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Character Creature Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$67K - $85K/yr

A certificate or degree in Computer Graphics, Animation, Fine Arts, Design or Photography or a ... A reel demonstrating character or creature effects, rigging, and technical abilities is required ...

... character and creature acting in cinematic cutscenes. The ideal candidate will work with a cinematic layout artist to create compelling performances through both hand-key animation and motion capture ...

... character and creature acting in cinematic cutscenes. The ideal candidate will work with a cinematic layout artist to create compelling performances through both hand-key animation and motion capture ...

Principal Gameplay Animator

Santa Monica, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Strong problem-solving abilities with a balance of artistic vision and technical execution. * Self ... Experience with creature animation and complex character rigs. * Deep knowledge of traversal and ...

Principal Gameplay Animator

Santa Monica, CA ยท On-site +1

$150K - $175K/yr

Strong problem-solving abilities with a balance of artistic vision and technical execution. * Self ... Experience with creature animation and complex character rigs. * Deep knowledge of traversal and ...

The Technical Animator / Rigger will design, build, and maintain character and creature rigs for ... Ability to collaborate effectively with artists, technical staff, and production, with clear ...

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Showing results 1-20

Character Creature Artist information

See salary details

$104.5K

$120.5K

$128.5K

How much do character creature artist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for character creature artist in the United States is $120,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,000.00 and $127,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a character creature artist?

Character Creature Artists are specialized digital artists who design, sculpt, and texture lifelike or fantastical characters and creatures for video games, movies, television, and other entertainment media. They use advanced 3D modeling software to create detailed models, often working closely with concept artists, animators, and directors to ensure the creatures fit the project's vision. Their work involves a deep understanding of anatomy, form, and movement, enabling them to create believable and expressive characters that enhance storytelling.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a character creature artist?

To thrive as a Character Creature Artist, you need strong artistic skills in anatomy, sculpting, and texturing, often supported by a degree in art, animation, or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard software such as ZBrush, Maya, Substance Painter, and Photoshop is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and collaboration are vital soft skills that help artists bring imaginative creatures to life while working smoothly with production teams. These skills ensure the creation of visually compelling, believable characters that meet project goals and production timelines.

What challenges do character creature artists face when developing assets for games or films?

Character Creature Artists often encounter challenges such as balancing artistic creativity with technical limitations, like polygon budgets or rigging constraints. They must ensure that their designs are both visually compelling and optimized for animation and real-time rendering. Collaboration with animators, riggers, and concept artists is crucial to address feedback and maintain consistency with the project's visual style. Staying up-to-date with evolving software and industry trends is also important for ongoing success in the role.

What is the difference between Character Creature Artist vs Character Modeler?

AspectCharacter Creature ArtistCharacter Modeler
Primary FocusDesigning and conceptualizing creatures and characters, including anatomy, textures, and visual styleCreating detailed 3D models based on designs, focusing on mesh construction and topology
Skills & ToolsConcept art, anatomy, creature design, Photoshop, ZBrush3D modeling software like Maya, Blender, ZBrush, topology optimization
Work EnvironmentGame studios, film, animation, VFXGame development, film, animation, VFX

While both roles involve character creation, the Character Creature Artist emphasizes designing and conceptualizing creatures, whereas the Character Modeler focuses on building detailed 3D models from those designs. Both roles often collaborate closely in the production pipeline.

More about Character Creature Artist jobs

What are popular job titles related to Character Creature Artist jobs?

For Character Creature Artist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Character Creature Artist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 91% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,531 per year, or $57.9 per hour.

Senior - Concept Artist (Contract)

Irvine, CA โ€ข On-site

Obsidian Entertainment
PC Gamesย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

$60 - $64/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Obsidian Entertainment seeks a passionate and skilled Contract Senior Concept Artist to join our team of game developers.

The Concept Artist will collaborate witha team of like-minded and talentedcreativestoconceive ofinspiredcharacters, environments, props,and othergameplay elementsfor an unannounced project.

The contract duration is expected for 6 months, with potential for extension.

Responsibilities

Create inspired and exciting concepts of characters, environments, props, and events based on input from Art and Design leadership

Provide visual inspiration for the art team through reference gathering and concept work

Develop clear and well thought-through designs for asset artists to build upon

Actively participate in technical and aesthetic problem-solving discussions

Collaborate with outsourcing teams and provide artistic feedback to enhance their work

Requirements

6+ years of game development experience

Strongorganizationand communication skills

Demonstrated skillsusingPhotoshopas a concept artist

Strong foundational art skills and knowledge including,design,architecture,human and animal anatomy,composition,perspective, color theory,and lighting

Receptive to art direction and critiques from project leadership and team members

Pluses

Experience with any 3DDCC toolslikeMaya, 3dsMax, Blender, SketchUp, etc.

Background in Architecture, Photography or Cinematography, or Digital / Traditional Painting

A web portfolio that demonstratesskill inenvironment, character, creature, vehicle, weapon, andprop conceptdevelopment

User Interface concepts

Graphic icons

Graphic design examples

Obsidian Entertainment is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
The estimated base pay range for this role is:

  • $60/hr. - $64/hr.
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