Associate Art Director – Franchise Creative

About the Role & Team

Disney Digital Entertainment is looking for a talented Associate Art Director to join us on an ambitious and exciting new project. We are building an experienced leadership team that will set the direction for a groundbreaking game experience that will herald the next generation of Disney to the world. Working with top-class industry talent, this role is perfect for the seasoned visionary leader looking to create something epic – guiding and collaborating with a robust group of creative and production leaders focused around a wonderfully rich and cohesive product that is truly “Disney”.

The Associate Art Director inspires and informs our development teams to deliver the most authentic world-class Star Wars experiences. They will help shape the overall visual direction, safeguard IP integrity, and foster creative collaboration across internal and external teams.

This is a full-time role

You will report to the Director, Art- Franchise Creative

You must also submit a digital portfolio. Please share or disable any passwords for efficient review of portfolios.

What You Will Do

• Review all art and visual design submissions, including characters, world designs, and animations, ensuring all assets meet our brand and quality standards.

• Generate clear and concise impactful feedback and guidance in the form of reference guides, written notes, draw-overs, and/or paint-overs with the goal of aiding developers in obtaining a better understanding of our IP while working towards approval status.

• Maintain a deep understanding of Star Wars lore and stay informed about relevant additions and changes to the universe. 

• Collaborate with the Director of Art, Franchise Creative team, and Lucasfilm Franchise & Story teams to establish alignment on overall vision and processes.

• Provide guidance and reference materials to educate development teams, ensuring all work remains consistent with and authentic to the Star Wars brand.

• Collaborate with development teams to define and uphold the visual style, ensuring alignment with each experience’s goals and production schedule.

• Ensure alignment between development requirements and stakeholder expectations while delivering on product objectives and strategic business priorities.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum of 7 years of gaming, film & or TV experience and has held a position of Lead Artist, Art Director for at least 2 years.

• Expert in Photoshop and Maya (or equivalent 3D software).

• Broad and deep understanding of the Star Wars brand, including lore, design, and aesthetics, is a must.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience working on a Star Wars IP in games, TV, or film

• Extensive game development experience building and supporting top grossing, critically acclaimed, AAA games on console and mobile.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to provide clear and concise feedback and present ideas with clarity and conviction.

• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple complex challenges while consistently meeting commitments and deadlines.

• Self-starter, reliable, and passionate about their work and committed to their discipline and its challenges.

• Exceptional attention to detail with a clear understanding of the big picture, always focusing on quality, authenticity, and the intended audience.

• Ability to build and achieve consensus among multiple stakeholders, balancing the needs of production, and brand stakeholders; always working towards solutions.

• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and motivational skills with the ability to maximize individual and department performance.

• Exceptional presentation skills with the ability to present to a diverse set of individuals from different professional backgrounds.

• Ability to travel to meet with partners around the globe, maintain valid US Passport.

Education

• B.A. in Art and/or Design or equivalent work experience.

Additional Information

Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits. 

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The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $115,500 to $154,800 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.