Graphic Designer (Game UI Artist)

Posted Jul 4

Company Description

Epoch Games is a volunteer-based, all-online, global game development team. We have no centrally-located headquarters and are unincorporated at this time. Most of the original founding members were modders developing the total conversion Middle Earth Roleplaying Project (MERP) mod for the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim:

http://www.moddb.com/mods/merp-middle-earth-roleplaying-project

Currently Epoch Games is developing The Lays of Althas: Sundered Order (LoA:SO). LoA:SO is an in-development indie open-world RPG set in an original fantasy world. The game is being developed using Epic Games' Unreal Engine 4 (UE4):

https://www.unrealengine.com/

For more information about the game, please check out our IndieDb page:

http://www.indiedb.com/games/the-lays-of-althas-sundered-order

NOTE: The address above is the address related to Epoch Games' Incorporation, but is not related to the place of work. We are a fully-online team with no central headquarters at this time. Communication is mostly done via Slack (an instant messaging application) and Trello (an online project collaboration tool).

Job Description

We are looking for a creative and passionate individual to join our team as a volunteer Game UI Artist!

In this volunteer position, you will be asked to create a variety of high-quality 2D User Interface (UI) assets work for The Lays of Althas: Sundered Order (LoA:SO), such as Heads-up Interface (HUD), in-game menus, and possibly the assistance of graphical design for promotional and/or web-related purposes. Past experience in designing User Experience (UX) is recommended, but not mandatory. It is also recommended (but not required) that you have experience in developing motion graphics as well as experience using Unreal Engine 4 (UE4), particularly Canvas and/or Slate UI programming.

Interested applicants must be advised that this is a long-term volunteer project, and as such, you must be ready to contribute to the game on a long-term basis (however, as this is an unpaid position, full-time dedication is not expected).

Every UI design should be created in a timely manner on demand; while there is no set amount of time that a team member should put into the project, it is expected for each work to be handled within a reasonable timeframe. Multiple applicants may be accepted; this job is not for a single position.

Communication is key to a smooth and efficient working pipeline. Therefore, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with other team members is essential. It is also important to not afraid to ask and discuss, and find out the solution should any problems arise. We are an English-speaking team, so proficiency in the English language is a must.

Here are some examples of our UI work. We are looking for candidates that can at least reach the same skill level:

  • Pause Menu: http://www.indiedb.com/games/the-lays-of-althas-sundered-order/images/loaso-pause-menu#imagebox
  • Inventory Menu: http://www.indiedb.com/games/the-lays-of-althas-sundered-order/images/player-inventory-item-comparison#imagebox
  • Game Icons: http://www.indiedb.com/games/the-lays-of-althas-sundered-order/images/sample-ui-icons

What you’ll be doing:

  • Partner with the Art Director and other team members to pioneer the UI vision of the game.
  • Design, create, and develop high-quality UI/UX design for the game.
  • Create and develop original concepts of in-game UI/UX design as well as HUD such as icons, buttons, frames, panes, etc.
  • Create UI concepts and motion graphics to demonstrate transitions and interactions as well as execute them within the game engine.
  • Attend weekly meetings with the whole team on Slack (instant messaging software we use for communication).
  • Present concepts and ideas to the team for further discussion.
  • Creatively problem-solve and figure out efficient solutions to executing the look, feel, and function of the UI/UX elements in the game.
  • Achieve a balance between artistic aspects and technical constraints.
  • Adjust the design styles to meet the game’s art direction.
  • Set your own reasonable deadlines, and make sure the work is done on time.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

  • A portfolio showcasing a diverse style and deep understanding of game UI/UX design.
  • Graphic Design experience (we are looking for applicants who believe they can match the same skill level as per job description).
  • Vast knowledge of different games, genres, and UI styles.
  • Great illustration skills to develop from the UI from freehand sketches to accurate vectors.
  • Able to manage many UI components in a clean and organized way.
  • Working knowledge of Unreal Engine 4 and Git.
  • Working knowledge of UI/UX design software such as photoshop, illustrator, after effects, premiere pro, or equivalents.
  • Ability to give and take feedback professionally and applies it to the UI/UX design.
  • Flexibility and adaptive capabilities. Able to collaborate and work as a part of the team.
  • Fluency in English is a must.

Recommended Requirements:

  • Educational background in art, design, or other related fields
  • Former Game UI and HUD Design experience
  • UX usability experience
  • Motion Graphic Design (2D Animation) experience
  • Unreal Engine 4 experience (particularly with Canvas and/or Slate UI programming)

Additional Information

Required Software:

  • Unreal Engine 4: you must be able to run Unreal Engine
  • Git: You must be able to pull (install) our project via Git (project version control software). If you don't know how to use it upon joining the team, that's fine: we can provide you with procedures on the process.

Benefit:

  • 100% remote work & location independent
  • Flexible working hours