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Character Artist Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Progressive Gaming

Artist III

Reno, NV · Hybrid

$100K - $120K/yr

Hybrid in Reno, NV What You Will Do As Game Artist, you will create high-quality, production-ready casino art for realistic slot games, shaping visuals that perform in real-money gaming environments.

IGT

Artist III

Reno, NV · Hybrid

$100K - $120K/yr

Hybrid in Reno, NV What You Will Do As Game Artist, you will create high-quality, production-ready casino art for realistic slot games, shaping visuals that perform in real-money gaming environments.

All JobsCharacter Artist JobsCharacter Artist Jobs in Reno, NV

Character Artist information

See Reno, NV salary details

$104.2K

$120.2K

$128.1K

How much do character artist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for character artist in Reno, NV is $120,177.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,600.00 and $126,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

How to work as a character artist?

To work as a character artist, develop strong skills in 3D modeling, sculpting, and texturing using tools like Blender, Maya, or ZBrush. Build a portfolio showcasing your character designs, gain experience through internships or freelance projects, and stay updated on industry trends and software updates. A relevant degree or certification in art, animation, or related fields can also enhance your prospects.
More about Character Artist jobs

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For Character Artist jobs in Reno, NV, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Character Artist jobs in Reno, NV look for?

The top searched job categories for Character Artist jobs in Reno, NV are:

Character Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Artist job openings in Reno, NV as of August 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 $120,177 per year, or $57.8 per hour.

Artist III

Reno, NV • Hybrid

Progressive Gaming
See more jobs at Progressive Gamingexternal

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Hiring location: Reno, NV

 Employment type: Full-time position

 Work setup: Hybrid in Reno, NV

What You Will Do

As Game Artist, you will create high-quality, production-ready casino art for realistic slot games, shaping visuals that perform in real-money gaming environments. You'll apply your expertise in symbol readability, layout, and market-tested styles, directly influencing live products from day one.

  • Work on visual development for slot games, from concept and style exploration to final symbols, logos, UI, and key art.
  • Produce high-quality, production-ready illustrations optimized for web and mobile platforms.
  • Design clear, readable symbols with strong shapes and contrast, tailored for real-money gameplay.
  • Collaborate with Game Design, Math, and Audio teams to ensure visuals enhance features and player engagement.
  • Iterate efficiently based on feedback, market trends, and performance insights to deliver polished results.
What We're Looking For
  • 5-8 years of experience creating illustrations and visual assets for games.
  • Bachelor Degree in relevant field (e.g., Computer Graphics, Animation) and strong knowledge of Adobe Suite. 
  • Game Art expert with hands-on experience on released slot games and a strong portfolio showcasing casino realism (metals, gems, gold, light effects).
  • Mastery of Photoshop and Illustrator, able to elevate visuals while respecting established casino styles.
  • Comfortable working in fast-paced production pipelines, integrating feedback efficiently.

 

Benefits & Culture

  • Competitive salary and benefits.
  • Private health insurance for you and your family.
  • Flexible working hours, including a hybrid work model, along with various initiatives that support wellbeing and work-life balance.
  • Opportunity to learn and continuously improve your skills through collaboration with e-learning platforms.
  • Clear career development path with well-defined growth opportunities.
  • A vibrant and stimulating work environment within Class-A office space.

 

Important Application Note

Please include a link to your portfolio showcasing your relevant work. As the portfolio is an essential part of the evaluation process, we will not be able to proceed with the application without it.

Ready to level up your career? Your first step starts with applying, let's see where it leads.

Let's build games played by millions together!

Keys to Success

 Building collaborative relationships
Decision making
Drive results
Foster innovation
Personal energy
Self-leadership

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IGT is committed to sustaining a workforce that reflects the diversity of the global customers and communities we serve and to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and engaged. IGT is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We thank all applicants for their for applying; however, only those selected to interview will be contacted. 

At IGT, we consider a wide range of factors in determining compensation, including skills, experience, education, and geographic location. These factors may result in variation in starting pay. The estimated starting compensation range for this role is $100,000- $120,000 annually USD, based on a good-faith assessment at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary. IGT complies with all applicable pay transparency and compensation laws and collective bargaining agreements, where applicable. 
Base pay is one component of IGT's total rewards program. Depending on the role, employees may be eligible for bonus or commission opportunities. IGT also offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include a 401(k) savings plan with company contributions, medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and other wellness programs, subject to eligibility requirements. 

IGT is the global leader in gaming. For more information, please visit www.igt.com.

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