The Lead Graphic Designer manages graphic activities and teams of graphic designers. He or she is responsible for implementing the graphic project, guaranteeing quality and meeting deadlines and targets.
Tasks
In practical terms, the Video Games Lead Graphic Designer designs or has designed the graphic and visual elements of a video game in 2D and 3D, such as the decor, textures, characters and sometimes lighting and special effects. He/she uses CAD (Computer Aided Design) and CAD (Computer Aided Drafting). He/she ensures that each element fulfils its function within the video game.
The Lead Graphic Designer for video games is responsible for the design and production of graphic elements for video games. He/she is both an artistic and technical expert, and is responsible for project progress and meeting deadlines in his/her field. They supervise and support their team of graphic designers.
They are one of the key players in the production process. They are responsible for a large part of the creative aspect of the project, their aim being to propose a graphic universe that will appeal to all the consumers targeted by the project.
In order to provide the best possible management for his/her team, the Lead Graphic Designer needs to be diplomatic and educational, adapting his/her approach to suit the people with whom he/she is dealing, and, if necessary, managing and arbitrating in the event of conflict.
Skills and knowledge
The Lead Graphic Designer must be fully conversant with :
- graphics software
- the principles of moving images
- notions of anatomy (human, animal, ET, etc.),
- notions of architecture and art history,
- level editor and content integration tools,
- scripting techniques (xml, etc.),
- drawing techniques (on paper or computer)
- pre-calculated and real-time rendering and lighting techniques (Lightmaps, Vertex colour, Ambient occlusion).
They must also know how to :
- manage
- federate the graphics teams (planning activities, monitoring, evaluation, etc.),
- support the development of team members’ skills,
- take part in the recruitment process (defining needs…)
- managing the creation of assessment tests,
- managing interviews,
- monitoring integration,
- implementing problem-solving techniques and distributing the work according to the skills of each member of the team, managing priorities using good analytical and summarising skills.
Salary
Between €32k and €40k (minimum €32k; maximum €43k; median €36k). As the years go by, he or she can look forward to advancement and perhaps one day becoming an artistic director.
Careers and career opportunities
Lead graphic designers mainly work for private video game development companies. These companies may be large or small, independent or under the aegis of a publisher.
