1

Character Artist Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Lash Artist

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

... Artists in mind. Each station is set up with all tools and products in reach. Along with our open stations that allow you to easily talk with your fellow LA's Work in Luxury Salary: $22 to $27 per ...

Utilize precise hand tools and rotary instruments to contour, trim, character, and polish full-arch ... Artistic aptitude for detailed and precise work. Education and Experience: High School Diploma, or ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Character Artist information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$108.2K

$124.8K

$133K

How much do character artist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for character artist in Rochester, NY is $124,757.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,200.00 and $131,500.00 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 Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Character Artist jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Character Artist jobs in Rochester, NY? For Character Artist jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Character Artist jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Character Artist jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Character Artist jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Character Artist job openings:
Infographic showing various Character Artist job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,757 per year, or $60 per hour.

$50K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 9 days ago


Greece Central School District rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

192nd of 628 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Position Type:
Administrative - Classified/Graphic Artist
Date Posted:
8/3/2026
Location:
District Office
Date Available:
10/01/2026
Closing Date:
08/17/2026
The Greece Central School District believes that all students benefit from a culture where diversity, inclusion, and equity with excellence are valued. Greece Central School District welcomes stakeholders who can collaborate with other staff to ensure that our policies, regulations, practices, programs and services promote equity, inclusion, and diversity.
Salary: $50,000 Minimum
Bargaining Unit (click here for contracts): GUSS Contract
Report Times: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Daily Hours: 8.5 (7.5 Paid)
Work Year: 12 months
Supervisor: Director of Communications
Civil Service Title: Graphic Artist (Non-Competitive)
Minimum Requirements:
Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma, plus EITHER:
(A) Graduation with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications, Advertising Design, Multimedia Design and Development, Graphic and Multimedia Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, New Media, Videography or a closely related field, or a Bachelor's in Fine Arts, plus one (1) year
paid full-time or its part-time equivalent experience in desktop publishing and graphic design, or videography; OR,
(B) Graduation with an Associate's degree in one of the fields mentioned in (A) above, plus three (3) years paid full-time or its part-time equivalent experience in desktop publishing and graphic design, or videography; OR,
(C) Five (5) years paid full-time or its part-time equivalent experience in desktop publishing and graphic design, or videography; OR,
(D) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of (A), (B), and (C) above.
NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If your degree was awarded by an educational institution
outside the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found on the Internet at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. You must pay the required evaluation fee.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: If you are appointed, you will be required to possess a valid license to operate a vehicle in New York State or otherwise demonstrate your ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
Desired Qualifications:
Advanced knowledge of graphic design principles, including typography, layout, composition, color theory, visual hierarchy and branding;
Strong visual storytelling abilities with the capacity to communicate complex information clearly and effectively;
Thorough understanding of print production processes, file preparation, color management and commercial printing requirements;
Experience working within established brand standards and style guides;
Experience collaborating with external vendors, printers and production partners;
Understanding of accessibility considerations in print and digital communications;
Exceptional organizational and project management skills;
Ability to prioritize work, manage changing deadlines and balance multiple assignments simultaneously;
Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, polished work;
Collaborative mindset with the ability to build positive working relationships across departments;
Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to identify needs and propose creative solutions;
Ability to receive feedback, revise work efficiently and maintain high-quality standards under tight timelines;
Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in a public-school environment;
Knowledge of photography, photo editing and visual asset management;
Also beneficial is familiarity with social media content creation and digital marketing best practices and experience creating and editing short-form video content using software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Final Cut Pro, or comparable platforms.
To be considered for this position, applicants must submit:
A resume and cover letter outlining relevant experience;
A professional portfolio (website link or PDF) containing at least 10 original design samples demonstrating publication design, branding, typography and layout expertise;
Portfolios consisting primarily of template-based work (e.g., Canva templates, AI generated designs do not adequately demonstrate the level of expertise required for this position and will be excluded from consideration.
PLEASE NOTE: Selected candidates will be asked to complete a brief design exercise using district-provided assets as part of the interview process.
Position Summary/Responsibilities:
The District Graphic Designer is responsible for maintaining and advancing the visual identity of the school district through the creation of high-quality print and digital communications. Working closely with the Director of Communications and district leadership, this individual will design and produce a wide variety of publications, marketing materials and visual assets that support district initiatives, programs, events and community engagement efforts.
Key responsibilities include:
Design and produce a broad range of print and digital materials, including flyers, brochures, newsletters, reports, posters, infographics, signage, advertisements and other communication pieces;
Manage the layout and design of complex, multi-page publications such as budget publications, strategic planning documents and districtwide communications;
Maintain, apply and help evolve the district's established brand standards, ensuring consistency across all schools, departments and communication channels;
Prepare accurate, print-ready files and coordinate with commercial printers and vendors as needed'
Collaborate with administrators, principals and department leaders to develop, refine, proof and deliver effective visual communication solutions;
Translate complex information into visually engaging and accessible formats for diverse audiences;
Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining a high level of quality and attention to detail;
Organize and maintain design files, templates, photography and digital asset libraries;
Support district communications efforts through basic video production, video editing, and multimedia storytelling, or demonstrate a willingness to quickly develop these skills;
Participate in creative planning and brainstorming sessions to support district initiatives and events;
Other duties as assigned.
Questions regarding this posting should be directed to:
Name: Laurel Heiden
Title: Director of Communications
Email: laurel.heiden@greececsd.org
All new employees must be fingerprinted and cleared for employment through the NYSED before employment begins.
The Greece Central School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, age, disability, or any other status protected by law.
To find out more about what Greece Central School District has to offer our employees, please click here

What Greece Central School District employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom