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3D Artist Contract Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Concept Artist [Contract] (Retro Studios)

Austin, TX · On-site

$125K - $144K/yr

THIS IS AN ONSITE CONTRACT POSITION - Austin, TX Position includes: * Paid weekly * Health care ... Examples of modern rendering process using 3D art and modeling tools (Maya, Blender). * Mastery of ...

3D Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$50 - $65/hr

LA brings together artists, editors, and storytellers into one hyper-collaborative team ... LA is seeking an experienced 3D Designer to join our Brand Design team under a contract expected to ...

LA brings together artists, editors, and storytellers into one hyper-collaborative team ... LA is seeking an experienced 3D Designer to join our Brand Design team under a contract expected to ...

Participates in the creation of 3D content that meets required direction and quality specifications ... Proven artistic and technical skills in basic 3D and or 2D art production. * Experienced with game ...

New

CGI Artist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$3.0K/wk

You bring deep expertise in leading 3D modeling, rendering, and image editing software, and you ... We're open to both full-time and contract opportunities. Thuma's Headquarters is based in the ...

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3D Artist Contract information

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How much do 3d artist contract jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3d artist contract in the United States is $39.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.16 and $48.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by contract 3D Artists, and how can candidates prepare for them?

Contract 3D Artists often face tight deadlines, shifting project scopes, and the need to adapt quickly to different production pipelines or art styles. To succeed, it’s important to be highly organized, maintain a robust digital portfolio, and cultivate strong communication skills for seamless collaboration with remote or multidisciplinary teams. Staying current on industry tools and trends also helps artists remain competitive and quickly integrate into new projects. By preparing for these challenges, candidates can deliver consistent, high-quality work that meets client expectations and fosters ongoing professional relationships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the 3D Artist Contract position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3D Artist Contract, you need a strong background in 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, and rendering, often supported by a degree in art, design, or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard tools like Autodesk Maya, Blender, ZBrush, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as knowledge of game engines like Unity or Unreal, is typically expected. Creativity, strong time management, and the ability to communicate effectively with team members and clients greatly enhance success in this position. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering high-quality 3D assets within project timelines while collaborating efficiently in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

What is a 3D Artist Contract job?

A 3D Artist Contract job is a temporary or project-based role where a 3D artist creates models, textures, animations, or visual effects for clients or studios. These contracts can vary in length and scope, from short-term freelance gigs to long-term agreements with game studios, animation houses, or product design firms. Responsibilities typically include using 3D software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max to produce assets based on client specifications. Contract 3D artists may work remotely or on-site, depending on the project's needs. Payment can be per project, hourly, or on a milestone basis, depending on the agreement.

More about 3D Artist Contract jobs
What cities are hiring for 3D Artist Contract jobs? Cities with the most 3D Artist Contract job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Artist jobs? The most popular types of 3D Artist jobs are:
What states have the most 3D Artist Contract jobs? States with the most job openings for 3D Artist Contract jobs include:
Infographic showing various 3D Artist Contract job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,070 per year, or $39.5 per hour.
3D Environment Artist - Talent Pool (2026 Opportunities)

3D Environment Artist - Talent Pool (2026 Opportunities)

Liquid Development

Portland, OR • Remote

$26 - $38/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Liquid Development was founded in 2000 and is the largest outsourcing art studio in North America. We offer a fun and cooperative work atmosphere, where collaboration is encouraged among a diversely talented team to remain on the cutting edge of content creation. Everyday Liquid Development is producing work at the forefront of modern game production and the demands for our services continue to grow. Our team has contributed to AAA titles within the Halo, Mass Effect, Borderlands, and Call of Duty franchises - Liquid Development is the team these titles turn to when they need the best.

Check Us Out On ArtStation:
https://www.artstation.com/liquiddevelopment

We're building our 2026 talent pool for exceptional 3D Environment Artists! By applying, you're not applying for a specific role today-instead, you're joining a curated network of creative professionals that we may reach out to as new projects emerge. While this isn't an active opening at the moment, it helps us get to know your style and experience early on. If your skills and experience align with upcoming opportunities, we'll contact you to explore a potential collaboration. Join us now to stay on our radar for exciting future work.

We are currently seeking 3D Environment Artists who is passionate about creating high quality, game-ready environments and eager to contribute to a team of experienced artists on a long-term project. You will be embedded in a collaborative, cross-functional team - working closely with Concept Art, Animation, Engineering, and other teams to create environments that are faithful to the project's visual direction and design intentions.

Within your first 90 days, you will:

  • Learn a proprietary engine quickly and work effectively inside its constraints.
  • Deliver a complete environment area (assets + assembly + materials) that matches concept and art direction.
  • Do it with minimal supervision, asking smart questions early, and communicating progress clearly.

Some of the cool stuff you'll be doing:

  • Collaborate with art leadership to understand and develop artistically consistent captivating worlds
  • Model, texture and integrate in-game environments based on concepts, 3D mock-ups and art direction specifications
  • Build and maintain modular environment kits, including materials and trim sheets
  • Contribute to the project's organization and optimization of both data and production pipelines
  • Track and fix bugs during production and post production

Requirements

What you'll bring to the table:

  • A strong portfolio with recent work showcasing a range of stylistically different pieces showcasing real-time environments, hero assets, or modular kits (**must submit to be considered**)
  • 5+ years of experience in video game production with a track record of shipped projects
  • Possess a strong grasp of composition, visual design, and color theory
  • Proficiency in industry standard 3D modeling, sculpting, and texturing software
  • Experience shipping environment art in multiple game engines.
  • Technical proficiency in game environment art workflows such as topology, UVs, and optimized meshes
  • Strong knowledge of game production pipelines
  • Strong proactive collaboration and communication skills

Bonus Points!

  • Experience with Unreal Engine 5.

This is a fully remote ongoing contract only position. At this time, this position is not available to California residents.

Due to the high volume of applications, we kindly ask you to not reach out to the Liquid Development team. Once you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email that the hiring team will be reviewing your application. You will hear directly from our Talent Acquisition team once we have an update for you regarding your application status.

Benefits

What's in it for you?

If working on some of the biggest and best titles with some of the coolest people within the games industry isn't enough, we also offer:

  • Work alongside dynamic individuals in the gaming industry
  • Work within a company with upward career growth opportunities
  • Work Fully Remote
  • Full Time Employment Benefits for applicants located in US only include:
    • Medical, Dental, Vision benefits
    • Voluntary Long-term / Short-term Disability
    • 401K w/ company match
  • Salary RANGE: $56K - $80K per year ($26/hr to $38/hr)

Keywords Studios is dedicated to following a well-established Equal Opportunities Policy. We endeavor to create a workplace which provides for equal opportunities for all employees and potential employees.

Note to Recruitment Agencies

Please be advised that Keywords Studios does not consider unsolicited resumes, or any form of contact initiated by unauthorized third parties, including recruitment or placement agencies, unless a pre-existing, valid agreement is in place. Any fees incurred by unauthorized third parties will not be compensated by Keywords Studios.

AI Notice

Keywords Studios is committed to fair and ethical hiring practices. We expect candidates to conduct themselves with honesty and to participate in all applications and interviews independently, presenting their own knowledge and experience. Candidates should refrain from using AI assistance or third-party tools or services that could influence, capture, or otherwise interfere with the authenticity of the assessment process.

E-Verify Notification

This Organization Participates in E-Verify

Esta Organizacion Participa en E-Verify

PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY

By providing your information in this application, you understand that we will collect and process your information in accordance with our Applicant Privacy Notice. For more information, please see our Applicant Privacy Notice athttps://www.keywordsstudios.com/en/applicant-privacy-notice

Role Information: EN
Studio: Liquid Development
Location: Americas, United States, Oregon
Area of Work: Art Services
Service: Create
Employment Type: Full Time, Contractor
Working Pattern: Remote