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Character Artist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Ulta Beauty

Specialty Artist - MAC

Arlington, VA · On-site

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 ...

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Character Artist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$108.7K

$125.4K

$133.7K

How much do character artist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for character artist in Reston, VA is $125,395.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,900.00 and $132,100.00 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.
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Infographic showing various Character Artist job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $125,395 per year, or $60.3 per hour.

Specialty Artist - MAC

Ulta Beauty

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Ulta Beauty rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,014 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 24 rated health and beauty retailers

Job description

OVERVIEW
Experience a place of energy, passion, and excitement. A place where the joy of discovery and uncommon artistry blend to create exhilarating buying experiences-for true beauty enthusiasts. At Ulta Beauty, we're transforming the world one shade, one lash, one cut at a time. Because beauty is powerful.
If you seek greater purpose-a place of vision, mission, and lived values-where voices are heard, contributions valued and recognized and growth opportunities abound, consider Ulta Beauty. Nowhere else are the possibilities quite this beautiful.
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 individual needs, assisting guests in the selection and purchase of merchandise, and maintaining overall store standards, including cleanliness and replenishment. They represent the image, products, and culture of Ulta Beauty and the MAC brand to the Ulta Beauty guest and support the Experience Manager (EM) through a focus on performance (service/retail sales and in-store events), people (guest service and associate culture), and process (operating procedures and compliance standards). This position requires professional caliber makeup artistry skills, exceptional guest service, and the aptitude to learn and communicate product knowledge.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (*Essential Job Functions)
The Specialty Artist - MAC is a champion of Ulta Beauty's mission, vision and values, and should demonstrate them skillfully and consistently by performing the following duties and responsibilities of the position (as well as all other projects/duties as assigned):
Performance
  • Meet or exceed MAC brand sales and service goals and contribute to meeting or exceeding the store's goals related to retail and service sales, guest loyalty (including credit), omni-channel, and retail shrink as set by Ulta Beauty.
  • Build and maintain strong customer relationships by interfacing with existing guest base, maintaining active contact with a growing preferred guest list, and following up on guest inquiries.
  • Ensure that each guest receives exceptional service by greeting and engaging every guest, personalizing service to their needs, offering samples, and recommending complementary products and/or services.
  • Conduct personalized, professional caliber makeup demonstrations, applications, and lessons; skincare analyses; and product demonstrations with guests to MAC and Ulta Beauty brand standards.
  • Study and practice the Skill Certification requirements and complete as many skill sets as appropriate, within the specified time frame as set by Ulta Beauty and MAC brand.
  • Remain informed, participate in, and inform guests about promotions and marketing initiatives within the brand and throughout all categories/departments of the Ulta Beauty store.
  • Book appointments for and support the execution of services and in-store events that deliver an unrivaled guest experience while delivering on sales goals for the MAC brand and the store.
  • Take the initiative to stay informed regarding new and existing industry trends, products, and services during work time, and be knowledgeable about the ingredients and benefits of these trends, products, and services to better serve guests.
  • Maintain prompt, regular attendance.

People
  • Contribute to an inclusive environment that supports teammates, peers, and the internal and external guests served.
  • Share the benefits of the guest loyalty program, including credit and the Ulta Beauty app, with guests on the salesfloor.
  • Maintain and update an active clientele portfolio for MAC brand sales.
  • Serve as an Ulta Beauty and MAC brand ambassador with all store associates, brand partners, and guests by sharing product knowledge, makeup application techniques, information on makeup trends, and MAC consciousness programs and philosophies, including the "Back to MAC" program.
  • Maintain strong relationships with MAC brand partners through participation in required trainings and the execution of in-store events and promotions.
  • Regularly participate in ongoing training, including brand and category education, to enable continuous professional development and drive MAC brand sales performance.
  • Collaborate with managers and associates throughout the store to help grow the business.

Process
  • Be knowledgeable of and ensure adherence to Ulta Beauty's policies, procedures, and standards.
  • Adhere to the Ulta Beauty and MAC brand dress code, including wearing brand assets as directed.
  • Drive sales by keeping assigned work area replenished, signed, and faced and ensuring testers are available and maintained in compliance with hygiene standards.
  • Maintain outstanding store and MAC operational standards, including participation in MAC recycling program and maintaining cleanliness of the MAC brand area and any additional assigned area, including the salesfloor, restrooms, cashwrap, backroom, and break area.
  • Participate in completing merchandise resets, planograms, marketing displays, physical inventory procedures, and processing shipment using Ulta Beauty and MAC brand provided technology and best practices.
  • Protect company assets by following loss prevention best practices and providing exceptional guest service.
  • Execute other operational tasks as directed.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
Education
  • High school diploma is preferred
  • Cosmetology or demonstrator license where required by state law

Experience
  • Cosmetics artistry experience preferred

Skills
  • Demonstrates significant competency in sales, products, and service.
  • Ability to build and maintain strong customer relationships
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to positively and proactively handle guest concerns and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills

SPECIAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS
  • Work a flexible schedule to include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • Attend brand sponsored trainings

WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Frequent mobility during shift
  • Frequent standing, bending, reaching, pulling, pushing, and twisting during shift
  • Continuous lifting and/or moving up to 10 lbs. during shift
  • Continuous coordination and manipulation of objects during shift

If an associate has a disability that prevents them from performing an essential function of the job, the Company will engage in the interactive process with the associate to determine whether there is a reasonable accommodation that will enable the associate to perform the essential functions of the job.
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $30.00 / Hour. Exact pay will be based on factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, level, shift, geographic location, and business and organizational needs. Eligible associates may also earn overtime pay as required by applicable law. Full-time positions are eligible for paid time off, health, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits. Part-time positions are eligible for dental, vision, life, and disability benefits. For additional information concerning our benefits, visit our Benefits and Career Development page: https://learn.bswift.com/ulta
ABOUT
At Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ: ULTA), the possibilities are beautiful. Ulta Beauty is the largest North American beauty retailer and the premier beauty destination for cosmetics, fragrance, skin care products, hair care products and salon services. We bring possibilities to life through the power of beauty each and every day in our stores and online with more than 25,000 products from approximately 500 well-established and emerging beauty brands across all categories and price points, including Ulta Beauty's own private label. Ulta Beauty also offers a full-service salon in every store featuring-hair, skin, brow, and make-up services.
We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest records, conviction records, or other criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of any applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York City Fair Chance Act.

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