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Character Artist Jobs in Bothell, WA (NOW HIRING)

Senior VFX Artist _____ We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success ...

VFX Artist

Bellevue, WA · On-site +1

The Opportunity KOMODO is seeking a VFX Artist to define the visual identity of Nanos, the codename for a competitive PvP game built in Unreal Engine. You will create high-quality, stylized real-time ...

The Opportunity KOMODO is seeking a VFX Artist to define the visual identity of Nanos, the codename for a competitive PvP game built in Unreal Engine. You will create high-quality, stylized real-time ...

Staff Environment Artist

Seattle, WA · Remote

$150K - $170K/yr

Staff Environment Artist Stone Kite is a world building studio that thoughtfully develops heroic universes across games, film, TV, comics, audio, and more. Built by veterans from game and ...

Staff Environment Artist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Staff Environment Artist Stone Kite is a world building studio that thoughtfully develops heroic universes across games, film, TV, comics, audio, and more. Built by veterans from game and ...

GENERAL SUMMARY & SCOPE The Specialty Artist - MAC is responsible for maximizing sales in the MAC brand (including color cosmetics, skincare, and fragrance) by engaging guests to determine their ...

Technical Artist - Remote or On Site

Redmond, WA · On-site +1

$142K - $170K/yr

Technical Artist We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success, we've ...

Production Artist 4

Redmond, WA · On-site

$50 - $52/hr

Are you a visionary 3D & Concept Artist with a passion for social-first content? This is an extraordinary opportunity to join a central creative team where you will be instrumental in transforming ...

Graphic Design Artist

Tukwila, WA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

This intermediate-level role builds upon core Production Artist skills while taking on creative design responsibilities. The ideal candidate is highly organized, able to manage multiple projects ...

Graphic Design Artist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$144K - $173K/yr

This intermediate-level role builds upon core Production Artist skills while taking on creative design responsibilities. The ideal candidate is highly organized, able to manage multiple projects ...

Showing results 21-40

Character Artist information

See Bothell, WA salary details

$116.8K

$134.7K

$143.6K

How much do character artist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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.

Do you need a degree to be a character artist?

A degree is not strictly required to become a character artist, but many employers prefer candidates with a background in art, design, or related fields. Strong skills in digital sculpting, modeling software, and a compelling portfolio are often more important than formal education for this role.

What is the difference between Character Artist vs 3D Modeler?

AspectCharacter Artist3D Modeler
Required SkillsConcept art, anatomy, texturing, riggingModeling, topology, UV mapping
Work EnvironmentGame studios, animation, filmGame studios, VFX, product design
Common Industry UsageCreating detailed characters for games/filmsModeling various objects, including characters

While both roles involve 3D modeling, a Character Artist specializes in designing and creating detailed character models, focusing on anatomy, textures, and character-specific features. A 3D Modeler has a broader scope, modeling a variety of objects, including characters, environments, and props. The Character Artist often works closely with concept artists and animators to bring characters to life, whereas the 3D Modeler may work across multiple asset types. Both roles require strong modeling skills, but the Character Artist emphasizes character-specific artistry and detail.

How does a character artist typically collaborate with other departments during a game development project?

Character Artists work closely with concept artists, animators, and riggers to bring characters to life in a game. They often start by interpreting concept art, then create 3D models and textures, ensuring their designs align with the game's visual style. Regular feedback sessions with the art director and technical artists help ensure that character assets are optimized for performance and meet project requirements. Effective communication and flexibility are key, as Character Artists often need to make adjustments based on input from other teams.

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

To thrive as a Character Artist, you need strong artistic fundamentals in anatomy, form, and color, often backed by a degree in art, design, or a related field. Expertise in industry-standard 3D modeling and sculpting software like ZBrush, Maya, and Substance Painter, along with familiarity with game engines, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are the standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing visually compelling, technically sound characters that enhance the overall quality of games or animation projects.

What is a character artist?

A character artist is part of the team that designs animated characters, primarily in the video game industry. As a character artist, you work closely with the art director and the lead character artist. Your job duties are to create 2D illustrations and 3D models based on sketches you receive from the concept artist. As you create each iteration of a character, you present your designs to the rest of the team for feedback, then make tweaks and improvements. Finally, you enhance the 3D computer model with definition, weight, color, shading, and texture. These duties may be divided up between different artists, as 3D and 2D animation require very different skills.

How much do character artists make?

Character artists typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level artists may start lower, while experienced professionals working in gaming or film can earn higher salaries, especially with proficiency in tools like ZBrush or Maya.

What is a character artist?

A Character Artist is a professional who specializes in designing, modeling, and texturing characters for video games, movies, animations, and other digital media. They work closely with concept artists and animators to bring creative visions to life, ensuring that characters are visually appealing and suitable for production needs. Character Artists typically use 3D modeling software, sculpting tools, and digital painting programs to create detailed and expressive characters.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Character Artist job openings in Bothell, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% 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.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Studio Wildcard - Seattle, WA

Open role:

Senior VFX Artist

____________________________________________________________________________________

We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success, we've been able to stay independent, so that we can steer our own future in games and beyond. There's never been a better time for you to join this adventure and help us build ARK Survival Ascended, the next chapter of our original hit franchise! We're expanding and updating many of the ARK community's most beloved features, while taking full advantage of the latest tools and technologies. And now we're searching for an exceptionally talented and passionate Senior VFX Artist who can create high-impact work for the expanding ARK franchise.

Responsibilities:

  • Independently create and implement high quality, performant, and visually compelling VFX Assets/Tools/Systems for games- including real time particle systems, textures & texture atlases, shaders/materials, and scripting/Blueprints as needed
  • Work closely with designers, engineers and related artists to design, implement, and troubleshoot VFX
  • Be a self starter who meets deadlines and actively collaborates with team on VFX goals, prioritization, and scheduling
  • Seek out, troubleshoot, and fix performance issues
  • Maintain a meticulous, organized approach to creating, documenting, and sharing VFX for the team
  • Have a great attitude and be a positive force at the studio- flexible and adaptive to the needs of the team

Requirements:

  • Portfolio of work demonstrating proficiency in creating and implementing real-time VFX using Niagara in Unreal Engine
  • Proficiency in creating VFX Assets using advanced techniques like fluids/pyro/etc in a software package like Houdini/Embergen/Maya/Max/Blender/etc
  • Deep knowledge of vector math, real time lighting, post FX, shaders, and real time performance issues
  • Proficiency with Unreal Engine Blueprint for implementing VFX and creation of VFX Systems and Tools
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Digital Art, related field or equivalent work experience
  • 5+ years of experience working in game development or related field
  • At least 2 or 3 shipped AAA game as a VFX or Technical Artist

Pluses:

  • HLSL or equivalent shader writing language
  • Houdini Knowledge
  • Scripting (Python, Vex, Mel, etc.)

Required Application Materials:

  • Resume
  • Demo reel with breakdown/explanation of what you did

About Studio Wildcard

Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Wildcard's core team continues to grow, with offices in Redmond, WA and Gainesville, FL including distributed team members across multiple continents.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Wildcard is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws, regulations or ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.

Pay Transparency Information
The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position vary based on a variety of factors, which include: (but aren't limited to) skills, competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Each pay range is only relevant to those residing in WA state and can vary based on geographical location.


Wildcard Benefits

We pay 100% of all premiums for the employee and discounted rates for dependent premiums. Our coverage includes Medical (3 different plans to choose from), Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) option, 100% covered Parental Leave, PTO, Paid Holidays, Unlimited Sick Time, and FSA/ HSA options