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Animation Environment Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

2K

Principal Concept Artist (Environments)

Novato, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

As a Principal Environment Concept Artist at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development ... Fluent with 3D modeling and animation packages such as Maya, 3ds Max, etc Who You Are: * A reliable ...

2K

Principal Concept Artist (Environments)

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

As a Principal Environment Concept Artist at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development ... Fluent with 3D modeling and animation packages such as Maya, 3ds Max, etc Who You Are: * A reliable ...

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Animation Environment Artist information

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$5

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How much do animation environment artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation environment artist in the United States is $29.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.76 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Animation Environment Artists?

Animation Environment Artists are professionals who design and create the surrounding settings and backgrounds in animated movies, TV shows, or video games. They use digital tools to build realistic or stylized environments that help tell the story and immerse the audience in the animated world. Their work involves collaborating with other artists, directors, and animators to ensure the environments fit the artistic vision and technical requirements of the project.

How much does a 3D environment artist make?

A 3D environment artist's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level artists may earn less, while experienced professionals working on high-profile projects or with specialized skills can earn higher salaries.

What do environment artists do?

Environment artists create the visual backgrounds and settings for animations, video games, or films by designing and building 3D models, textures, and environments using tools like Maya, Blender, or Unreal Engine. They focus on creating immersive worlds that support the story and gameplay, often collaborating with concept artists and technical teams. Strong artistic skills, knowledge of modeling, texturing, and lighting are essential for this role.

How to get hired as an environment artist?

To get hired as an environment artist, develop a strong portfolio showcasing 3D environment work using tools like Maya, Blender, or Unreal Engine. Gain experience through internships, freelance projects, or personal work, and demonstrate knowledge of lighting, composition, and texturing. A relevant degree or certification in art, design, or related fields can also improve your chances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animation Environment Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animation Environment Artist, you need expertise in 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, and a solid understanding of environmental design principles, often supported by a degree in art, animation, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, Substance Painter, and game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity is typically expected. Strong artistic vision, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with other artists and teams are vital soft skills. These abilities are crucial for creating immersive, visually compelling environments that enhance storytelling and overall production quality.

What is the salary of 3D environment artist per month?

A 3D environment artist's monthly salary typically ranges from $2,500 to $5,000, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level artists may earn less, while experienced professionals working on high-end projects or in competitive markets can earn higher salaries. Skills in software like Maya, Blender, or Unreal Engine can also influence compensation.

What is the difference between Animation Environment Artist vs Environment Artist?

AspectAnimation Environment ArtistEnvironment Artist
Primary FocusCreating animated backgrounds and environments for scenesDesigning static or dynamic environments for games or films
Skills & ToolsAnimation, 3D modeling, texturing, animation softwareModeling, texturing, environment design, landscape creation
Work EnvironmentVFX studios, game development, animation studiosGame studios, film production, architectural visualization

Animation Environment Artists focus on creating animated backgrounds and scenes, often requiring animation skills. Environment Artists design detailed static or dynamic environments without necessarily animating them. Both roles work in similar industries but differ in their core responsibilities and skill sets, with Animation Environment Artists emphasizing animation techniques and Environment Artists concentrating on environment design and modeling.

What are some common challenges Animation Environment Artists face when working on large-scale projects?

Animation Environment Artists often encounter challenges with maintaining consistency and quality across vast, complex environments, especially when multiple team members contribute assets. Balancing creative vision with technical constraints, such as polygon budgets and optimization for rendering, is also a frequent hurdle. Close collaboration with concept artists, modelers, and technical directors is essential to ensure the environments not only look visually compelling but also function seamlessly within the animation pipeline. Being adaptable and having strong communication skills help overcome these challenges and contribute to successful project outcomes.
CONTRACT - Environment Artist III (NST)

CONTRACT - Environment Artist III (NST)

Nintendo

Redmond, WA • On-site, Remote

Other

Posted 21 days ago

Nintendo rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 188 rated software companies

Job description

Nintendo Software Technology Corporation
 
Nintendo Software Technology Corporation, based in Redmond, Washington , is a wholly owned subsidiary of the world's largest manufacturer and marketer of video games, Nintendo Co., Ltd., headquartered in Kyoto, Japan.  Nintendo Software Technology's mission is to design, develop and deliver the very best video games. We conduct research, use state-of-the-art equipment and review methods of operation so that we may continually improve the quality of the games that we produce. Each person employed at Nintendo Software Technology Corporation is a valued team member and is encouraged to participate in our efforts to create the highest quality games. 

Nintendo is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. We do all of this with kindness, empathy and respect for each other.

Nintendo Software Technology is a tight-knit game development studio located in Redmond, WA. As part of the Nintendo family, we're passionate about creating games designed to surprise and delight our customers. We're always on the lookout for exceptional artist to help support our Art Department.

As an Environment Artist, you will have proven Zbrush and Substance Designer experience and a deep passion for stylized model and texture authoring for hard surface and organic subjects. If this sounds like you then we'd love to see your portfolio!

SUMMARY: 

   An experienced contributor that participates and assists in creations of visual assets for digital entertainment products.
   Implement defined subset of visual asset tasks of assigned team or project

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

   Works directly with art leadership to help visualize and develop visual targets.
   Takes ownership of a specialized artistic area of a product's development.
   Creates visual assets for game development products that meet required direction and quality specifications.
   Creates illustrations, models, textures, environments, objects and animations for 3D and 2D visual assets.
   Supports the growth of new or enhanced art development tools and techniques.
   Utilizes and maintains proficient knowledge of required commercial and Nintendo proprietary art production tools.
   Implements game play features aligned to game design goals.
   Applies professional expertise to review, analyze and test products under development as a contributing member of a production team to ensure delivery of Nintendo's high standard of quality and timeliness.

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS

   Minimum of 5 or more years of professional experience having shipped at least 1 game.
   Proven artistic and technical skills in basic 3D and or 2D art production.
   Experienced with game development pipelines and game engines (E.g. Unreal, Unity or a proprietary engine)
   Proven proficiency with commercial art production software (E.g. Photoshop, Maya, Zbrush, Substance Painter, etc).
   Capable of excellent organizational and communication skills.
   Can respond to feedback and iterations quickly and efficiently. 
   Undergraduate degree in art or related field; or equivalent education and experience.

This position is hybrid in Redmond, WA. Hybrid positions require regular onsite work following the schedule and guidelines for their division. This position is not open to fully remote status at this time. 

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