Associate Art Director

About the role

Climax Studios is a major independent game development studio known for delivering a strong portfolio of published titles. This is a fully onsite role based in the Edinburgh studio, located in the centre of the city with views of the castle. The team is looking for someone who brings both imagination and technical understanding, enjoys collaborating across disciplines, and is excited by ambitious game projects.

This opportunity is aimed at an Associate Art Director, but it may also suit a driven Lead Artist who is ready for a new challenge. The studio values people who are curious, inventive, and willing to step outside familiar approaches to push the quality of the work forward.

Responsibilities

• Shape and review the visual direction for several projects running at the same time.
• Develop and refine art styles, including sketching and visualising ideas for game concepts and pitches.
• Take clear ownership of the game’s artistic direction within assigned areas.
• Ensure the studio produces work to the highest possible visual standard.
• Work closely with other directors and the studio head in day-to-day production.
• Present visual direction and style decisions to clients and publishers.
• Partner with production teams to build estimates and schedules.
• Review milestones with other directors and approve them before submission.
• Lead and coordinate the art team so the right people are allocated to the right projects and resource plans.
• Collaborate closely with lead artists.
• Stay informed about new tools and workflows and assess their value to the studio’s art output.
• Represent the studio at universities and industry events locally and internationally.
• Support recruitment of new artists and manage performance for existing team members.

Requirements

• Several years of experience in a Lead Art Director or Associate Art Director position.
• Proven experience leading art teams on mainstream AAA console games.
• Confidence in owning and advancing art direction in assigned areas.
• Ability to sketch and quickly communicate visual ideas during concept development with designers.
• Strong knowledge of a broad range of art styles and how they are carried from pitch stage through full production.
• Hands-on familiarity with key art tools such as Maya, Blender, Photoshop, ZBrush, and Substance.
• Experience working with third-party game engines.
• Solid understanding of how different game development disciplines connect.
• Extensive experience working with clients and publishers.
• Strong verbal communication, presentation, and persuasion skills.
• Genuine enthusiasm and passion for games.
• Ability to sell a creative vision to internal teams, product management, and external stakeholders.

Benefits and perks

• Generous holiday entitlement.
• Regular social activities and events.
• A friendly, focused, ambitious, and relaxed workplace.
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities with room to progress.
• Group private medical insurance through Bupa.
• Group life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Private dental insurance.
• Group income protection.
• Company pension scheme.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Eye-care vouchers.
• In-house clubs and social groups, including board games, tennis, football, and D&D evenings.
• Frequent social gatherings such as project wrap parties, team and studio events, Christmas celebrations, annual summer parties, and charity fundraising events.

Additional information

The role is part of the game development function within the art service area. Employment type is listed as permanent or fixed-term contract, and the working pattern is full time and onsite.

The studio follows an equal opportunities policy and aims to provide fair access to employment for all candidates and employees.

By submitting an application, candidates agree to the company’s personal data protection terms and to the handling and retention of their CV or resume in line with the studio’s privacy and retention policy.