📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Cinematic UI / Motion Graphics Artist
🔹 Company: Cloud Imperium Games
🔹 Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Computer Games
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-05-08
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Creating holographic animations for Squadron 42's story sequences
- Designing and creating 2D and 3D graphical elements
- Working in a collaborative team environment to meet strict deadlines
- Solving technical challenges and pushing the quality bar
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of creative and technical skills, with a focus on real-time graphics and efficient workflows within the game engine.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Work closely with the Cinematics team to create holographic animations for Squadron 42's story sequences
✅ Take ownership of work and push the quality bar for holographic sequences
✅ Prototype and animate sequences to support the storytelling in the game
✅ Design and create 2D and 3D graphical elements that fit the game’s art style
✅ Work as part of a small team to help them deliver finished shots to strict deadlines
✅ Actively learn new techniques, skills, and technologies that are appropriate to the job
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of collaboration and requires strong communication skills to work effectively within the team.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Relevant degree or equivalent experience
Experience: Proven professional experience working in cinematic VFX, or video games cinematic animation
Required Skills:
- Portfolio of appropriate work showcasing graphic design, digital cinematographic skills, timing, and creativity
- Good graphic design skills, and experience creating assets in Illustrator, Photoshop, and current 3D packages
- Internally driven and proactive, with a drive to solve technical or time-based problems to deliver great work on time
Preferred Skills:
- Up to date awareness of key movies and video game releases
- Knowledge of video game development and the associated constraints
- Experience working with version control software (Perforce, or similar)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong portfolio demonstrating their skills in graphic design, digital cinematography, and animation.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £35,000 - £50,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for a Senior role in the UK gaming industry)
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Pension scheme
- Flexible working hours
- On-site parking
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for a Senior role in the UK gaming industry. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Cloud Imperium Games is a global independent studio dedicated to delivering next-generation AAA games, focusing on raising the bar for the gaming industry and community.
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees (According to LinkedIn)
Founded: 2002
Company Description:
- Cloud Imperium Games is a global independent studio dedicated to delivering next-generation AAA games
- The company focuses on raising the bar for the gaming industry and community
- They are committed to thinking outside the box, encouraging creativity, and developing ground-breaking technology
Company Specialties:
- Gaming
- AAA
- Gameplay
- StarEngine
- StarCitizen
- Squadron42
- RobertSpaceIndustries
- And web platform development
Company Website: cloudimperiumgames.com
ASSUMPTION: Cloud Imperium Games is a well-established company in the gaming industry, known for its commitment to quality and innovation.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Cinematics team lead
Work Arrangement: On-site, 18-month fixed-term contract
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to work on multiple projects within the company
- Opportunity to learn and grow within the cinematics team
- Possibility to transition to a permanent role based on performance
ASSUMPTION: This role offers growth opportunities through working on high-profile projects and collaborating with experienced team members.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site studio in Manchester, UK
Office Location(s): 3981 Boulevard St-Laurent, Montréal, Québec, CA
Geographic Context:
- Manchester is a vibrant city in the North West of England
- The studio is located in the heart of the city, with easy access to public transportation
- The city offers a mix of urban and rural environments, with plenty of cultural attractions and outdoor activities
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible working hours
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is collaborative and creative, with a focus on delivering high-quality work on time.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and portfolio review
- Phone or video screen
- On-site interview with the cinematics team
- Final interview with the studio head
Key Assessment Areas:
- Portfolio review
- Technical skills assessment
- Cultural fit interview
- Problem-solving scenarios
Application Tips:
- Tailor your portfolio to showcase your relevant skills and experience
- Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively
- Demonstrate your passion for gaming and cinematic storytelling
ATS Keywords: Cinematic VFX, Video Games Cinematic Animation, Graphic Design, Digital Cinematographic Skills, 2D Graphic Design, 3D Graphic Design, Illustrator, Photoshop, 3D Packages, Real-Time Graphics, Animation, Prototyping, Problem Solving, Creativity, Team Collaboration, Time Management
ASSUMPTION: The application process is competitive, with a focus on portfolio quality and cultural fit.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Illustrator
- Photoshop
- Current 3D packages (e.g., Maya, Blender, 3DS Max)
- Game engine (e.g., CryEngine, Unreal Engine)
- Version control software (e.g., Perforce)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be proficient in industry-standard graphic design and 3D software, as well as the game engine used by the company.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Creativity and innovation
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Quality and attention to detail
- Passion for gaming and storytelling
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and flexible
- Results-driven and proactive
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, results-driven setting?
- Do you have a passion for gaming and cinematic storytelling?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and have a genuine passion for gaming and cinematic storytelling.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Meeting strict deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards
- Working within the constraints of the game engine to create real-time graphics
- Adapting to a fast-paced, ever-changing work environment
- Collaborating effectively with a diverse, international team
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges related to working within the constraints of a game engine and collaborating effectively with a diverse team.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Senior Cinematic Artist or Senior Motion Graphics Designer in the gaming industry
- However, it is unique in its focus on real-time graphics and holographic animations within a game engine
- Career progression may involve moving into a leadership or management role within the cinematics team
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on real-time graphics and holographic animations within a game engine, setting it apart from similar roles in the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Creating holographic animations for a high-profile video game release
- Designing and creating 2D and 3D graphical elements for a cinematic trailer
- Prototyping and animating sequences to support the storytelling in a game
ASSUMPTION: Sample projects should demonstrate the candidate's ability to create high-quality, real-time graphics within the constraints of a game engine.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits within it?
- What are the most challenging aspects of working on Squadron 42, and how have the team overcome them?
- How does the company support the growth and development of its employees?
- What is the typical workflow for creating holographic animations within the game engine?
- How does the company ensure a healthy work-life balance for its employees?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should ask questions that demonstrate their interest in the role, the team, and the company's culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your portfolio to showcase your relevant skills and experience
- Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively
- Demonstrate your passion for gaming and cinematic storytelling
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
