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Video Game Graphic Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Graphic Design Manager

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Graphic Design Manager Full Time NIS America, Inc., Santa Ana, CA, US 5 days ago Requisition ID ... Passion for video games and familiarity with Japanese titles. * Proficiency with Google Workspace ...

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Smosh, Smosh Pit, Smosh Games, Smosh Cast, and Smosh ALike. This role balances hands-on design work ... Strong Management & Team Development Skills - Empower a small graphic team through clear ...

Director of Graphic Design

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Smosh, Smosh Pit, Smosh Games, Smosh Cast, and Smosh ALike. This role balances hands-on design work ... Strong Management & Team Development Skills - Empower a small graphic team through clear ...

Director of Graphic Design

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$150 - $190/hr

Smosh, Smosh Pit, Smosh Games, Smosh Cast, and Smosh ALike. This role balances handsโ€‘on design ... Strong Management & Team Development Skills - Empower a small graphic team through clear ...

Smosh, Smosh Pit, Smosh Games, Smosh Cast, and Smosh ALike. This role balances hands-on design work ... Strong Management & Team Development Skills - Empower a small graphic team through clear ...

Lead Game UX/UI Designer

Santa Monica, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Core Qualifications * 7+ years of experience in UI/UX design within the video game industry ... Possess a strong graphic design background and/or understanding of design principles. * A strong ...

Lead Game UX/UI Designer

Santa Monica, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Core Qualifications * 7+ years of experience in UI/UX design within the video game industry ... Possess a strong graphic design background and/or understanding of design principles. * A strong ...

The Director, Graphic Design leads the company's overall graphic design vision and execution across ... Provide creative direction for photography, video, illustration, typography, and other visual ...

Director, Graphic Design

Brea, CA ยท On-site

$145 - $175/hr

Provide creative direction for photography, video, illustration, typography, and other visual ... BA in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Art, or a related field preferred. * 15+ years of ...

Senior Graphic Designer

Burbank, CA

$68K - $94K/yr

The Senior Graphic Designer position will oversee the development and execution of creative assets ... design for toys and video games, online marketing assets, including first party portals. This role ...

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Video Game Graphic Design information

See California salary details

$12

$26

$42

How much do video game graphic design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for video game graphic design in California is $26.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $30.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is video game graphic design?

Video game graphic design is the process of creating visual elements for video games, including characters, environments, user interfaces, and special effects. Graphic designers in this field use specialized software to bring the artistic vision of a game to life, ensuring a cohesive and engaging visual experience for players. Their work often involves collaborating with game developers, animators, and other artists to achieve the desired look and feel. This role requires both creative and technical skills to produce graphics that are visually appealing and optimized for real-time rendering in game engines.

What are jobs in video game graphic design?

Video game graphic design jobs focus on helping create digital and print marketing material, including packaging and promotional material for video games. You may help promote a specific visual brand, carefully select content to avoid spoilers, and produce material to help target different demographics. These are typically marketing-focused jobs. However, video game graphic designers may also provide input on in-game content, like how to display text or use still images in a way that helps achieve design objectives. These jobs should not be confused with creating graphic assets for use in-game, which employers usually advertise under a different title.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a video game graphic designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Video Game Graphic Designer, you need strong artistic abilities, a solid understanding of visual design principles, and often a degree in graphic design or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Blender, or Unity, along with knowledge of 2D and 3D modeling, is typically required. Creativity, collaboration, and effective communication set standout designers apart in game development teams. These skills ensure the creation of visually compelling and cohesive game experiences that engage players and support the overall vision of the game.

How do video game graphic designers typically collaborate with other team members during a project?

Video game graphic designers work closely with a variety of team members, including game developers, animators, and narrative designers. Collaboration often involves attending regular meetings to review progress, share feedback, and ensure visual assets align with gameplay and story elements. Designers may use collaborative tools like version control systems and project management platforms to share files and updates. Open communication and flexibility are crucial, as designers frequently incorporate feedback and adapt their work to meet evolving project needs.

What is the difference between Video Game Graphic Design vs Video Game Character Artist?

AspectVideo Game Graphic DesignVideo Game Character Artist
Required CredentialsDesign degree, portfolio, knowledge of graphic softwareArt degree, strong drawing skills, portfolio of character work
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, game development teamsArt departments, character design teams
Industry UsageCreating overall visual assets, UI, environmentsDesigning and modeling characters, character concepts

Video Game Graphic Design focuses on creating visual assets, UI, and environment elements, while Video Game Character Artist specializes in designing and modeling characters. Both roles require strong artistic skills and collaboration within game development teams, but they emphasize different aspects of visual creation in the gaming industry.

Do video game graphic designers work in video games?

Yes, video game graphic designers create visual elements such as characters, environments, and user interfaces for video games. They often work closely with developers using tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine to produce the game's visual style and assets.

How much do video game graphic designers make?

Video game graphic designers typically earn between $50,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level designers may start lower, while experienced professionals or those working on AAA titles can earn higher salaries, especially with specialized skills in tools like Adobe Photoshop or 3D modeling software.

Is video game graphic design a good career?

Video game graphic design is a viable career for those with strong artistic skills, proficiency in design software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and knowledge of game development processes. It offers opportunities in the gaming industry, often requiring a portfolio and sometimes a degree in art or related fields. Job stability and salary vary based on experience, location, and company size.

What are the most commonly searched types of Video Game Graphic Design jobs in California?

The most popular types of Video Game Graphic Design jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Video Game Graphic Design jobs in California?

For Video Game Graphic Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Video Game Graphic Design jobs?

Cities in California with the most Video Game Graphic Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Video Game Graphic Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,218 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Graphic Design Manager

NIS America, Inc.

Santa Ana, CA โ€ข On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

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Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Graphic Design Manager

Full Time NIS America, Inc., Santa Ana, CA, US

5 days ago Requisition ID: 1025

Salary Range: $90,000.00 To $120,000.00 Annually

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Graphic Design Manager oversees the daily operations, workflow management, and creative output of the Graphic Design team. This role focuses on effective task delegation, deadline management, and maintaining high creative standards across packaging, key art, digital marketing assets, merchandise, and event materials. In addition to managing the team, the Graphic Design Manager also contributes hands-on design work, especially for high-priority, complex, or time-sensitive projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Workflow Management & Task Delegation
  • Assign tasks based on designer strengths, workload, and project priorities.
  • Manage team schedules, monitor progress, and ensure deadlines are consistently met.
  • Identify bottlenecks early and implement solutions to keep projects on track.
  • Maintain structured workflows that support efficient production and clear communication.
  • Strategic Creative Planning
  • Partner with D2C, Operations, Localization, Porting, Marketing and LR teams to understand project goals and creative requirements.
  • Align creative output with marketing campaigns, product launches, and event timelines.
  • Contribute to long-term visual strategy and brand evolution, ensuring consistency across all touchpoints.
  • Support cross-functional initiatives by providing creative insights and direction.
  • Creative Production & Quality Assurance
  • Oversee the creation of packaging, key art, promotional materials, digital assets, merchandise designs, and event graphics.
  • Review and approve design deliverables for accuracy, brand consistency, and production readiness.
  • Ensure all assets meet technical specifications for print and digital use.
  • Maintain and evolve brand guidelines and ensure consistent application across all creative outputs.
  • Process Improvement & Asset Management
  • Establish and refine workflows, documentation, templates, and file management practices.
  • Improve efficiency through standardized processes and better cross-team alignment.
  • Ensure proper version control, archiving, and accessibility of creative assets.
  • Promote continuous improvement in creative operations.
  • Hands-on Creative Production
  • Contribute directly to design production for key visuals, packaging, promotional materials, merchandise, and event graphics.
  • Step in for high-priority, urgent, or complex tasks to ensure deadlines and quality standards are met.
  • Develop visual concepts, layouts, and production-ready files when needed.
  • Support the team by demonstrating best practices and elevating overall creative quality.
  • Project Coordination
    • Manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks based on deadlines and business needs.
    • Partner with PMO and project managers to maintain accurate schedules.
    • Communicate proactively with stakeholders regarding project status, risks, and dependencies.
  • Other Duties
    • Perform other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Graphic Design or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • 5+ years of experience in graphic design, creative production, or visual communication.
  • 5+ years of experience in a leadership or management role.
  • Strong project management skills with proven ability to manage deadlines and delegate effectively.
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in print, packaging, digital assets, and brand design.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and others).
  • Experience managing external creative vendors or freelancers.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines.
  • Passion for video games and familiarity with Japanese titles.
  • Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Japanese language skills (written and spoken) for licensor communication.
  • Experience working with first-party platform holders (Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo) or PC storefront partners.
  • Experience in gaming, entertainment, or consumer products.
  • Knowledge of print production processes, merchandise production, and large-format event graphics.
  • Understanding of video game concepts, terms, and gameplay (especially RPGs).
  • Familiarity with JRPG history, structure, and visual trends.
Other Requirements:
  • Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes
Key Attributes:

Candidate should demonstrate these skills

  • Strong time management and ability to meet deadlines.
  • Excellent task delegation and prioritization skills.
  • Clear communication and expectation-setting with team members.
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving.
  • High attention to detail and quality.
  • Team-oriented mindset with respect and integrity.
  • Ability to juggle multiple tasks with competing deadlines.
  • Steady, organized, and stress-tolerant.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • Work is typically performed either in an office environment with a moderate noise level or at your home.
  • While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to frequently sit and occasionally must stand, walk, use hands and fingers, and may lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities include the ability to read and analyze data in hard copy and on a computer screen, measure, or identify using eyesight and adjust vision focus.
  • Abilities to communicate verbally and in writing to individuals and groups.

Health care: effective first of the month following 30 days waiting period.
401K: Require 3 months of service to be eligible.

  • Paid holidays; 88 hours of vacation in the first year; 56 hours sick leave per year
  • Discretionally Year-end bonus (TBD) may be available
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