The Franchise Art Director is the steward of the Apex franchise’s visual direction, responsible for defining, protecting, and advancing its long-term artistic ambition across every touchpoint, from in-game experiences to marketing and future expansion. This role sets the visual standards for Apex and ensures the franchise evolves in bold, innovative, and culturally resonant ways. As a senior strategic leader, you will articulate a clear and compelling visual vision that inspires teams, aligns stakeholders, and elevates Apex on a global stage. You will drive cohesion across teams, products, and timelines, ensuring creative excellence at scale. Based on-site in Los Angeles, CA; Madison, WI; or Vancouver, BC, you will report to the Franchise Creative Director.
Responsibilities
• Define and evolve the long-term Art Direction vision for the Apex Legends franchise.
• Establish and maintain clear artistic pillars that guide characters, environments, cosmetics, cinematics, and brand expression.
• Ensure cohesion between gameplay aesthetics and the broader Apex universe.
• Anticipate future trends and evolve the franchise’s visual identity to remain genre-leading and culturally relevant.
• Drive visual innovation while preserving the core DNA that makes Apex recognizable and iconic.
• Ensure artistic consistency across in-game content, marketing materials, cinematics, licensed products, and emerging media.
• Review and approve major visual deliverables to uphold franchise standards and act as final arbiter for visual decisions.
• Provide high-level art direction across multiple product initiatives, including seasonal content, new Legends, and map expansions.
• Lead visual exploration and look-development for major franchise beats and long-range roadmap initiatives.
• Inspire, mentor, and elevate senior art leaders and multidisciplinary teams while fostering a culture of artistic excellence.
Minimum Qualifications
• 10+ years of experience in game development or interactive entertainment.
• Proven experience as an Art Director (or equivalent senior creative role) on a high-profile AAA title or live service franchise.
• Demonstrated success in defining or evolving a strong visual IP.
• Experience leading large, multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of game development pipelines and production realities.
• Exceptional visual literacy across character design, environments, UI, branding, and cinematics.
• Strategic thinker capable of balancing creative ambition with business goals.
• Skilled communicator who can articulate vision clearly and persuasively.
About the Company
Electronic Arts creates next-level entertainment experiences that inspire players and fans around the world. We are a community that connects across the globe—a place where creativity thrives, new perspectives are invited, and ideas matter. We’re proud to have an extensive portfolio of games and experiences, and we empower our teams to do great work and pursue opportunities for growth.
Compensation
$187,000 – $259,400 CAD/yr (British Columbia) / $210,600 – $320,000 USD/yr (California)
Benefits
• Vacation (3 weeks per year to start) and 10 days per year of sick time.
• Paid top-up to EI/QPIP benefits up to 100% of base salary for new child bonding (12 weeks maternity, 4 weeks parental/adoption).
• Extended health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance and disability insurance.
• Retirement plan / 401(k) with matching.
• Subsidized meal programs and complimentary games (depending on location).
Equal Opportunity / Accessibility
Electronic Arts is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, family status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EA also makes workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law.
