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Contract Vfx Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

15 FINGERS LLC

VFX Artist / Video Editor

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$65K/yr

THE ROLE Agency 15 is looking for a VFX Generalist to own video editing, 2D/3D animation, and ... Contract: $35-$55/hour, depending on scope and project mix. HOW TO APPLY Submit a resume and a reel ...

Magnopus

AI Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Contract This is an initial fixed-term project hire through the end of September 2026, with an ... Strong professional experience creating high-quality visual content within film, VFX, animation ...

Magnopus

AI Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Contract This is an initial fixed-term project hire through the end of September 2026, with an ... Strong professional experience creating high-quality visual content within film, VFX, animation ...

Magnopus

AI Tech Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$136K - $163K/yr

Contract This is an initial fixed-term project hire through the end of September 2026, with an ... Experience supporting film, VFX, animation, AAA games or another high-end creative production ...

Magnopus

AI Tech Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$136K - $163K/yr

Contract This is an initial fixed-term project hire through the end of September 2026, with an ... Experience supporting film, VFX, animation, AAA games or another high-end creative production ...

Tombras

Associate Producer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

... VFX artists, animators, music houses, post-production facilities, and freelance crew, etc. * Build and maintain strong relationships with production partners * Coordinate contracts and scopes in ...

Magnopus

Unreal Cinematic Pipeline Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$130K - $190K/yr

Our teams bring together engineers, artists, designers and producers to create ambitious work for ... Contract This is an initial fixed-term project hire through the end of September 2026, with an ...

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How much do contract vfx artist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract vfx artist in the United States is $105,989.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract VFX artist?

Contract VFX artists are visual effects professionals who work on a project-by-project basis rather than as full-time employees. They are typically hired by film studios, game developers, or advertising agencies to create digital effects, animations, or enhancements for specific projects. Their responsibilities can include compositing, 3D modeling, animation, and integrating effects into live-action footage. Working as a contractor allows VFX artists flexibility in choosing projects, but it also means managing their own schedules, taxes, and contracts. This role often requires proficiency in industry-standard software like After Effects, Nuke, or Maya.

How does a contract VFX artist typically collaborate with directors and other creative team members during a project?

As a contract VFX artist, you’ll work closely with directors, producers, and editors to ensure that your visual effects align with the creative vision of the project. Communication is key—regular meetings, feedback sessions, and sharing progress through dailies are common practices. You may also collaborate with other VFX artists, compositors, and departments like animation or lighting to integrate your work seamlessly. Being adaptable and receptive to feedback helps build strong working relationships and ensures project success.

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

To thrive as a Contract VFX Artist, you need a strong background in visual effects design, digital compositing, and 3D animation, usually supported by a portfolio and relevant education or experience. Mastery of industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Nuke, Houdini, and Maya is crucial, along with knowledge of rendering engines and plugins. Excellent time management, creativity, and clear communication help you meet tight deadlines and collaborate with directors and production teams. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality, visually compelling effects that align with project goals and client expectations.
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Contract Vfx Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Vfx Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,989 per year, or $51 per hour.

VFX Artist - Talent Pool (2026 Opportunities)

Liquid Development

Portland, OR • On-site, Remote

$31 - $38/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Liquid Development was founded in 2000 and is the largest outsourcing art studio in North America. We offer a fun and cooperative work atmosphere, where collaboration is encouraged among a diversely talented team to remain on the cutting edge of content creation. Everyday Liquid Development is producing work at the forefront of modern game production and the demands for our services continue to grow. Our team has contributed to AAA titles within the Halo, Mass Effect, Borderlands, and Call of Duty franchises - Liquid Development is the team these titles turn to when they need the best.
Check Us Out On ArtStation:
https://www.artstation.com/liquiddevelopment
We're building our 2026 talent pool for exceptional VFX Artists! By applying, you're not applying for a specific role today-instead, you're joining a curated network of creative professionals that we may reach out to as new projects emerge. While this isn't an active opening at the moment, it helps us get to know your style and experience early on. If your skills and experience align with upcoming opportunities, we'll contact you to explore a potential collaboration. Join us now to stay on our radar for exciting future work.
Requirements
What you'll bring to the table:
  • A strong portfolio with recent work showcasing proficiency in VFX Art for Video Games (**must submit to be considered**)
  • Experience with Unreal Engine
  • Experience with both stylized and photorealistic VFX
  • Varied and specializations (characters, environments, weapons, etc)
  • Ability to troubleshoot technical problems
  • A self-driven, positive attitude towards critique, and leaning from your mistakes

Bonus Points!
  • Experience with proprietary engines
  • Experience with Maya, Embergen, Houdini and/or HLSL
  • Experience with Tech Art

This is a fully remote ongoing contract only position. At this time, this position is not available to California residents.
Due to the high volume of applications, we kindly ask you to not reach out to the Liquid Development team. Once you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email that the hiring team will be reviewing your application. You will hear directly from our Talent Acquisition team once we have an update for you regarding your application status.
Benefits
What's in it for you?
If working on some of the biggest and best titles with some of the coolest people within the games industry isn't enough, we also offer:
  • Work alongside dynamic individuals in the gaming industry
  • Work within a company with upward career growth opportunities
  • Work Fully Remote
  • Full Time Employment Benefits for applicants located in US only include:
    • Medical, Dental, Vision benefits
    • Voluntary Long-term / Short-term Disability
    • 401K w/ company match
  • Salary RANGE: $65K - $80K per year ($31/hr to $38/hr)

Keywords Studios is dedicated to following a well-established Equal Opportunities Policy. We endeavor to create a workplace which provides for equal opportunities for all employees and potential employees.
Note to Recruitment Agencies
Please be advised that Keywords Studios does not consider unsolicited resumes, or any form of contact initiated by unauthorized third parties, including recruitment or placement agencies, unless a pre-existing, valid agreement is in place. Any fees incurred by unauthorized third parties will not be compensated by Keywords Studios.
AI Notice
Keywords Studios is committed to fair and ethical hiring practices. We expect candidates to conduct themselves with honesty and to participate in all applications and interviews independently, presenting their own knowledge and experience. Candidates should refrain from using AI assistance or third-party tools or services that could influence, capture, or otherwise interfere with the authenticity of the assessment process.
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY
By providing your information in this application, you understand that we will collect and process your information in accordance with our Applicant Privacy Notice. For more information, please see our Applicant Privacy Notice at https://www.keywordsstudios.com/en/applicant-privacy-notice.
Role Information: EN
Studio: Liquid Development
Location: Americas, United States, Oregon
Area of Work: Art Services
Service: Create
Employment Type: Full Time, Contractor
Working Pattern: Remote

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