Graphic Designer

Summary:

This is an amazing opportunity to join a world-class video game developer on their in-house Communications team. Take the lead in developing and protecting the visual look and branding for Naughty Dog and its multi-million selling, award-winning franchises: Jak and Daxter, Uncharted, and The Last of Us. At the onset, you will directly contribute to and oversee branding and visual design of The Last of Us Part II.

As a Graphic Designer, you will be responsible for visual design across all facets of marketing and communications, including, but not limited to: identity development, print, web, mobile, digital, social media, PR, marketing, internal materials, and licensed merchandise. You will work directly with the core development teams, manage external design resources, and coordinate with all critical stakeholders—internally and externally. You will also have an opportunity and be encouraged to support other departments, contributing directly to our games by developing assets, such as: icons, UI elements, signage, and fictional products.

You are a seasoned visual designer and self-starter with strong conceptual thinking and problem-solving capabilities. This position requires exceptional project management skills and the ability to own numerous tasks and projects simultaneously—overseeing each from conceptualization to final delivery with minimal oversight and with clear, concise, and timely communication throughout.

Responsibilities:

• Development or coordination of all branding, digital graphics, social media assets, print ads, licensed merchandise, internal communications materials, icons, logos, web design, packaging design, original illustrations, occasional in-game artwork and designs
• Oversee all design projects from conception to delivery, working with internal and external teams and stakeholders to ensure deliverable deadlines are met
• Review all internally and externally produced materials to ensure brand guidelines are followed and the high standard of quality expected by Naughty Dog is reflected, quickly and accurately communicating feedback and approvals
• Lead licensed merchandise efforts by outlining strategy, directing an external creative team in developing style guides and designs, working with internal departments to deliver source assets, and review of vendor submitted products
• Create new assets or leverage existing assets to support PR, marketing, digital, and social executions
• Assist with collecting and capturing in-game content for marketing needs
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed

 Requirements & Skills:

• At least 5+ years of work experience as a Senior Designer, Graphic Designer, or similar role
• Bachelor's degree in Design, Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Industrial Design, or related field, or equivalent experience
• Expert hands-on knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite especially for Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, and other graphic/branding software
• Strong understanding of design fundamentals, such as typography, composition, and how graphic design can be most effective in communicating ideas; capable of articulating and then implementing your vision effectively
• Comfortable working within the constraints of existing relevant brand guidelines, but willing to test the boundaries and fresh direction when our high standards and strategic needs call for it
• Always wanting to learn: exploring new techniques and looking for ways to learn new skills or improve existing ones.
• An experienced project manager with varying degrees of experience working with other creative staff such as writers, directors, artists, and graphic designers
• Ability to work under urgent, tight deadlines with frequent interruptions and to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Be a strong communicator with excellent inter-personal skills, verbal, visual and written communication skills, and the ability to interact diplomatically with all levels of staff, management, external partners, and vendors
• Able to collaborate with and take direction from Directors and other stakeholders to create powerful and thoughtful designs

Bonus Skills:

• Original illustration, 3D, animation, and motion graphics skills
• Knowledge of Adobe After Effects and or similar motion graphics programs
• Copy editing or copywriting experience

As a part of the Naughty Dog application process, candidates will be expected to provide a digital portfolio of their work and may be asked to complete an art test.