Meet Elle Lydia, Senior UI Artist

04/02/2022

What does your role entail?

I’m a Senior User Interface (UI) Artist but I really love getting stuck into every aspect of interface, so where I can I work on visual concepts, design, and front-end implementation in engine as I really like prototyping ideas.

My role means I work with all disciplines across the project; designers, technical artists, engineers as well as the rest of the art team to make sure the interface compliments everyone’s work and makes the most of our tools and resources.

How did you start at London Studio?

A friend of mine from university mentioned they were working on an exciting VR title. At that point I’d worked on UI for Console, PC and Mobile so I was excited for a new challenge!

At my interview I was invited to play a demo of the game I would be working on and asked to review it there and then, in terms of UI and UX.

I remember listing off features I’d change straight away and some other suggestions on what could be improved. Fortunately they took it well, because here I am!

What has your career path looked like over the years?

I’ve now been in the games industry for almost 10 years. Starting in the summer of 2012 as an art intern at another game’s studio in Soho. I began with an interest in technical art and moved into graphic art and front-end implementation for UI.

Since then, I’ve gone on to develop UI at many studios across a variety of projects and platforms, Console, Mobile, PC, Apps and Web finally ending up back in London to work on Blood and Truth – my first VR Title!

What do you find most exciting about your work here?

We have great visibility and communication as a studio, so I frequently get to see progress across the whole project from all teams.

As an artist who loves solving problems it’s fascinating to hear how all disciplines approach development from different angles. I learn so much from everyone here. I’m lucky to say I work with a really talented bunch!

Do you have any career advice or top tips for people that would love to work in your role?

• Be organised.
• Use your team effectively as sometimes, areas they know may help you create unique solutions.
• Take inspiration from everywhere, not just other games! Keep hold of images, references, colour palettes, fonts, photos of nature and everything else that catches your eye. Keep them handy as you never know when something will help develop a visual theme.
• And finally, the most important thing – in UI you will need to learn to adapt to engines, pipelines and platforms as many studios have their own processes.

Don’t panic! With the right attitude and patience, you will definitely be able to adapt! So don’t be put off – you understand the fundamentals so will overcome any new software! Believe in yourself!

You’ll always be learning something new in this industry – and that’s what makes it so interesting.

If you could describe London Studio in a few words, what would they be?

A studio of curiosity, knowledge and creativity that loves to share ideas and work together.

Want to join our team?

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