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Creature Artist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

3METAD

Character Artist

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

$141K - $148K/yr

3D Character & Creature Artist - Remote - Revenue Share 3MetaD is looking for a Digital Artist / 3D Modeler to work on exciting projects for the next-generation gaming and metaverse. Depending on ...

3METAD

Character Artist

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

$141K - $148K/yr

3D Character & Creature Artist - Remote - Revenue Share 3MetaD is looking for a Digital Artist / 3D Modeler to work on exciting projects for the next-generation gaming and metaverse. Depending on ...

3METAD

Character Designer

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

$141K - $148K/yr

3D Character & Creature Artist - Remote - Revenue Share 3MetaD is looking for a Digital Artist / 3D Modeler to work on exciting projects for the next-generation gaming and metaverse. Depending on ...

3METAD

Character Designer

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

$141K - $148K/yr

3D Character & Creature Artist - Remote - Revenue Share 3MetaD is looking for a Digital Artist / 3D Modeler to work on exciting projects for the next-generation gaming and metaverse. Depending on ...

Absurd Ventures

Principal Gameplay Animator

Santa Monica, CA · On-site +1

$150K - $175K/yr

Strong problem-solving abilities with a balance of artistic vision and technical execution. * Self ... Experience with creature animation and complex character rigs. * Deep knowledge of traversal and ...

All JobsCreature Artist JobsCreature Artist Jobs in California

Creature Artist information

See California salary details

$30.1K

$127.8K

$150.5K

How much do creature artist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for creature artist in California is $127,844.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,300.00 and $150,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a creature artist?

A Creature Artist is a digital or traditional artist who specializes in designing and creating creatures for film, television, video games, and other media. They use a mix of artistic skills, anatomy knowledge, and storytelling to develop unique and believable creatures. These artists often work with concept art, 3D modeling, texturing, and sometimes animation to bring their creations to life. They collaborate with art directors, animators, and game developers to ensure their designs fit within the project's artistic vision and technical constraints.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a creature artist?

As a Creature Artist, your daily tasks often include designing and sculpting creature models, creating detailed textures and materials, and collaborating closely with concept artists, animators, and VFX teams to ensure visual consistency. You may also be responsible for adapting designs based on feedback, optimizing assets for performance, and occasionally providing input on the animation and rigging process to support believable movement. The work environment is usually highly collaborative, requiring regular communication and iteration. Creature Artists commonly juggle multiple projects or characters simultaneously, making strong organizational skills important. This dynamic workflow helps bring unique and memorable creatures to life across films, games, and other media.

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

To thrive as a Creature Artist, you should have strong artistic skills in anatomy, sculpting, and conceptual design, often supported by a degree in art, animation, or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as ZBrush, Maya, Photoshop, and sometimes Unreal Engine or Substance Painter is essential. Creativity, strong teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for collaborating with directors, animators, and other artists. These abilities ensure the creation of compelling, believable creatures that fit the visual style and storytelling needs of a project.

What are the most commonly searched types of Creature Artist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Creature Artist jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Creature Artist jobs in California?

For Creature Artist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Creature Artist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Creature Artist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Creature Artist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Creature Artist job openings:

Creature Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Creature Artist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 25% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,844 per year, or $61.5 per hour.

3D Character & Creature Artist - Remote - Revenue Share

3METAD

San Jose, CA • On-site, Remote

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

3D Character & Creature Artist - Remote - Revenue Share 3MetaD is looking for a Digital Artist / 3D Modeler to work on exciting projects for the next-generation gaming and metaverse. Depending on your background, skills, and experience, we will find the most suitable role within our team. Our Orc tribe is a pool of brilliant Orcs from many disciplines, such as 3D artists, concept artists, game developers, graphic designers, community moderators, front-end developers, and blockchain developers worldwide.

We banded together to bring high-quality 3D content to the Metaverse and NFT space and self-publish our collections, games, and items. WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR? You have a few years of work experience working with 3D models. You have projects or a portfolio demonstrating skill in modeling props and environments, with competency in lighting, UV mapping, and texturing abilities utilizing shaders. Sounds like you? Then this job is for you!

OUR VALUES

We get better every day. Our technical abilities should never limit our ideas but guide our attention to the challenge. We question the status quo and do not accept yesterday's answers to tomorrow's challenges. We follow our moral compass; our values guide our decisions. We surround ourselves with people who believe in our mission. We fail, learn, and grow, contributing to the collective wisdom of our profession. WORKING HOURS You are expected to work 18 hours a week, with one day per weekend. The times are flexible and built around your availability and our team's hours.

COMPENSATION

Revenue-based / Percentage-based model: You will receive a percentage of the company's profits, aligning your success with the company's performance. Department Allocation: Your share will be based on your contribution within the marketing department. Commission Structure: Rewards based on sales obtained from projects you contribute to and contribution/output on a per collection/project basis.

Equity We offer company equity as part of our long-term compensation package, providing a stake in the company's success. REQUIREMENTS 2+ years of proficiency in Maya/Blender, with experience in character and creature modeling, creating detailed, textured models, and translating 2D concepts into 3D models. Experience with Photoshop and texturing tools like Substance or Quixel. Knowledge of creating 2D textures, UV unwrapping, and developing materials and shaders for in-game use.

Familiarity with Unreal Engine's blueprints and experience developing game assets and characters. Attention to detail, quality, and art; good file management and communication skills. English proficiency; self-motivated with the ability to work iteratively within a small team. Relevant degree or professional experience, with a portfolio demonstrating previous work. Experience with Unreal or Unity game engines is preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Create optimized low-poly and high-poly 3D models for production. Maintain clear communication, update ticketing systems, and coordinate with team members to meet deadlines. Troubleshoot modeling issues, create high-quality models with clean UVs, and understand low/high poly geometry for baking and LOD creation. Research and assist with PBR textures and materials, and document solutions. Take ownership of tasks, determine project timelines, and contribute concept art and cohesive environment assets.

Work on 3D solid modeling, design theory, and game design principles. Communicate effectively, prioritize workloads, and work independently when needed. We review resumes within two weeks and may assign a small challenge if your profile matches our requirements. Final decisions are made within two weeks after interviews.

Additional Details Seniority level: Entry level Employment type: Part-time Job function: Design, Art/Creative, IT Industry: Computer Games Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at 3METAD by 2x. Get notified about new Character Artist jobs in San Jose, CA .

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