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3D Artist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Scattermesh

3D Lighting Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

Job Summary Scattermesh is expanding its team and we are looking to hire 3D Lighting artists to work across client projects on a full time basis on-site in Herndon, VA. The role requires a skilled ...

Scattermesh

3D Lighting Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

Job Summary Scattermesh is expanding its team and we are looking to hire 3D Lighting artists to work across client projects on a full time basis on-site in Herndon, VA. The role requires a skilled ...

Scattermesh

Senior Lighting Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Job Summary Scattermesh is expanding its team and we are looking to hire Senior 3D Lighting artists to work across client projects on a full time basis on-site in Herndon, VA. The role requires a ...

Scattermesh

Senior Lighting Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Job Summary Scattermesh is expanding its team and we are looking to hire Senior 3D Lighting artists to work across client projects on a full time basis on-site in Herndon, VA. The role requires a ...

Scattermesh

VFX Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

This role requires a skilled artist with experience realizing complex pre-rendered fluid body and ... The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of the physics and 3D model preparation that goes ...

Scattermesh

VFX Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

This role requires a skilled artist with experience realizing complex pre-rendered fluid body and ... The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of the physics and 3D model preparation that goes ...

Kitware

3D Computer Vision Researcher

Arlington, VA

$155K - $215K/yr

Current 3D projects have an emphasis on aerial and satellite imagery sources, but capabilities are often adapted to other problem domains. These projects have created and continue to support the ...

Kitware

3D Computer Vision Researcher

Arlington, VA

$155K - $215K/yr

Current 3D projects have an emphasis on aerial and satellite imagery sources, but capabilities are often adapted to other problem domains. These projects have created and continue to support the ...

Kitware

3D Computer Vision Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

$155K - $215K/yr

Current 3D projects have an emphasis on aerial and satellite imagery sources, but capabilities are often adapted to other problem domains. These projects have created and continue to support the ...

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All Jobs3D Artist Jobs3D Artist Jobs in Reston, VA

3D Artist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$20

$41

$71

How much do 3d artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3d artist in Reston, VA is $41.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.32 and $50.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 3D artist a good career?

A 3D artist creates visual content for industries such as gaming, film, and advertising, often requiring skills in software like Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max. The field offers opportunities for creative expression and competitive salaries, with job prospects improving as demand for digital content grows. Success typically depends on a strong portfolio, technical skills, and continuous learning.

What Is a 3D Artist?

A 3D artist or animator is a specialized graphic designer who is well versed in the latest computer technology and design software. As a 3D artist, your responsibilities and duties include designing and creating 3D animations for various industries including mobile applications, medicine, science, video gaming, and marketing. You use your artistic gifts and creativity along with your technical expertise to meet the needs of your clients. Having an arts background in photography or drawing as well as exceptional computer skills can be very helpful in this career.

What are 3D artists?

3D artists are creative professionals who use specialized software to create three-dimensional models, animations, and visual effects for various media such as video games, movies, advertising, and virtual reality. They build digital assets by shaping, texturing, lighting, and rendering objects or environments to achieve realistic or stylized results. 3D artists often collaborate with designers, animators, and developers to bring visual concepts to life and ensure they meet technical and artistic requirements.

Is AI replacing 3D artists?

AI tools are increasingly used in 3D art creation to assist with tasks like modeling, texturing, and rendering, but they do not fully replace 3D artists. Skilled artists are needed to guide AI, add creativity, and ensure quality, making AI a complementary tool rather than a replacement.

What jobs can a 3D artist do?

A 3D artist can work in various fields such as video game development, film and animation, product design, architecture, and virtual reality. They create 3D models, textures, and animations using software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max, often collaborating with other creative and technical teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3D Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3D Artist, you need strong artistic ability, proficiency in 3D modeling, texturing, and rendering, often supported by a degree in art, design, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, ZBrush, and Adobe Creative Suite is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help 3D Artists collaborate effectively and bring visual concepts to life. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing high-quality assets that meet project requirements in entertainment, gaming, or visualization industries.

How much money does a 3D artist make?

A 3D artist's salary varies based on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $45,000 to $85,000 annually in many regions. Skilled artists proficient in tools like Maya, Blender, or ZBrush and with a strong portfolio can earn higher salaries, especially in gaming, film, or advertising sectors.

How do 3D Artists typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

3D Artists work closely with teams like concept artists, animators, game designers, and technical directors to bring visual elements to life. Collaboration is essential, as 3D Artists often receive initial sketches or storyboards from concept teams, then coordinate with animators to ensure models are rigged and ready for movement. Regular feedback loops with art directors and project managers help maintain consistency with the project’s overall vision. Clear communication and adaptability are key, as requirements may change based on technical constraints or creative direction.
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What job categories do people searching 3D Artist jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for 3D Artist jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for 3D Artist jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most 3D Artist job openings:
3D Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Artist job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,539 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

3D Lighting Artist

Scattermesh

Herndon, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Scattermesh is a fast-paced small company looking to disrupt, transform, and innovate on behalf of our clients. We are inventors, technologists, artisans, problem solvers, and collaborators seeking to redefine the content experience by changing how content is managed and delivered to clients. We have an amazing team and we want to add a few talented revolutionaries who want to make a difference solving hard problems. Create your story and start making an indelible impact today.
Job Summary
Scattermesh is expanding its team and we are looking to hire 3D Lighting artists to work across client projects on a full time basis on-site in Herndon, VA. The role requires a skilled artist with strong understanding of lighting and rendering photorealistic images of primarily organic characters. The ideal candidate will have experience lighting scenes from photo reference and should have a strong understanding of customizing shaders to replicate real interactions between surfaces and light.
Responsibilities and Duties
  • Realize the Vision - Elevate high quality 3D character models by optimizing textures and shaders to create realistic renders.
  • Construct Reality - Create and maintain the overall look, color, and quality across multiple sequences to create storylines.
  • Collaborate - Work alongside your fellow artists and studio managers to meet the needs of today while preparing for and solving the problems of tomorrow.

Qualifications and Skills
  • 1-9+ years' experience as a 3D artist or relevant portfolio
  • Strong artistic fundamentals - scale, composition, perspective, proportion, mass and volume, light and color, and surface properties
  • Understanding of real-world lighting and photography, exposure, color grading, lens and camera behavior and HDR workflows
  • Mastery of standard art packages such as Maya, Arnold, Substance / Adobe Painter, etc
  • Skilled in look development and lighting for photorealistic renders
  • Skilled in replicating physically accurate lighting environments in 3D
  • Understanding of PBR rendering and optimizations using Arnold or similar engines
  • Experience working within an established studio pipeline and file structure
  • Is self-motivated and self-reliant
  • Must have a learning mind-set
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • US citizenship required

Benefits and Perks
Scattermesh is as obsessed about our employees as our customers. We want to provide great benefits and perks so you can focus on making an impact. We recognize that industry is moving away from better benefits so we have decided to do our part to start reversing the trend. Join us in our quest to disrupt, transform and innovate.
Benefits
  • Competitive Market Leading Pay
  • 25-30 days - Paid Time Off (PTO) / Holiday
  • 100% Company paid medical/dental/vision/plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • 401(k) Matching with no cliff vest

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