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3D Lighting Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Roblox 3D Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$30 - $45/hr

... 3D Artist (Generalist) who can model across a wide range of subject matter, from characters and ... Solid grasp of topology, UVs, lighting, composition, and layout, with the ability to troubleshoot ...

Additional skills in 3d modeling, rigging, and game engine tasks such as lighting, camera staging ... Technical Artist Proficiency in industry standard 3D software for animation and modeling ...

Lead 3D Tracking Artist

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$122K - $146K/yr

Lead 3D Tracking / Matchmove Artist Location: New Orleans, LA - Onsite Studio: Swaybox Studios ... Lighting, and Compositing. * Create accurate rotomation of CG character rigs to match puppet and ...

LA brings together artists, editors, and storytellers into one hyper-collaborative team ... Import CAD models into 3D software, refine, and prep for lighting & texturing * Willingness to R&D ...

3D Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$50 - $65/hr

LA brings together artists, editors, and storytellers into one hyper-collaborative team ... Keyshot, Cinema 4D with Redshift and CAD • Lighting and texture expert with proven portfolio of ...

... lighting, rendering, and composition. * Leverage Gen AI and prompt-driven workflows to rapidly ... Collaborate cross-functionally with technical artists, merchandising, marketing, digital teams, and ...

... lighting, rendering, and composition. * Leverage Gen AI and prompt-driven workflows to rapidly ... Collaborate cross-functionally with technical artists, merchandising, marketing, digital teams, and ...

... Arts & Culture * Develop concepts and strategies for lighting projects (Architectural and ... InDesign, Photoshop, 3D Studio max, Rhino * Work on projects using 3D AutoCAD and Revit * Lighting ...

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

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3d lighting 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 does a 3D lighting artist do?

A 3D Lighting Artist is responsible for creating and implementing lighting in 3D environments to enhance mood, realism, and storytelling. They work with rendering engines, shaders, and lighting techniques to achieve the desired visual quality in films, video games, and animations. Their role involves adjusting light sources, shadows, and reflections to ensure scenes look natural or stylized according to the project’s needs.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of a 3D lighting artist within a production team?

As a 3D Lighting Artist, your typical day involves collaborating with animators, modelers, and compositors to design and implement lighting setups that enhance the mood and realism of scenes. You will adjust lighting rigs, tweak material properties, and render test images, ensuring the final visuals meet the project’s artistic direction and technical requirements. Regularly reviewing feedback from art directors and supervisors, you'll iterate on your work and help address technical challenges related to rendering and scene optimization. Working closely with other departments helps maintain visual consistency and ensures deadlines are met throughout the production pipeline.

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

To thrive as a 3D Lighting Artist, you need a strong background in computer graphics, an understanding of lighting theory, color, and composition, often supported by a degree in art, animation, or related fields. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, Houdini, and rendering engines like Arnold or V-Ray is essential, and knowledge of scripting languages or real-time engines like Unreal Engine is a plus. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with artists and meeting visual storytelling goals. These competencies ensure visually compelling scenes and seamless integration within production pipelines, resulting in high-quality animations or games.

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What states have the most 3D Lighting Artist jobs?

States with the most job openings for 3D Lighting Artist jobs include:

Infographic showing various 3D Lighting Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,070 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Roblox 3D Artist

Sawhorse Productions

Los Angeles, CA • On-site, Remote

$30 - $45/hr

Contractor

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Sawhorse Productions is a Los Angeles based, Award winning full-service creative studio turning ideas into unforgettable experiences through captivating branded content, viral social moments, and groundbreaking interactive experiences. We partner with industry-leading brands, artists, and studios such as Walmart, Google, NBCUniversal, Fanatics, Toyota, Pepsi and Alo to deliver industry-leading, innovative multi-platform content. At Sawhorse, we believe in fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and relentless excellence while shaping the future of digital storytelling.
Our releases include: [Roblox, Fortnite, Rec Room, ZEPETO]
  • Roblox: How To Train Your Dragon
  • Roblox: Wicked RP
  • Roblox: Walmart Discovered - 2024 ADDY Winner
  • Roblox: Fenty - 2024 Webby winner
  • Roblox: Alo Sanctuary
  • Roblox: Beetlejuice Escape the Afterlife
  • Roblox: Lamborghini Lanzador Lab - 2024 Telly Winner
  • Roblox: Elton John's 'Beyond The Yellow Brick Road'
  • Roblox: Olivia Rodrigo
  • Roblox: Fashion Klossette
  • Gen AI applet: Coca - Cola Cappy
  • And numerous digital fashion releases on UGC Gaming platforms - Sawhorse Productions

We're looking for a versatile, self-sufficient, and highly capable 3D Artist (Generalist) who can model across a wide range of subject matter, from characters and vehicles to props and full environments, for platform-leading UGC games and branded experiences. This freelance role is built for a well-rounded modeler who moves fluidly between realistic and stylized work, thrives on variety, and can carry an asset from concept through to final in-engine delivery. We need a confident self-starter, ready to hit the ground running and keep things moving at pace.
This is an hourly freelance position, with expected availability during PST core hours M-F 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
Requirements
  • Versatile 3D Modeling: Model a broad range of assets, from characters and vehicles to props and full environments, across both realistic and stylized art directions.
  • End-to-End Asset Creation: Take models from concept and blockout through to final, game-ready delivery, with clean topology, UVs, and textures optimized for Roblox.
  • Optimization: Ensure all assets are performance-friendly and optimized for streaming and gameplay efficiency across a range of devices.
  • Self-Sufficient Delivery: Own your workload and deliver quality assets at a strong pace with minimal oversight, keeping projects moving without hand-holding.
  • Creative Collaboration: Work closely with Art Directors, Technical Artists, and Game Designers to maintain consistency in style, tone, and quality across a project.
  • Client-Facing Communication: Engage with clients and stakeholders to interpret briefs and incorporate feedback directly into your work.
  • Feedback & Iteration: Participate in reviews, contribute to brainstorming sessions, and iterate quickly based on team and client feedback.
  • Trend Awareness: Stay ahead of modeling techniques, tools, and styles across UGC gaming to keep Sawhorse's output fresh and competitive.

Qualifications
A strong candidate for this position should have the following qualities:
  • Experience: 3+ years in 3D modeling for games, interactive media, or real-time production environments.
  • Versatile Portfolio: A strong portfolio showing both realistic and stylized work, covering at least two of the following: characters, vehicles, or environments.
  • Roblox Studio Expertise: Proficient with Roblox Studio and building workflows. Familiarity with optimization techniques (StreamingEnabled, low-poly design, etc.).
  • 3D Software Proficiency: Skilled in tools like Blender, Maya, or equivalent software, and able to export FBX files compatible with Roblox.
  • Technical Understanding: Solid grasp of topology, UVs, lighting, composition, and layout, with the ability to troubleshoot integration and performance issues.
  • Gameplay Mindset: Understands how visual design impacts player experience and gameplay flow.
  • Self-Direction: Able to manage your own workload, prioritize effectively, and deliver quality work at a strong pace with minimal supervision.
  • Communication: Strong verbal and written communicator, comfortable with presenting in meetings and collaborating in cross-functional teams.

Nice To Have's
  • Experience with Substance Painter or Designer for texture work
  • Familiarity with lighting techniques for cinematic environments
  • Knowledge of avatar rigging or custom character controllers in Roblox
  • Prior experience creating plugins or custom tools for Roblox development
  • Understanding of additional engines like Unity or Unreal

Benefits
$30 - $45 per hour
EEO Statement
Sawhorse Productions is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employees and applicants are evaluated on the basis of their qualifications, consistent with applicable state and federal laws. In addition, Sawhorse Productions will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Sawhorse Productions will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and federal law.