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3D Character Artist Jobs in Bothell, WA (NOW HIRING)

Adobe

Staff AI VFX Engineer

Seattle, WA

Our mission is grounded in empowering artists while ensuring the responsible and commercially safe ... You'll design the orchestration layer: how a character generated in the image model maintains ...

All Jobs3D Character Artist Jobs3D Character Artist Jobs in Bothell, WA

3D Character Artist information

See Bothell, WA salary details

$116.8K

$134.7K

$143.6K

How much do 3d character artist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d character artist in Bothell, WA is $134,740.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,300.00 and $142,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 3D character artist?

A 3D Character Artist is responsible for creating digital characters for video games, movies, and other media. They sculpt, model, texture, and sometimes rig characters to bring them to life. Using software like ZBrush, Blender, or Maya, they ensure characters are visually appealing and optimized for animation. Their work often involves collaborating with concept artists, animators, and game designers to achieve the desired look and functionality. Strong artistic skills and a deep understanding of human and creature anatomy are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3D character artist?

To thrive as a 3D Character Artist, you need strong skills in 3D modeling, sculpting, texturing, and anatomy, often backed by a degree in art, game design, or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard software such as Maya, ZBrush, Blender, and Substance Painter is typically required, and certifications in these tools can be advantageous. Creativity, problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to receive and apply feedback are key soft skills that help artists succeed. These skills ensure the creation of visually compelling, technically functional characters that meet both artistic direction and production requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by 3D character artists in a studio environment?

3D Character Artists often encounter challenges such as meeting tight deadlines, balancing creative vision with technical limitations, and ensuring that character models are optimized for real-time applications like games or VR. Collaboration is essential, as artists frequently work with animators, riggers, and concept artists to bring characters to life, requiring strong communication and teamwork. Staying updated with new software features and industry trends is also important to keep skills relevant. Addressing these challenges is part of what makes the role dynamic and rewarding, offering multiple opportunities for creative problem-solving and professional growth.

How do you become a 3D character artist?

To become a 3D character artist, you typically need a strong foundation in art and design, proficiency in 3D modeling software such as Blender, Maya, or ZBrush, and a portfolio showcasing your character work. Many professionals pursue a degree in art, animation, or a related field and gain experience through internships or personal projects to build their skills and industry connections.

How much do 3D character artists get paid?

The average salary for 3D character artists varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $50,000 to $85,000 annually. Entry-level artists may earn around $40,000, while experienced professionals with strong skills in software like Maya or ZBrush can earn over $100,000. Freelance or contract work may also influence earnings.

How much does a 3D character artist make?

The average salary for a 3D character artist varies depending on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually. Entry-level artists may earn around $40,000, while experienced professionals with strong skills in software like Maya or ZBrush can earn over $100,000. Freelance or contract work may also influence earnings.

Is a 3D character artist a good career?

A 3D character artist is a viable career in the entertainment, gaming, and animation industries, where demand for skilled artists continues to grow. Success typically requires proficiency in software like Maya or ZBrush, a strong portfolio, and ongoing skill development. Job stability and salary vary based on experience, location, and industry demand.

What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Character Artist jobs in Bothell, WA?

The most popular types of 3D Character Artist jobs in Bothell, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to 3D Character Artist jobs in Bothell, WA?

For 3D Character Artist jobs in Bothell, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching 3D Character Artist jobs in Bothell, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for 3D Character Artist jobs in Bothell, WA are:

What cities near Bothell, WA are hiring for 3D Character Artist jobs?

Cities near Bothell, WA with the most 3D Character Artist job openings:

3D Character Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Character Artist job openings in Bothell, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,740 per year, or $64.8 per hour.

Lead 3D Artist - Unannounced Project

Seattle, WA • On-site

Lightfox Games
1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Lightfox Gamesexternal

$150 - $200/hr

Other

Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Lightfox Games is seeking a talented and enthusiastic Lead 3D Artist to join our Seattle, Washington based team to work on an unannounced mobile game for a world-class IP and Publisher. We are looking to build an organization of talented individuals operating in small teams with high levels of ownership. This role is hybrid out of our downtown Seattle office, with approximately 50% of time expected in-person. When remote, we're a quick-to-videocall, video-on studio to keep collaboration fast and effective.

Responsibilities
  • Own the character art pipeline end-to-end, establishing the standards, and workflows that define the game's characters
  • Create high-quality 3D assets, including characters, props, weapons, and environment art, that meet mobile performance requirements and align with the IP's visual identity
  • Work across disciplines as needed, contributing to environments, levels, and architectural/building assets alongside the character pipeline
  • Collaborate with Art Direction, Design, and Engineering to establish and maintain art pipelines, standards, and best practices
  • Optimize models, textures, and materials to balance visual fidelity with mobile performance constraints
  • Mentor and provide constructive feedback to other artists, helping elevate the overall quality bar
  • Lead the visual development of the game, from early concept exploration through final in-engine polish
Requirements
  • 8+ years of professional game development experience, including lead-level ownership of a character or 3D art pipeline on at least one shipped title
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in 3D modeling, texturing, and material creation across a range of asset types, including characters and environments
  • Proven ability to set and maintain a visual style across a team, with experience mentoring or leading other artists
  • Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter/Designer, and Photoshop
  • Experience with Unity and its asset pipeline
  • Solid understanding of real-time rendering constraints, PBR workflows, and texture budgets for mobile platforms
  • Comfortable working multi-disciplinarily across characters, props, and environments as the project requires
  • Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset, comfortable working in small, fast-moving teams
Nice to Have
  • Experience working within an established IP or licensed property
  • Experience with stylized art directions
  • Experience with environment and level art, including architectural/building assets
  • Experience leveraging AI tools in art production workflows
Compensation

US$135,000 – US$165,000 depending on experience, plus health/vision/dental coverage, 401(k) matching, commuting benefits, and equity.

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