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Contract Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Seattle Rep

Teaching Artist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$50/hr

Contract/Hourly Benefits: Non benefit eligible Pay Range: $50/hour for teaching time, $24/hour for ... Bold stories, brilliant artists, and passionate audiences come together to shape each season at ...

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

$26.94 - $34.23/hr

Resident Artist Job Type: Regular Company: Health Research, Inc. (HRI) Roswell Park Division ... contract deliverables is required. E-Verify Employer Health Research Inc. (HRI) Roswell Park ...

Highline Warren

Production Artist

Memphis, TN · On-site

The Production Artist collaborates closely with designers, project managers, external vendors, and contract personnel to uphold quality, consistency, and efficiency throughout the production workflow

Highline Warren

Production Artist

Memphis, TN · On-site

The Production Artist collaborates closely with designers, project managers, external vendors, and contract personnel to uphold quality, consistency, and efficiency throughout the production workflow

Highline Warren

Production Artist

Memphis, TN · On-site

The Production Artist collaborates closely with designers, project managers, external vendors, and contract personnel to uphold quality, consistency, and efficiency throughout the production workflow

Highline Warren

Production Artist

Memphis, TN · On-site

The Production Artist collaborates closely with designers, project managers, external vendors, and contract personnel to uphold quality, consistency, and efficiency throughout the production workflow

Lyric Opera of Chicago

Teaching Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

Learning Programs Manager STATUS: Part-Time, Seasonal Contract Through artistic excellence coupled with innovative, relevant programming; initiatives to connect with and grow new audiences ...

Lyric Opera of Chicago

Teaching Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

Learning Programs Manager STATUS: Part-Time, Seasonal Contract Through artistic excellence coupled with innovative, relevant programming; initiatives to connect with and grow new audiences ...

Columbia College Chicago

Teaching Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$6K/mo

ALIZE, the premier early college arts program in Chicago. Drawing high school juniors and seniors ... Perform other duties as required by contract, collective bargaining agreement, and general ...

Columbia College Chicago

Teaching Artist

Chicago, IL

$6K/mo

ALIZE, the premier early college arts program in Chicago. Drawing high school juniors and seniors ... Perform other duties as required by contract, collective bargaining agreement, and general ...

Columbia College Chicago

Teaching Artist

Chicago, IL

$6K/mo

ALIZE, the premier early college arts program in Chicago. Drawing high school juniors and seniors ... Perform other duties as required by contract, collective bargaining agreement, and general ...

Columbia College Chicago

Teaching Artist

Chicago, IL

$6K/mo

ALIZE, the premier early college arts program in Chicago. Drawing high school juniors and seniors ... Perform other duties as required by contract, collective bargaining agreement, and general ...

Umusic

Manager, Artist Royalties

Los Angeles, CA

Supervise and coach royalty analysts, providing guidance on contract interpretation, royalty calculations, issue resolution, and professional development. * Manage artist, management, attorney, and ...

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How much do contract artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract artist in the United States is $24.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do contract jobs pay well?

Contract artists' pay varies based on experience, project complexity, and industry demand. Skilled contract artists working on high-profile projects or with specialized tools can earn competitive rates, but overall compensation depends on the scope and duration of each contract.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Contract Artist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Artist, you need a strong portfolio demonstrating artistic skill, creativity, and proficiency in your chosen medium (such as illustration, 3D modeling, or graphic design), often supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk Maya, or Blender is typically required, and certifications or specialized training can be advantageous. Strong communication, time management, and adaptability are crucial for collaborating with clients, meeting deadlines, and adjusting to shifting project needs. These skills ensure you can deliver high-quality work on schedule and maintain positive, professional relationships with clients and teams.

What is an artist contract?

An artist contract is a legal agreement between an artist and a client or employer that outlines the scope of work, payment terms, deadlines, rights, and responsibilities. For contract artists, such agreements are essential to define project details, usage rights, and compensation, ensuring clarity and protection for both parties.

How much do freelance artists get paid?

Freelance artists' earnings vary widely based on experience, specialization, and project scope, with rates typically ranging from $20 to $100 or more per hour. Many freelance artists set their own rates and may charge per project or by the hour, often using tools like contracts and portfolios to attract clients.

What types of projects and collaboration can a Contract Artist expect?

As a Contract Artist, you may work on a wide variety of creative projects, such as illustrations, character designs, concept art, or digital assets for games and marketing materials, depending on the industry and client needs. Most contract roles involve collaborating closely with creative directors, project managers, or marketing teams to align your work with overall project goals. Communication is key, as you’ll typically discuss project briefs, receive feedback, and iterate on your artwork remotely or as part of a distributed team. Being able to effectively incorporate feedback and adapt to different artistic styles or brand guidelines is essential for success and client satisfaction.

What is the highest paid job in art?

In the art field, roles such as art directors and creative directors tend to have the highest salaries, often earning six-figure incomes. These positions typically require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and proficiency with design tools and project management.

What is a Contract Artist job?

A Contract Artist is a freelance or temporary visual artist hired to create artwork for specific projects. They work with clients or companies across various industries, such as gaming, advertising, publishing, and entertainment. Contract Artists typically specialize in areas like illustration, graphic design, animation, or concept art. Their responsibilities may include designing characters, environments, branding materials, or promotional visuals. Since they work on a contract basis, they may juggle multiple projects simultaneously and must manage deadlines and client expectations efficiently.

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Contract Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Artist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,263 per year, or $24.6 per hour.
CONTRACT - Associate Environment Artist I (NST)

CONTRACT - Associate Environment Artist I (NST)

Nintendo of America Inc.

Redmond, WA • On-site, Remote

$31 - $47/hr

Other

Medical

Posted 16 days ago

Nintendo rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 188 rated software companies

Job description

Nintendo Software Technology Corporation
Nintendo Software Technology Corporation, based in Redmond, Washington , is a wholly owned subsidiary of the world's largest manufacturer and marketer of video games, Nintendo Co., Ltd., headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. Nintendo Software Technology's mission is to design, develop and deliver the very best video games. We conduct research, use state-of-the-art equipment and review methods of operation so that we may continually improve the quality of the games that we produce. Each person employed at Nintendo Software Technology Corporation is a valued team member and is encouraged to participate in our efforts to create the highest quality games.

Nintendo is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. We do all of this with kindness, empathy and respect for each other.

Nintendo Software Technology is a tight-knit game development studio located in Redmond, WA. As part of the Nintendo family, we're passionate about creating games designed to surprise and delight our customers. We're always on the lookout for exceptional artist to help support our Art Department.

As an Environment Artist, you will have proven Substance Designer experience and a deep passion for stylized texture authoring for hard surface and organic subjects. If this sounds like you then we'd love to see your portfolio!

SUMMARY:

  • A developing individual contributor that participates and assists in creations of visual assets for digital entertainment products.
  • Implement defined subset of visual asset tasks of assigned team or project

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

  • Participates in the creation of 3D content that meets required direction and quality specifications.
  • Participates in assigned illustrations, 3D models, and textures for characters, environments, and objects.
  • Participates in assigned animations for 3D and 2D assets.
  • Utilizes and maintains proficient knowledge of required commercial and Nintendo proprietary art production tools.
  • Implements game play features aligned to game design goals.
  • Applies professional expertise to review, analyze and test products under development as a contributing member of a production team to ensure delivery of Nintendo's high standard of quality and timeliness.

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimum of 1 year of professional experience having shipped at least 1 game.
  • Proven artistic and technical skills in basic 3D and or 2D art production.
  • Experienced with game development pipelines and game engines (E.g. Unreal, Unity or a proprietary engine)
  • Proven proficiency with commercial art production software (E.g. Photoshop, Maya, Zbrush, Substance Painter, etc).
  • Capable of excellent organizational and communication skills.
  • Can respond to feedback and iterations quickly and efficiently.
  • Undergraduate degree in art or related field; or equivalent education and experience.

This position is hybrid in Redmond, WA. Hybrid positions require regular onsite work following the schedule and guidelines for their division. This position is not open to fully remote status at this time.

This contract position includes the base pay range listed below and is eligible for benefits through the employing agency. Agency benefits include eligibility for medical insurance, employee assistance program, and paid sick leave. All benefits are subject to elections, eligibility requirements, plan and program terms. Benefits offerings will be confirmed at the time of offer by the employing agency, and may differ depending on the employing agency partner.

Pay range:
$31—$47 USD

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