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Character Artist Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

A Bachelor's of Arts or Science degree with two years' related experience, or * A Master's degree ... Character and Courage (Integrity and Trust) - * Do the right thing, because it is the right thing ...

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Character Artist information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$103.1K

$118.9K

$126.8K

How much do character artist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for character artist in Rochester, NY is $118,924.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,400.00 and $125,300.00 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.

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 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,924 per year, or $57.2 per hour.

ELA High School Teacher - Vertus High School

EDceptional

Rochester, NY • On-site

$55K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Teach classes in the assigned certification area and develop curriculum to prepare students for NYS Regents exams

  • Support student learning in a learning lab by engaging students with computer-supported instruction, monitoring progress, and assessing student learning

  • Collaborate with Preceptors and special education staff to ensure educational outcomes and provide appropriate services to students with special needs


Job description

Vertus High School is an all-boys public charter school in Rochester, NY. Vertus is an innovative school that offers a unique blended learning program. The Vertus Mission is to prepare leaders of character. Our staff and students accomplish this through the guiding Four Pillars:

  • Strong Relationships
  • Personalized Year-Round Academics
  • Character Education
  • Career Preparation

The Vertus staff is a creative, entrepreneurial, hard-working team.  Vertus is looking for proven professionals willing to do what it takes to transform the lives of young men we serve, are accountable for results, embrace innovation and technology, are on fire for social justice, and want to be part of a great team.

Job Description
Vertus teachers believe in doing whatever it takes to meet the needs of their students. They are passionate about providing and developing the resources for all our students to succeed, including both general and special education students. Vertus staff members work with students in traditional classroom settings and in “learning labs” where students engage in online learning as part of the unique blended learning program that Vertus offers. In the classroom, teachers serve as facilitators, lecturers, and classroom managers, while also being responsible for creating lessons, following their posted agenda, grading and monitoring student academic growth, and preparing students for upcoming ELA Regents exams. As part of our unique blended learning model, in the learning lab, teachers split the role of facilitator and manager with other staff by teaching students how to become independent learners and through monitoring using data from the online platform, Edgenuity. Staff will monitor and ensure that students attend school, progress, achieve academic success, and develop as men of character. Building relationships with students, parents, and fellow staff members is crucial to success. Our staff provides academic support and social and emotional support to accomplish the Vertus Mission of preparing leaders of character.

Responsibilities:

  • Teach classes in certification area as assigned
  • Develop and update curriculum to meet the needs of students and prepare them for NYS Regents exams
  • Support learning in a learning lab of approximately 16-40 students, ensuring that students are actively engaged with their computer-supported instruction
  • Work closely and in tandem with Preceptors who lead the learning teams of students to ensure educational outcomes
  • Develop and lead small group and individual instruction
  • Collaborate with SPED teacher(s) to provide appropriate services to students with special needs
  • Implement systems and processes for monitoring student progress
  • Continuously evaluate the blended-learning model, curricula and tools and drive continuous improvement
  • Assess student learning daily and provide reports to Preceptors and others regarding student successes and challenges
  • Communicate regularly with the families of students
  • Integrate character education and school values into every aspect of instruction
  •  Contribute to the professional community and embody school culture

Qualifications:

  • Commitment to Vertus: mission, values, blended learning program, culture and goals
  • Keen understanding of the New York State Standards and other relevant learning standards
  • Systems thinker with strong data and analytical skills, including presenting data in clear, user-friendly formats
  • Demonstrated experience integrating digital resources into teaching and learning
  • Ability to form strong relationships with students and families
  • Collaborative working style, able to work as part of a tight-knit team
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ambition to go above and beyond the requirements of the job to innovate in education
  • Demonstrated success raising achievement of students
  • Demonstrated record of professionalism

Required Experience:

  • Bachelor’s Degree (required)
  • Master’s Degree (preferred)
  • 1 year of experience (preferred)
  • NYS Teaching Certification (preferred)

School is year-round with regular breaks
Candidates progressing beyond the initial phone interview must be available for an on-site interview as scheduled.

Job Type: Full-time

Starting Salary: $55,000 /year (Certified Teachers)
 
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance