Lead Artist - Digital Gaming

Job title: Lead Artist - Digital Gaming

About the Role We’re seeking a highly organized and versatile Lead Artist to join our art team. Reporting to the Art Director, you will define and manage the artistic vision for Mattel’s mobile games based on beloved IPs, and lead collaboration with external developers and internal leads. The ideal candidate is a seasoned artist with strong experience supporting external partners, showcasing versatility across multiple art styles, and a collaborative, growth-oriented mindset.

What You'll Do

• Develop, refine, and execute high-quality art assets across multiple mobile game projects.
• Directly support external developers by providing artistic guidance, feedback, asset review, paint-overs, illustrating concepts, and clear direction to ensure adherence with project goals.
• Ensure brand consistency and adherence to style guidelines across all assets, whether produced internally or by external partners.
• Create mood boards, refine pitch decks, illustrate concepts, produce compelling marketing and UA art that aligns with brand vision and project requirements.
• Collaborate effectively with other departmental leads and leadership, including Design, Engineering, Product Management, and Marketing, to align project vision and objectives.
• Assist in hiring additional art personnel as needed, including reviewing portfolios, interviewing candidates, and contributing to the selection process.
• Demonstrate a flexible artistic approach, adapting easily across multiple art styles and genres.
• Support and step in for the Art Director as needed and take ownership where applicable.
• For marketing, aid in visual storytelling via storyboards or promotional visuals.
• Work closely with production, participate in brainstorming, sprint planning, and pipeline reviews.
• Proactively contribute ideas and solutions, maintaining an organized workflow, meeting project milestones, and staying attentive to details.

What We're Looking For

• BA/BS in illustration, Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience as a Lead Artist or above in the mobile game industry.
• Proven experience supporting and providing clear, actionable feedback to external development teams.
• Shipped at least 2–3 mobile game titles and supported them through live operations.
• Strong proficiency in industry-standard art software (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, Maya, Unity).
• Exceptional organizational, multitasking, and time management skills, with a commitment to meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a supportive, team-oriented mindset.
• Proactively incorporate feedback, take swift action, and provide timely updates without prompting.
• Passionate about Mattel’s iconic IPs and excited about contributing to their continued evolution and appeal in the mobile gaming space.
• An enthusiastic attitude, adaptability, and eagerness to collaborate effectively in a dynamic environment.
• A portfolio demonstrating the associated skills needed for this role.
• Demonstrated a growth mindset by staying curious and continuously learning, embracing challenges, and improving themselves.

Nice to Have

• Prior experience with IP games and marketing art for mobile platforms.
• Familiarity with live operations and post-launch art asset production.
• Knowledge of current industry trends and familiarity with market-leading mobile games.
• Experience working in Unreal.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: USD 115,000 - 144,000 per year. This range is indicative of projected hiring range; base pay will be determined based on location, skills, and experience.
• Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential.