Illustration Team Leader

Papaya is one of the world's fastest-growing mobile game companies, providing entertainment for millions of users across multiple apps. The company is headquartered in the heart of Tel Aviv.

We are seeking a highly skilled Illustration Team Lead to guide and inspire our team of illustrators in delivering top-quality artwork for our games. This role requires a combination of artistic expertise, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of game art production. As a key member of the Art Department, you will collaborate closely with UI designers, animators, product managers, and developers to ensure a cohesive and engaging visual experience for our players.

This role is ideal for an experienced illustrator who thrives in a leadership position, enjoys mentoring others, and wants to stay actively involved in illustration work. If you’re ready to take on both creative and managerial challenges, we’d love to hear from you!

Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a team of illustrators, providing guidance, feedback, and support to maintain high artistic standards.
• Oversee and contribute hands-on to the creation of high-quality game assets, characters, and environments, ensuring they align with the game’s visual direction.
• Balance leadership responsibilities with personal illustration work, ensuring both the team’s success and your own creative contributions.
• Collaborate with the group lead, lead artists, UI designers, and animators, to maintain a cohesive and polished art style that aligns with the visual identity of the games.
• Define and implement efficient workflows to enhance productivity and optimize the art production pipeline.
• Conduct art reviews and critiques, ensuring consistency and quality across all illustrations.
• Assist in recruiting, onboarding, and training new team members to strengthen the illustration team.
  
  

• 5+ years of experience as an illustrator in the gaming or entertainment industry.
• Proven experience leading a creative team, with strong mentorship and leadership skills.
• Expertise in Photoshop, Illustrator, and other industry-standard illustration tools.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating a versatile illustration style, including character and environment design.
• Deep understanding of composition, color theory, lighting, and visual storytelling.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to provide clear feedback and direction.
• Knowledge of animation principles and UI/UX design is a plus.
• experience and knowledge with AI tools and programs