Lead Artist - 2D

Location: Remote

Position Summary

HPL Game Design Studio is seeking a Lead Artist – 2D to oversee the quality, consistency, and execution of 2D visual outputs across multiple projects. This role is responsible for leading production-level creative work while guiding a small team of artists and animators to ensure high-quality delivery across game assets, motion graphics, playable ads, and video creatives.

The Lead Artist acts as a hands-on senior contributor and creative lead, translating Art Director vision into actionable outputs, supporting team execution, and ensuring production standards are consistently met.

This role is ideal for a senior 2D artist ready to take on leadership responsibilities while remaining deeply involved in production work.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the creation and execution of high-quality 2D assets, including:
• Motion graphics
• 2D animation
• Video editing
• Playable ads and marketing creatives
• In-game UI and visual assets
• Ensure all outputs align with the Art Director’s vision and project requirements.
• Act as the key quality gate for 2D deliverables before final review.
• Contribute directly to high-priority or complex creative tasks.

• Maintain and enforce visual consistency across all 2D outputs.
• Review team outputs and provide clear, actionable feedback.
• Support the development and refinement of style guides and visual standards.
• Ensure all assets meet both creative and technical requirements.

• Provide day-to-day guidance to 2D artists, animators, and motion designers.
• Assist in task distribution and help prioritize workloads when needed.
• Conduct informal coaching sessions and creative feedback reviews.
• Support onboarding of new team members through hands-on training.

• Work closely with the 2D Art Director to execute creative direction.
• Collaborate with Game Designers, Developers, and Producers to align visuals with gameplay and performance goals.
• Support copy and messaging integration for playable ads and marketing creatives when needed.

• Help identify production bottlenecks and suggest workflow improvements.
• Support efficient asset delivery across multiple projects.
• Ensure files, outputs, and versions are properly organized and production-ready.

• Stay updated with trends in:
• Motion design
• Game advertising creatives
• 2D animation techniques
• Experiment with tools and techniques to improve output quality and efficiency.
• Share learnings with the team to improve overall capability.

Qualifications & Experience

• Strong background in 2D art, animation, motion graphics, or video production.
• Experience producing game assets, playable ads, or digital marketing creatives.
• At least 3–5 years of experience in a 2D creative role.
• Proven experience mentoring or guiding other artists (formal or informal).
• Strong portfolio demonstrating high-quality 2D production work.
• Solid understanding of post-production workflows and animation principles.

• Experience in a game studio or digital production environment.
• Exposure to performance marketing creatives or playable ads.
• Experience working closely with Art Directors or Creative Leads.
• Basic understanding of creative direction and storytelling for ads.

• Adobe After Effects
• Adobe Premiere Pro
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Illustrator
• Other motion design / animation tools

Strong understanding of:

• Animation principles
• Timing, pacing, and composition
• Visual storytelling
• Basic ad creative structure (hooks, CTAs, messaging)

• Strong creative execution skills with leadership mindset
• Ability to give clear, constructive feedback
• Good communication and collaboration skills
• Detail-oriented and quality-focused
• Able to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines
• Proactive and solution-oriented

• Opportunity to take a senior creative leadership role in production
• Hands-on involvement in high-impact game and ad creatives
• Collaborative and growth-oriented studio environment
• Continuous learning and creative experimentation opportunities
• Competitive compensation and benefits package