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Character Effects Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Expression of Interest - Character Artist

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $136K/yr

AGBO is seeking a talented Character Artist to join our Visual Effects (VFX) team. The Character Artist will be responsible for creating highly realistic and expressive character models that push the ...

Skydance Animation is seeking an experienced Visual Development Artist to join our team on an ... and character. You will generate a wide range of visual development materials, including ...

Skydance Animation is seeking an experienced Visual Development Artist to join our team on an ... and character. You will generate a wide range of visual development materials, including ...

We highly value senior-level artistic fundamentals and technical problem-solving above specific ... effects, character abilities, destruction, and cinematic sequences. * Take ownership of complex VFX ...

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Character Effects Artist information

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$104.5K

$120.5K

$128.5K

How much do character effects artist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for character effects 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 are Character Effects Artists?

Character Effects Artists are professionals in the animation, film, or video game industries who create dynamic simulations and visual effects for characters. They are responsible for designing and implementing effects such as hair, fur, cloth, and other elements that interact dynamically with the movement of characters. Their work helps add realism, depth, and believability to animated or digital characters, often working closely with animators and technical directors. Character Effects Artists use specialized software and tools to simulate physical properties and ensure that effects look natural and integrate seamlessly with the character's performance.

How does a Character Effects Artist typically collaborate with animators and other departments during a production?

Character Effects Artists work closely with animators, rigging teams, and simulation artists to create realistic movements for elements like hair, clothing, and fur. They usually participate in regular team meetings to review animation sequences, discuss technical constraints, and ensure their effects integrate seamlessly with character performances. Communication and feedback loops are essential, as Character Effects Artists must adapt their simulations based on animation changes and feedback from supervisors. This collaborative environment helps maintain visual consistency and supports the overall storytelling goals of the production.

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

AspectCharacter Effects ArtistCharacter Modeler
Primary FocusCreating visual effects like hair, clothing, and environmental effects on charactersModeling and sculpting the 3D character models
Skills & ToolsParticle systems, simulation software, FX tools, knowledge of anatomy3D modeling software, sculpting tools, topology, UV mapping
Work EnvironmentVFX departments, animation studios, game development teamsModeling departments, character design teams, animation studios

While both roles work closely in character creation, the Character Effects Artist specializes in adding dynamic visual effects to characters, whereas the Character Modeler focuses on building the detailed 3D models. Both roles require a strong understanding of anatomy and 3D software, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Character Effects Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Character Effects Artist, you need a strong background in computer graphics, animation principles, and a relevant degree in visual effects or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Houdini, Maya, and simulation tools, along with a solid understanding of scripting languages like Python, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are essential soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing realistic, visually compelling character effects that enhance storytelling in film, television, or games.
More about Character Effects Artist jobs
What cities are hiring for Character Effects Artist jobs? Cities with the most Character Effects Artist job openings:
What states have the most Character Effects Artist jobs? States with the most job openings for Character Effects Artist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Character Effects Artist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 90% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,531 per year, or $57.9 per hour.

DreamWorks Feature - Character Effects Artist

NBCUniversal

Glendale, CA โ€ข On-site

$128K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Company Description

DreamWorks Animation is looking for more adventurous dreamers who shoot for the moon. We tell stories about the journeys our unconventional heroes take to make dreams come true. As a growth-minded studio, we pride ourselves on being one of the world's leading producers of high-quality, award-winning, animated films and series, reaching consumers around the globe. We push to feel more, laugh more, and build immersive new worlds.

DreamWorks creates a diverse array of original content in a variety of formats, delivering compelling stories with unique characters. We place tremendous value on the experiences our talent brings to the table from their own non-traditional paths to success. We believe in frequent communication and that transparency and trust yield the best work. We are a community of artists, technologists, innovators, and creators, who are passionate about animation and also happen to love eating lunch together.ย 

The Character Effects department and CFX Artists at DreamWorks Animation are responsible for both the set up and shot simulation of cloth, fur, hair, foliage, feathers, props, and other simulations as necessary on various projects.

If you are part of the fandom and believe teamwork makes the dream work, join us in #livingthedream and #doingyourdreamwork!

Job Description

"What would you say you do here?"

  • Designs and crafts character effects such as cloth and fur simulations.
  • Develops generalized tools, used in Character FX, to help improve the pipeline.
  • Creates cloth and hair simulations, prop animation and animation cleanup for shot work in production.
  • Creatively solve problems and achieve art direction for a shot.
  • Troubleshoot and solve problems independently.
  • Demonstrate artistic vision and appropriately expand upon the art direction given.
  • Technical Animation for shots in production.
  • Cloth and Fur simulations.
  • Deformations, procedural modeling and animation.
Qualifications

"What do I need to have in order to do this job?"

  • Excellent eye for motion and solid understanding of animation principles.
  • Solid understanding of software such as Maya and Houdini.
  • Scripting proficiency in Mel and Python.
  • Good problem-solving abilities.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Ability to handle and resolve recurring problems.
  • Ability to prioritize, work independently or within a group, and proceed with objectives without supervision.
  • Interested candidate must submit a resume/CV through www.nbcunicareers.com to be considered
  • Upon request provide a reel/portfolio of work examples -- if available, include a web address when you submit your resume.

"What can I offer?"

  • Exposure to rigging tools and surface modeling techniques preferred.
  • Dynamic simulation background preferred.
  • Production experience preferred.

This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of four days per week.

Salary range: $89,752 - $130,000

Additional Information

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, or arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [emailย protected].