Inspiring Journey: Philippine Spampinato

The Inspiring Journeys initiative aims to highlight members of our teams who stand out for their diverse backgrounds and unique experiences.

What is an inspiring journey at Frima?

It’s a career path that reflects both personal and professional fulfillment. This can include career development, involvement that has had a positive impact, alignment with the company’s values, etc.

We’re pleased to spotlight Philippine Spampinato, UI Designer at Frima for nearly two years. Naturally curious and always eager to learn, she brings the same enthusiasm to her projects as she does to the company’s social life. Here, she shares her journey, what motivates her, and what excites her most about her role on a daily basis.

1. Philippine, tell us about your journey at Frima. 

I joined in 2023. This was my first job in the video game industry, and my entry into the field happened gradually.

Before becoming a UI designer, I studied motion design for two years in France, then took advantage of a bridge program with the Cégep de Rivière-du-Loup to settle in Quebec. 

I spent a lot of time teaching myself about UI through reading, mentorship, and discussions with professionals.I had even applied for a position at Frima once before but wasn’t selected. I saw this feedback as an opportunity to learn, improve, and persevere, until I eventually joined the team.

2. What is your fondest memory of working at Frima so far and why?

I have so many good memories. What I love is the human atmosphere at Frima. I’m part of the Social Club, which allows me to help organize and take part in all kinds of activities. It’s a real pleasure to bring people together for friendly moments, whether it’s with my project teammates or colleagues I don’t get to see as often. These opportunities to connect and share make everyday life much more meaningful.

3. What project are you most proud of so far, and why?

I’d say the project I’m currently working on. It’s an assignment that really pushed me out of my comfort zone. As a UI designer with just one year of experience at the time, joining such a complex production was a real stepping stone. 

Beyond UI, I took part in client discussions, supported the VFX artists, and most importantly, developed my autonomy. I had the chance to take initiative and get involved in areas of the project I hadn’t touched before. Challenges like this really help you grow.

4. Which of Frima’s values do you feel most strongly about?

It’s tough to pick just one. Two values stand out for me, and they’re connected: cooperation and kindheartedness.

Kindheartedness is deeply rooted among colleagues. Working in an environment where mutual support comes naturally, and where people can rely on each other, makes all the difference. In a field as stimulating and demanding as video games, these two values are essential for progressing together.

5. What advice would you give to someone starting out in the profession?

I still remember the moment I discovered the existence of the UI specialty while talking with people in the industry. I studied graphic design, and UI design was not part of the curriculum. It was out of curiosity that I started developing my knowledge related to this field.

My advice: be curious, don’t hesitate to ask questions, and explore beyond what you’re taught. Persevere—you don’t need to know everything from the start. What matters is having the desire to learn and taking initiative.

6. What is a typical day like in your role?

My day-to-day work is all about being open and versatile. Depending on the project, I might be involved in visual design, such as creating icons, defining navigation flows (UX), or designing screen architecture, or in integrating those concepts into the game engine, setting up animations, or fixing technical bugs.

What shapes my days the most are meetings and exchanges, both with the different fields of expertise within the team and with the partner. This collaboration is key, as it ensures consistency across all the game’s components and helps everyone stay aligned on what’s coming, what each person is working on, and the common direction we’re heading towards.

7. What is your favourite video game ever?

I don’t play a lot of games in my daily life because my curiosity drives me to explore other areas. That said, Hollow Knight and Baldur’s Gate III left a deep impression on me. They’re among the few games I’ve completed, and even replayed! The storytelling, gameplay, and visual environment really captivated me from start to finish.

8. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome so far?

Changing projects was a real turning point for me. I moved on to a very different production, with a fast pace and high expectations. I had to adapt, be proactive, and quickly develop my autonomy. It was both demanding and highly formative. Fortunately, I was able to count on the support of my new team to help me find my bearings and build confidence.

9. What other departments do you work with the most on a daily basis?

It varies depending on the project. Right now, I mostly collaborate with programmers, VFX artists, and the client. I also sometimes work with producers. The UI role sits at the crossroads of all these disciplines, which makes for really rich exchanges. We’re often the bridge between creative intent and technical reality: that’s what makes the role so stimulating.

At Frima, it’s the people who make all the difference. Whether it’s through their projects, their attitude, or their team spirit, employees are at the heart of everything we create. Want to learn more about our culture ? Take a look at our careers page.