Jobs in Games: Steer Studios’ Jamil Dar on how to get a career as a lead artist

Learn more about the games industry in MENA at Pocket Gamer Connects Jordan (November 9th and 10th) and the Dubai GameExpo Summit 2025 powered by Pocket Gamer Connects on May 7th and 8th.

Behind every game is a team of creative developers making it happen. In our Jobs in Games series, we highlight some of the individuals working in the games industry, whether they are veteran developers with big hits under their belts or entirely new to the industry.

We ask how they broke into the sector and their advice for others on making a career in games.

In this interview, we speak with Steer Studios lead artist Jamil Dar to discuss his entry into games, alternative career paths, and advice for people looking to break into the industry.

PocketGamer.biz: Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you initially get into the games industry? 

Jamil Dar: I began my career in illustration, studying it at university during a time when dedicated game art courses were scarce. Most artists transitioned from illustration or fine arts into various creative fields such as book illustration, magazine work, animation, or film. I initially focused on book illustration, particularly historical pieces for children’s literature. 

This evolved into creating animations and interactive learning materials. My big break came at a small indie game studio where I was the sole artist on a team of about eight people. I handled everything from animation to 3D modelling and UI design, gaining a diverse skill set that laid the foundation for my career in games. Over the years, I moved between several studios to broaden my experience across different game types. 

How did you land the role of lead artist at Steer Studios? 

Prior to joining Steer Studios, I worked at a fully remote UK studio. While remote work had its perks, I was eager for more responsibility and challenges. I found that traditional studio environments foster greater collaboration and growth opportunities, particularly for a lead artist. 

Steer Studios caught my attention with its ambitious vision for expanding the games sector in our region and its commitment to nurturing a young, dynamic team. Aligned with my own desire to contribute to something impactful, I saw the company as an opportunity to join a team that was truly making a difference. 

Why a career in games? And if not games what would you have been doing? 

I’ve always thrived in team settings. After a stint as a freelancer, I realised I missed the collaborative aspects of working with others. The games industry appealed to me because it enables collective problem-solving and storytelling through visuals. It perfectly aligns with my passion for creativity and narrative development.

If I weren’t in games, I would likely still pursue a career in art – perhaps in film or television. However, the unique challenges and puzzles of game development resonate deeply with my personality, making this field particularly rewarding. 

How has the past year been for you, any highlights? And what would you like to achieve in the coming year? 

The past year at Steer Studios has been incredibly rewarding. We’ve tackled numerous exciting projects and I’ve seen significant growth within the team at Steer Studios. Looking ahead, I hope to continue fostering that growth and push our creative boundaries even further. 

What’s your day-to-day like at the company? Do you have any go-to ritual before stepping into the office? 

Life at Steer Studios is fast-paced as we develop hybrid casual games with quick turnaround times. Compared to other studios, the speed here is exhilarating. We embrace a culture of experimentation, failing fast, and brainstorming new ideas.

In parallel, we’re also deeply committed to developing and training local talent, helping to build a thriving gaming ecosystem in the process. 

As the lead artist, I oversee a team of about 14 to 15 artists. My day starts early, allowing me quiet time for draw-overs, feedback, and small tasks. We hold stand-up meetings every morning, where I provide guidance and set clear objectives for the day. 

At the day’s end, I check in with the team to address any challenges they might face. In the evenings, I often spend quiet time on personal art projects. This helps me unwind and reflect on the day while solving any unresolved issues creatively. 

What do you enjoy most about working in the games industry? 

The variety of experiences in the games industry is what I cherish most. No two days are the same, there’s always a new problem to tackle or an idea to explore. This constant evolution keeps things fresh and exciting. 

It’s also incredibly rewarding to see the team at Steer Studios develop their skills and grow. This is an opportunity to plug the regional games sector, as the talent in this space is thriving, and it’s inspiring to witness and contribute to the growth of such a dynamic industry. 

If you could play one video game forever, what game would it be and why? 

I’ve always been a huge fan of the Zelda series, having played most of the games since childhood. The exploration aspect of Zelda captivates me.

Breath of the Wild was particularly immersive; I found myself lost in its world, spending countless hours exploring every nook and cranny. 

Do you have any tips for anyone wanting to work as a games artist? 

To succeed as a games artist, focus on continuous learning and skill development. Build a strong portfolio showcasing your versatility and network with industry professionals at events and online. Be open to new opportunities, even outside your comfort zone. 

What are you working on right now? Are there any upcoming projects you’re particularly excited about? What can we look forward to from you? 

While I can’t disclose specific project details due to confidentiality, I’m currently working on several exciting initiatives at Steer Studios. We’re continuously exploring innovative ideas and refining our games to appeal to a broad audience. 

One title we are working on is Grunt Rush, which is currently in the soft launch phase. We’re also developing a new game which is currently in the alpha phase. I’m particularly excited about the creative possibilities these projects present and the unique gameplay experiences we’re crafting.