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Character Artist Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

2K

3D Character Artist

San Rafael, CA

$38 - $56/hr

We are looking for an exceptionally skilled 3D Character Artist (Temporary) to join the team that ... or intern roles will not be eligible for many of these payments or benefits. Details of ...

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How much do character artist intern jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for character artist intern in the United States is $13.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $14.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Character Artist Intern, you need a solid understanding of anatomy, digital sculpting, and 3D modeling, often supported by coursework or a portfolio demonstrating your artistic abilities. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Maya, ZBrush, and Photoshop, as well as version control systems like Perforce, is typically expected. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to accept feedback are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure you can create high-quality character assets, collaborate effectively with teams, and grow quickly in a professional art environment.

What types of projects and team collaborations can a Character Artist Intern expect during their internship?

As a Character Artist Intern, you can expect to work closely with senior artists, animators, and game designers on creating and refining character models, textures, and sometimes basic rigging for projects in development. Interns often contribute to both concept art and 3D modeling, participating in feedback sessions and team meetings to ensure their work aligns with the project's artistic direction. It's common to receive mentorship and constructive feedback, helping you develop your skills while experiencing the collaborative workflow typical of professional game or animation studios. This role provides exposure to industry-standard tools and pipelines, offering valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities within the team.

What does a Character Artist Intern do?

A Character Artist Intern assists in the creation and development of 3D or 2D characters for video games, films, animation, or other media projects. Their responsibilities often include modeling, texturing, and sometimes rigging characters according to the art direction and technical requirements of the project. Interns typically work under the supervision of senior character artists and collaborate with other team members such as animators and designers. This role is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build a portfolio, and learn industry-standard tools and workflows.

What is the difference between Character Artist Intern vs Character Modeler?

AspectCharacter Artist InternCharacter Modeler
Required CredentialsPortfolio, basic 3D skills, relevant courseworkAdvanced 3D modeling skills, portfolio, sometimes degree
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, collaborative teams, entry-level tasksProfessional studio, focused on modeling, production environment
Employer & Industry UsageGame studios, animation companies, often as entry-levelGame, film, or animation studios, specialized in character modeling
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding internship roles, entry-level opportunitiesSpecialized modeling skills, career progression

The main difference between a Character Artist Intern and a Character Modeler lies in experience and scope. Interns are typically students or entry-level candidates gaining industry exposure, while Character Modelers are experienced professionals focused on creating detailed character models. Internships serve as stepping stones, whereas Character Modelers are responsible for producing high-quality assets in professional projects.

More about Character Artist Intern jobs
What cities are hiring for Character Artist Intern jobs? Cities with the most Character Artist Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Character Artist jobs? The most popular types of Character Artist jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Character Artist Intern jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Character Artist Intern jobs are:
Character Artist Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Artist Intern job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $27,073 per year, or $13 per hour.
3D Character Artist

3D Character Artist

2K

San Rafael, CA

$38 - $56/hr

Full-time, Temporary

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

We are looking for an exceptionally skilled 3D Character Artist (Temporary) to join the team that specializes in 3D scanning and performance capture for our video games. The ideal candidate has strong foundational art skills, as well as experience with rigging pipelines and tools, someone who is driven by curiosity and inspired to chase the next breakthrough. We are at the crossroads of amazing advances in character art creation and photogrammetry technology, and we need someone who wants to build the next generation of 2K's characters.

This is a temporary position (12 month term), and is required to work onsite in San Rafael, California.

What You'll Do

  • Sculpt high-resolution characters from photogrammetry data
  • Create clean game retopology, UVs and textures
  • Collaborate with outsourcing partners as necessary
  • Build expertise with in house tools and follow best practices for character rigs and hair grooming, working with internal teams to implement high quality finished character assets
  • Interpret photographic reference and scan data to create convincing real-time 3D hair
  • Assist the lead artist with the adaptation of new technology, tools, and workflows with a forward-looking goal of delivering industry-leading animation
  • Assist the lead artist with QC-ing the character build process, identifying and fixing issues with model, texture, topology, rigging, animation, and rendering
  • Produce animation ROM playblast movies for client asset review

What Will Make You A Great Fit

  • 3+ years of experience with Maya
  • Experience with organic modeling
  • Ability to self-manage and meet deadlines while setting a professional and collaborative tone
  • Excellent communication skills, coordinating and working with multiple departments to achieve set goals
  • Willingness to accept direction and redo/reiterate work until it is right
  • Active, passionate enthusiasm for AAA video games, and the technology that pushes character art to the next level
  • Portfolio/website demonstrating art skills

Bonus Points

  • Understanding of facial anatomy and facial rigging for video games
  • Knowledge of the Facial Action Coding System
  • Experience with Wrap3D
  • Been involved in a shipped title (AAA preferred)

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform their essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $38/hr and $56/hr. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for employees in regular roles may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, provided that temporary or intern roles will not be eligible for many of these payments or benefits. Details of participation in compensation and benefit plans (if applicable) will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an ~at-will position~ and the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

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