1

Contract 3D Rigging Artist Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

This is a project based, fully remote, ongoing contract opportunity that can fluctuate up or down ... the artistic side (photoreal lighting, materials, and composition) is essential. What You'll Do:

Technical Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Lead efforts in building foundational systems for art to establish scenes, animation, rigging, FX ... Must have 3 or more years experience with Maya and modern 3D art pipelines * Proven experience ...

Technical Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$130K - $156K/yr

Lead efforts in building foundational systems for art to establish scenes, animation, rigging, FX ... Must have 3 or more years experience with Maya and modern 3D art pipelines * Proven experience ...

Blender Tutor

Wheaton, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Blender Tutor

Chicago, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Blender Tutor

Naperville, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Blender Tutor

Des Plaines, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Blender Tutor

Oak Lawn, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Blender Tutor

Dekalb, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Blender Tutor

Lake Forest, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Blender Tutor

Evanston, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Blender Tutor

Highland Park, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Blender Tutor

Champaign, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Blender Tutor

Skokie, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Blender Tutor

Buffalo Grove, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Blender Tutor

Normal, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Blender Tutor

Schaumburg, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Skokie, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ... Skilled at teaching 3D modeling, texturing, and rendering workflows in 3DS Max. Guides students ...

... rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ... Skilled at teaching 3D modeling, texturing, and rendering workflows in 3DS Max. Guides students ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Contract 3D Rigging Artist information

What is a contract 3D rigging artist?

Contract 3D Rigging Artists are professionals who specialize in creating the digital skeletons and control systems (rigs) used to animate 3D models in films, video games, and other digital media, typically on a freelance or temporary contract basis. They work with character models to ensure they can be moved and posed realistically by animators. These artists often collaborate closely with modelers, animators, and technical directors to ensure rigs are functional, efficient, and meet the creative needs of the project. Contract rigging artists are hired for specific projects or time periods, giving studios flexibility in staffing for various production cycles.

How does a contract 3D rigging artist typically collaborate with animators and modelers during a project?

As a Contract 3D Rigging Artist, you'll work closely with both modelers and animators to ensure that character rigs function smoothly and meet project requirements. You'll often receive models from the modeling team and will need to create rigs that allow animators to bring the characters or objects to life. Regular communication and feedback sessions are common, as you may need to adjust rigs based on animator input or troubleshoot deformation issues. This collaborative process helps ensure the final animations are both visually appealing and technically sound.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract 3D rigging artist, and why are they important?

A Contract 3D Rigging Artist needs expertise in character rigging, anatomy, and animation principles, typically supported by a degree in animation or related experience. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and knowledge of scripting languages like Python or MEL is essential. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication help artists collaborate smoothly with animators and technical teams. These skills ensure the creation of flexible, efficient rigs that allow for high-quality animation and seamless project delivery.

What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Rigging Artist jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of 3D Rigging Artist jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract 3D Rigging Artist jobs in Illinois?

For Contract 3D Rigging Artist jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract 3D Rigging Artist jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract 3D Rigging Artist jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Contract 3D Rigging Artist jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Contract 3D Rigging Artist job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract 3D Rigging Artist job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

3D Visualization Designer

smartdept. inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

Contractor

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

smartdept. is searching for a 3D Product Visualization Designer for a product design client located remotely. The ideal candidate will come with 3+ years of experience. This is a project based, fully remote, ongoing contract opportunity that can fluctuate up or down depending on project needs.
This role blends industrial design thinking with polished, photorealistic 3D rendering. You will not just be visualizing concepts, you will be building the actual package and product mockups, from structure through final render, that clients see as near final. Comfort in both the technical side (accurate mockups, correct proportions, print ready structure) and the artistic side (photoreal lighting, materials, and composition) is essential.
What You'll Do:
Build accurate structural mockups of packaging, kits, and products from technical specs or reference. Create photorealistic 3D renders of packaging, product kits, and occasionally apparel or wearable items for retail ready and presentation ready visuals. Composite and retouch renders into polished, client ready final images. Translate a creative brief into multiple concept directions, balancing industrial design accuracy with strong visual storytelling. Prepare artwork and structural files for print and production.
What You'll Need:
A portfolio that shows photorealistic CGI product or packaging renders, not motion graphics or 2D graphic design samples. Strong command of Adobe Creative Suite, especially Photoshop, for compositing and final polish. Understanding of packaging structure, dielines, and print production requirements. An eye for lighting, material, and composition that reads as true to life, not stylized or illustrative.
Experience:
3+ years experience in 3D rendering, industrial design, or packaging visualization required.
Nice-to-Have Skills:
Rhino, Substance Painter, Adobe Dimension, background in CPG or retail packaging, experience rendering apparel or wearable products

smartdept. logo

About smartdept.

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

smartdept. is a nationwide creative, digital, and marketing talent resource. We provide companies with freelance, contract, direct hire, and contract-to-hire candidates for on-site, remote, and hybrid opportunities. Our ability to service customers of all sizes, while still taking a boutique approach to service, allows us the best chance to cultivate the successful relationships we value. Our detailed matching process lets us really get to know everything about our talent – their short- and long-term goals, strengths and weaknesses, favorite playlist, go-to social media influencer, you name it. So when you present us with your criteria, we can provide the most ideal candidate, not just the most available one.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2001

Social media