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Contract Video Game Concept Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PUBG Madglory

Principal Concept Artist

Madison, WI · On-site +1

$128K - $147K/yr

Defines artistic direction and drives results through collaboration. * Understands concept artwork ... Annual health & wellness, video game, and continuing education reimbursements * Industry-leading ...

Epic Games

Senior Concept Artist

Cary, NC · On-site

$117K - $140K/yr

Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make ... What You'll Do Epic is looking for a Senior Concept Artist to join the Rocket League team. This is ...

Airrack

Airrack Thumbnail Concept Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$136K - $157K/yr

THE ROLE We're looking for a world-class freelance Thumbnail Concept Artist - the creative brain ... You take a video title or a raw idea and engineer a concept that stops the scroll: sketched out ...

Airrack

Airrack Thumbnail Concept Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$136K - $157K/yr

THE ROLE We're looking for a world-class freelance Thumbnail Concept Artist -- the creative brain ... You take a video title or a raw idea and engineer a concept that stops the scroll : sketched out ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Tuscaloosa, AL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Miramar, FL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Miami, FL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Evanston, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Cincinnati, OH · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

TX · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

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All JobsContract Video Game Concept Artist Jobs

Contract Video Game Concept Artist information

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How much do contract video game concept artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract video game concept artist in the United States is $15.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by contract video game concept artists, and how can they be managed?

Contract video game concept artists often navigate challenges such as adapting quickly to different game styles, working remotely with diverse teams, and managing varying client expectations. Since project scopes and deadlines can shift, strong communication and time management skills are essential. Staying organized, regularly sharing progress updates, and being open to feedback help ensure that deliverables align with the creative vision and timeline. Additionally, building a versatile portfolio and networking with industry professionals can lead to more consistent opportunities.

What is a Contract Video Game Concept Artist?

A Contract Video Game Concept Artist is a creative professional hired on a temporary or project basis to design and illustrate visual concepts for video games. They work closely with game designers, art directors, and other team members to establish the look and feel of characters, environments, props, and other visual elements. Their artwork serves as a blueprint for 3D modelers, animators, and other artists throughout the game's development. Contract artists typically work remotely or onsite for the duration of a specific project or until certain milestones are achieved. This role requires strong artistic skills, an understanding of game development pipelines, and the ability to adapt to various art styles.

What is the difference between Contract Video Game Concept Artist vs Contract Character Designer?

AspectContract Video Game Concept ArtistContract Character Designer
CredentialsPortfolio, artistic skills, possibly relevant art or design certificationsPortfolio, strong character design skills, relevant art certifications
Work EnvironmentRemote or studio-based, collaborative with art and design teamsRemote or studio-based, focused on character creation for games or media
Industry UsageUsed across gaming, entertainment, and media industries for initial visual conceptsPrimarily in gaming and animation industries for character development

While both roles involve creating visual art for games, a Contract Video Game Concept Artist focuses on developing overall game concepts and visual styles, whereas a Contract Character Designer specializes in designing specific characters. Both require strong artistic skills and portfolios, but their focus areas differ within the game development process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Video Game Concept Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Video Game Concept Artist, you need strong illustration skills, a solid understanding of anatomy, perspective, color theory, and a portfolio demonstrating your design range. Expertise in digital painting tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, and familiarity with game development pipelines are typically required. Creativity, adaptability, time management, and the ability to incorporate feedback make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure high-quality, visually compelling concepts that align with the game’s vision and meet project deadlines in a collaborative environment.
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Contract Video Game Concept Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Video Game Concept Artist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,769 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Concept Artist [Contract] (Retro Studios)

Nintendo

Austin, TX

$125K - $144K/yr

Other

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Nintendo rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

153rd of 241 rated software companies

Job description

THIS IS AN ONSITE CONTRACT POSITION - Austin, TX 

Position includes: 

  • Paid weekly
  • Health care benefits available
  • Paid time-off provided
  • Paid holidays observed
  • Access to Nintendo discounts

RETRO STUDIOS: 

Founded in 1998, Retro Studios is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd., and a powerhouse in game development. Working hand-in-hand with Nintendo, we craft award-winning titles for the company's cutting-edge platforms, blending innovation, artistry, and gameplay excellence. 

Our home base is Austin, Texas, a vibrant city known for its creative energy, live music, stunning natural scenery, and forward-thinking culture. With year-round sunshine and endless options for outdoor adventures, Austin offers the perfect backdrop for world-class developers to stay inspired, balanced, and at the top of their game. 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:    

  • Collaborate with the Art Director, Artists, and Designers to define the look of our games by working to establish consistent visuals for characters, environments, props, and effects, with an emphasis on boss characters.
  • Work closely with Design to rapidly iterate gameplay thumbnails to be used in conjunction with design specifications to communicate gameplay properties, interactions and sequencing of boss characters.
  • Adopt a broad range of styles from realistic to highly stylized based on goals and direction for a given project to produce concept art with an appropriate sense of color, drama, shape language, personality, and design.
  • Take ownership of concept work for various game features while actively collaborating with other disciplines such as Design, Art, and Engineering to achieve high-quality, innovative concept art.
  • Produce boss, character, environment, and prop concept art in the form of thumbnails, sketches, breakdowns, reference sheets, paintings, and other digital imagery.
  • Provide visual contextualization support for game design efforts at all stages.
  • Perform research as necessary to support visual development.
  • Work with Art Director and Leads to provide feedback and guidance to artists.
  • Create storyboards, background illustrations, and promotional artwork.
  • Provide and receive feedback professionally. 

*This job description outlines primary duties and requirements and is not intended to identify all tasks that may be performed; individuals occupying the position may be required to perform other duties.  The company may modify job duties from time to time, either in practice or in writing. 

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS:   

  • Has 3 or more years' gaming industry experience as a concept artist, including at least one complete product cycle shipping AAA title.
  • Must present online portfolio with high-quality, varied examples of character and environment concept art.
  • Excellent 2D drawing skills with a strong grasp of composition, color theory, perspective, lighting, environment and architecture.
  • Examples of modern rendering process using 3D art and modeling tools (Maya, Blender).
  • Mastery of fundamental artistic principles.
  • Experience executing a wide range of artistic styles.
  • Good communicator, self-motivated, driven to grow professionally.
  • Undergraduate degree in art-related subject, completion of an intensive art training program, or equivalent professional experience. 

Retro Studios 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. 

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