    
adaptability to a multitude of art styles
    
intent, thought process, ideation, and execution at high fidelity
    
evoking emotion through compelling storytelling, utilizing shape, form, character,
and costume
    
advanced foundational skills in anatomy, materials, composition, lighting, and
color theory
    
strong design sensibilities


   
 
 
BENEFITS & PERKS
 

  
Competitive salary
  
High level of autonomy and freedom
  
Rich & flexible health, disability, and employee assistance offerings to meet the needs of a diverse workforce
  
401(K) with matching program
  
Paid Year-End Break
  
For local employees that elect to work in-studio, a relaxed office environment with free food and snacks
  
Virtual escape rooms, video game nights, trivia parties, and other team-building activities throughout the year!


 
 
HOW THIS JOB IS DIFFERENT
 

  
Learn about the business side of mobile games. Our team is very good at what we do.
  
Good work/life balance. We are family-friendly and look at things in the long term.
  
That warm fuzzy feeling that you’re not just making a difference at a company, but in the lives of people all over the world.
 
 
Pixelberry Studios values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, Black/BIPOC, LGBT individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. Pixelberry is also an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.


 
Compensation Description for Pay Transparency (annually)
 
The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $99,040 - $148,560 annually.
 
Our salary ranges are determined by market data based on position and level. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum salaries for that position. Where an individual’s pay falls within the range is determined by factors including, but not limited to, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
 
In some cases, compensation may fall outside of this range depending on factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and location. Base pay is one part of the Total Rewards package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work.