Creative Designer

Creative Designer

The Creative Designer plays a key role in developing the visual identity of our arcade games from early concept through production. This position is ideal for a designer who enjoys creating original concepts, illustrations, cabinet artwork, and printed graphics that bring games to life.
Working closely with the Creative Lead, engineers, and product designers, the Creative Designer develops visual themes, concept artwork, cabinet graphics, playfield elements, decals, and production-ready artwork that support both the player experience and the final product.
The ideal candidate is a highly creative designer with strong illustration skills, excellent graphic design fundamentals, and experience preparing art for print production. While this role is primarily focused on concept development and graphic design, we're looking for someone who is excited to grow their skills in animation, digital asset creation, and emerging creative technologies as project needs evolve.
Responsibilities

Develop original concepts, illustrations, and visual themes for arcade games and entertainment products
Design production-ready artwork for game cabinets, marquees, decals, control panels, and other printed graphics
Create concept sketches, renderings, and presentation artwork to communicate game ideas
Collaborate with Creative, Mechanical, Electrical, and Software Engineering teams throughout product development
Refine artwork and graphics to support evolving gameplay concepts and product requirements
Prepare print-ready files and work with internal teams and outside vendors to ensure production quality
Participate in brainstorming sessions and contribute creative ideas for new games, features, and player experiences
Support product reviews, prototype evaluations, and creative refinements throughout development
Assist with promotional graphics and digital assets as needed
Requirements

Education & Experience
Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, or a related creative field.
4–6 years of professional experience in graphic design, product design, themed entertainment, toys, games, children's products, consumer products, or a related creative field.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
Required
Exceptional illustration and concept sketching abilities
Strong graphic design and layout skills
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
Experience preparing artwork for commercial print production
Understanding of printing processes, materials, color management, and production specifications
Ability to translate ideas into compelling visual concepts
Strong typography, composition, and visual storytelling skills
Excellent collaboration and communication skills
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities
Self-motivated with strong attention to detail
Preferred (Nice to Have)
Experience creating digital assets for games or interactive products
Basic animation or motion graphics experience (After Effects or similar)
Familiarity with 3D software such as Blender or Cinema 4D
Basic understanding of game engines such as Unity or Unreal
Experience with AI-assisted creative workflows or digital illustration tools
Interest in expanding creative skills into animation, digital content creation, and emerging design technologies
Willingness to learn new software, tools, and workflows as our creative process continues to evolve
Travel Requirements
10% travel to tradeshows and/or game room test sites
Potential travel between local Village companies
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift 30 lbs occasionally
Working Environment
Design Office environment – 90%
Product Development Shop – 10%
Game Room locations
Regular, reliable, and predictable on-site attendance is an essential function of this position. The position requires in-person collaboration with coworkers, participation in team meetings, and immediate availability to support departmental operations.
Online applications only. No phone calls or in-person applications please. No relocation assistance available.

The Village Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.