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3D Hard Surface Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CTI

3D Video Production Artist

Memphis, TN

... hard surface models Rigging soft surface models 2D/ 3D FX skills Game Engine o Importing assets to game engine o Material setup o Lighting o Scene dressing o Prefab basics o Rendering image sequences ...

MARKETSCALE LLC

3D Artist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Texturing / Surfacing * Rigging * Animation * Editing Requirements: * 3-5 years in 3D design and ... The 3D Artist position is a full-time role, with competitive salary, full employee medical benefits ...

MARKETSCALE LLC

3D Artist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Texturing / Surfacing * Rigging * Animation * Editing Requirements: * 3-5 years in 3D design and ... The 3D Artist position is a full-time role, with competitive salary, full employee medical benefits ...

TRICK 3D

TECHNICAL ARTIST

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$120K - $144K/yr

TRICK 3D sits at the forefront of immersive content and technology innovation in VR, AR, MR and ... Experience with organic and hard surface modeling with clean, optimized topology and UVs.

Trick 3d

TECHNICAL ARTIST

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$120K - $144K/yr

TRICK 3D sits at the forefront of immersive content and technology innovation in VR, AR, MR and ... Experience with organic and hard surface modeling with clean, optimized topology and UVs.

Collabera

Graphics Technician

Rapid City, SD · On-site

Job duties include, but not limited to, 3D Hard Surface Modeling, 3D model optimization, Texture creation, UV Mapping, Rigging, Animating, and Rendering. He /She should be knowing any 3DS knowledge.

RS&H

Junior 3D Visualization Artist

Tampa, FL

RS&H is seeking a talented and enthusiastic Junior 3D Visualization Artist to join our ... work hard every day to create tomorrow together. We offer an exceptional journey from start to ...

RS&H

Junior 3D Visualization Artist

Tampa, FL · On-site

RS&H is seeking a talented and enthusiastic Junior 3D Visualization Artist to join our ... work hard every day to create tomorrow together. We offer an exceptional journey from start to ...

RS&H

Junior 3D Visualization Artist

Tampa, FL · On-site

RS&H is seeking a talented and enthusiastic Junior 3D Visualization Artist to join our ... work hard every day to create tomorrow together. We offer an exceptional journey from start to ...

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How much do 3d hard surface artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3d hard surface artist 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 is a 3d hard surface artist?

A 3D Hard Surface Artist is a digital artist who specializes in creating non-organic models such as vehicles, weapons, machinery, and props for video games, films, and animations. They focus on designing detailed, realistic, and stylized objects using 3D modeling software like Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max. These artists ensure that their models follow technical constraints while also maintaining a high level of visual quality. Their work often involves creating clean topology, UV unwrapping, texturing, and optimizing assets for real-time rendering or pre-rendered scenes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the 3d hard surface artist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3D Hard Surface Artist, you need strong 3D modeling skills, an understanding of hard surface design principles (such as for machinery, vehicles, or props), and typically a portfolio demonstrating your expertise. Proficiency in industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, and familiarity with game engines or rendering tools such as Unreal Engine or Substance Painter is commonly expected, with some studios valuing relevant certifications. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are key soft skills for collaborating within a creative team. Mastery of these skills ensures artists can efficiently produce high-quality, technically accurate assets that meet project requirements and industry standards.

What does a typical workday look like for a 3d hard surface artist?

A typical day for a 3D Hard Surface Artist involves creating detailed 3D models of objects like vehicles, weapons, machinery, or architectural elements based on concept art and reference materials. You’ll collaborate regularly with concept artists, animators, and technical teams to ensure consistency and seamless integration of assets into larger projects. Daily tasks often include refining models, UV mapping, texturing, and participating in feedback sessions or team reviews. The work environment tends to be highly collaborative, requiring strong attention to detail and adherence to technical specifications and project timelines. This role offers a dynamic workflow, as projects and asset requirements frequently change based on creative direction and production needs.

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What cities are hiring for 3D Hard Surface Artist jobs? Cities with the most 3D Hard Surface Artist job openings:
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3D Hard Surface Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Hard Surface Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,070 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Concept Hard Surface Artist - (Apex Legends)

Electronic Arts Inc.

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$136K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Description & Requirements
Electronic Arts creates next-level entertainment experiences that inspire players and fans around the world. Here, everyone is part of the story. Part of a community that connects across the globe. A place where creativity thrives, new perspectives are invited, and ideas matter. A team where everyone makes play happen.
Hard Surface Concept Artist - Apex Legends (Concept Artist I)
We are seeking a Concept Artist I to join the Apex Legends team. In this role, you will help create compelling visual designs that define the hard surface cosmetics and visual identity of Apex Legends. You will apply strong artistic fundamentals, design sensibilities, and storytelling skills to bring ideas to life while supporting both gameplay needs and the evolving aesthetic of a live-service game.
You will work closely with the Hard Surface Concept Art Lead, Art Directors, and your immediate team to deliver high-quality concept work. Additionally, you will collaborate with external partners to help maintain Apex Legends' visual quality and style standards. The ideal candidate is a strong visual problem solver who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about creating bold, iconic designs.
Key Responsibilities
  • Concept Generation: Collaborate closely with the Art Lead and immediate team to create compelling concept art that supports gameplay, player fantasy, and the Apex Legends experience.
  • Asset Design: Design high-quality hard surface cosmetics and assets that align with the game's established visual language and style.
  • Artistic Execution: Apply a strong understanding of industrial design, weapon design, color theory, lighting, materials, and perspective in all concept work.
  • Production Pipeline Support: Translate creative direction into clear, production-ready visual solutions that can be effectively executed by downstream teams.
  • Visual Storytelling: Create illustrations and visual storytelling pieces that communicate narrative intent and support world-building through asset design.
  • 3D Integration: Utilize 3D tools to support concept development, including block-ins, lighting, camera setup, and perspective assistance.
  • Cross-Discipline Collaboration: Contribute to animation, FX, and cinematic ideation when needed, including basic storyboarding and motion exploration.
  • Feedback & Iteration: Participate actively in team critiques and feedback sessions, iterating quickly to improve quality and alignment with project goals.
  • External Development: Support external development efforts by reviewing outsourced work and providing actionable feedback to ensure consistency with project quality standards.
  • Constraint Management: Design within gameplay, technical, and production constraints, ensuring concepts are achievable and production-friendly.
  • Workflow Optimization: Stay informed on emerging tools, workflows, and production methodologies to help improve efficiency and creative iteration across the team.
  • Knowledge Sharing: Contribute to team growth by sharing knowledge, workflows, and best practices with peers.
Required Qualifications
  • Professional Experience: 3+ years of experience as a Concept Artist in games, entertainment, or a related industry.
  • Portfolio: A strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional artistic fundamentals, including design, color, composition, lighting, materials, and perspective.
  • Technical Communication: Proven ability to create clear, production-ready concepts that effectively communicate design intent to downstream developers.
  • Hard Surface Expertise: Strong understanding of hard surface design principles, including industrial and/or weapon design.
  • Software Proficiency: Proficiency with industry-standard digital painting software and familiarity with 3D tools commonly used in concept workflows.
  • Cinematic Fundamentals: Understanding of visual storytelling, composition, cinematography, and player-facing readability.
  • Collaboration Skills: Strong collaboration and communication skills within a multidisciplinary team environment.
  • Adaptability: Ability to incorporate feedback quickly and iterate effectively in a fast-paced production setting.
  • Continuous Learning: Openness to learning and adopting new tools, workflows, and emerging technologies that improve efficiency and creative development.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting or mentoring junior artists.

Pay Transparency - North America
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The ranges listed below are what EA in good faith expects to pay applicants for this role in these locations at the time of this posting. If you reside in a different location, a recruiter will advise on the applicable range and benefits. Pay offered will be determined based on a number of relevant business and candidate factors (e.g. education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, or business needs).
PAY RANGES
* California (depending on location e.g. Los Angeles vs. San Francisco) *$104,400 - $157,400 USD
Pay is just one part of the overall compensation at EA.
In the US, we offer a package of benefits including paid time off (3 weeks per year to start), 80 hours per year of sick time, 16 paid company holidays per year, 10 weeks paid time off to bond with baby, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and other incentive programs.
About Electronic Arts
We're proud to have an extensive portfolio of games and experiences, locations around the world, and opportunities across EA. We value adaptability, resilience, creativity, and curiosity. From leadership that brings out your potential, to creating space for learning and experimenting, we empower you to do great work and pursue opportunities for growth.
We adopt a holistic approach to our benefits programs, emphasizing physical, emotional, financial, career, and community wellness to support a balanced life. Our packages are tailored to meet local needs and may include healthcare coverage, mental well-being support, retirement savings, paid time off, family leaves, complimentary games, and more. We nurture environments where our teams can always bring their best to what they do.
Electronic Arts is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, family status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will also consider employment qualified applicants with criminal records in accordance with applicable law. EA also makes workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law.
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