Vanguard Software – Concept and Animation Artist

Join Vanguard Software to Bring Gaming Visions to Life!

About Vanguard Software: Vanguard Software is a boutique gaming studio dedicated to transforming creative visions into captivating, high-quality games that push the boundaries of entertainment. Specializing in gaming and iGaming, we deliver visually stunning, cloud-native titles that blend innovative gameplay with enterprise-grade performance. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI and agile development pipelines, we unlock value for our partners and players, giving our games a competitive edge in the digital landscape. Our passionate team thrives on creativity, collaboration, and precision, delivering unforgettable experiences on time and to the highest standards.

We are seeking a talented Creative Artist (Mid-Level or Lead) to join our innovative team for an exciting new gaming project. We’re looking for a passionate, self-motivated artist with experience in gaming or iGaming, capable of executing concepts into fully realized 2D art, animations, and special effects (FX) that elevate gameplay and captivate players. Reporting to the Creative Director and Creative Leader, this role requires initiative, versatility, and a strong artistic foundation, with a willingness to leverage AI tools for efficiency within a tight, well-managed timeline. Bonus points for creating high-vision marketing art to showcase our games!

Key Responsibilities:

• Transform concepts into high-quality 2D art assets, animations, and special effects (FX) that align with gameplay, narrative, and technical requirements.

• Independently or collaboratively execute full creative workflows, from ideation to polished visuals, ensuring consistency with the project’s vision.

• Contribute to or lead creative tasks under the direction of the Creative Director and Creative Leader, demonstrating initiative and ownership.

• Utilize AI-powered tools to streamline asset creation and FX workflows, prioritizing efficiency without sacrificing quality.

• Collaborate with designers, developers, and marketing teams to ensure deliverables meet deadlines and project goals.

• (Optional) Create high-vision marketing art (e.g., key visuals, promotional assets) to highlight the game’s aesthetic and appeal.

• Adapt to feedback and iterate quickly to align with creative and technical objectives.

What We’re Looking For:

• Essential Qualifications:

  • Proven Experience: 2+ years (mid-level) or 4+ years (lead) in the gaming or iGaming industry, with a portfolio showcasing 2D art, animations, and special effects (FX).

  • Creative Execution: Ability to independently execute concepts into fully realized 2D art, animations, and FX, with strong visual storytelling skills.

  • Artistic Foundation: Strong background in art, with expertise in color theory, composition, and 2D animation principles.

  • AI Adaptability: Openness to using AI tools to enhance efficiency in art, animation, and FX workflows.

  • Collaboration & Communication: Team player with excellent communication skills, able to work effectively with the Creative Director, Creative Leader, and cross-functional teams.

  • Time Management: Proven ability to deliver high-quality work within tight deadlines.

• Preferred Qualifications:

  • Proficiency in Spine or similar 2D animation software (e.g., Adobe Animate, DragonBones); ability to quickly learn Spine is a plus.

  • Experience creating high-vision marketing art (e.g., promotional posters, key visuals) for games or related industries.

  • Familiarity with game development pipelines and tools (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine).

  • Proficiency in Adobe Suite, Figma, or other design software.

  • Knowledge of 3D animation or related skills is a bonus, as 3D may be relevant for future projects.

  • Experience with sound design or additional creative disciplines is a plus but not required.

Why Vanguard Software?

• Work on a high-profile gaming project that pushes creative boundaries in 2D art, animation, and FX.

• Collaborate with a passionate team led by an experienced Creative Director and Creative Leader.

• Leverage cutting-edge AI tools to enhance your creative process and efficiency.

• Enjoy a flexible, inspiring work environment with opportunities for growth, including potential exploration of 3D animation or marketing art.

• Competitive compensation and benefits package tailored to your expertise.

How to Apply: Ready to shape the future of gaming? Submit your resume, portfolio, and a brief cover letter explaining why you’re the ideal candidate for this role. Highlight your experience in gaming/iGaming, your ability to execute 2D art, animations, and FX, and any experience with high-vision marketing art or AI tools/Spine. 

Apply today by sending in your resume and bio profile.