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Creature Modeler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Creating realistic Creature meshes and textures * Creating Fur sculpts using Hair Card and Alpha ... A passion for modeling and a dedication to creating AAA quality games. Additional Information ...

Senior Character Artist

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$143K - $179K/yr

Use provided concept art and references to create highly detailed character and creature models * Create high poly models, UVs, in game topology and textures to ensure high quality in game characters ...

Collaborate with the Rigging Supervisor to ensure that character and creature models are optimized for animation and deformation requirements. * Support and maintain dialogue with other crew members ...

Animation, rigging, cloth, and creature techniques * Shading, lighting, and rendering techniques ... Deep understanding of the VFX pipeline from shooting to modeling to texturing, animation, lighting ...

A strong animation reel demonstrating expertise in keyframed character and creature animation ... Understanding of modeling, skinning, and rigging. * Hands-on experience with tools like Meshcapade ...

By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative ... You are not a creature of process but can build structure where it is needed * You can distinguish ...

Animation, rigging, cloth, and creature techniques * Shading, lighting, and rendering techniques ... Deep understanding of the VFX pipeline from shooting to modeling to texturing, animation, lighting ...

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Creature Modeler information

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How much do creature modeler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for creature modeler in the United States is $40.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.25 and $43.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Creature Modeler, you need strong skills in 3D modeling, sculpting, and anatomy, often demonstrated through a degree in art, animation, or a related field and a compelling portfolio. Expertise with industry-standard software such as ZBrush, Maya, or Blender is crucial, and certifications in these tools can be advantageous. Creativity, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are key soft skills for translating artistic concepts into lifelike models and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams. These competencies are vital for delivering high-quality creature assets that meet creative briefs and production deadlines in film, TV, or game development.

How does a Creature Modeler typically collaborate with concept artists and animators during a project?

Creature Modelers work closely with concept artists to interpret 2D sketches and design briefs into fully realized 3D models, ensuring the final creation aligns with the artistic vision. They frequently share iterative versions of their work with animators to guarantee models are properly rigged and ready for movement, making any necessary adjustments to optimize for animation and production pipelines. This collaborative process usually involves regular meetings, feedback sessions, and a strong back-and-forth to refine the creature’s details and functionality. Open communication and teamwork are essential, as aligning creative and technical goals helps ensure a smooth workflow and successful project outcomes.

What is a Creature Modeler job?

A Creature Modeler is a specialized 3D artist who creates digital models of creatures for films, video games, and animations. They sculpt and texture detailed characters, ensuring they align with concept art and production requirements. Using software like ZBrush and Maya, they focus on anatomy, realism, and expression to bring creatures to life. Their work is often integrated with rigging, animation, and visual effects teams to ensure seamless movement and interaction in the final production.

More about Creature Modeler jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Creature Modeler jobs? The most popular types of Creature Modeler jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Creature Modeler jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Creature Modeler jobs are:
Creature Technical Director (Project Hire) - ILM San Francisco

Creature Technical Director (Project Hire) - ILM San Francisco

The Walt Disney Company

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$90K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Walt Disney Company rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 124 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 47 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Creature Technical Director (Project Hire) - ILM San Francisco

Req ID:

10135051

Job Description:

The Creature Technical Director rigs and envelops characters from heroes to background creatures, vehicles and props in Maya. The Creature Technical Director is able to wrangle rigging and creature pipeline issues proficiently under the direction and guidance of their supervisors; and has the ability to run flesh-surface, hair, rigid sim, crowd, and/or cloth simulations.

What You'll Do
  • Provide rigging and enveloping in Maya for various vehicles, characters, and creatures

  • Run cloth, hair, rigid body, crowd, or muscle simulations

  • Troubleshoot creature pipeline issues for artists in other disciplines

  • Script utilities/tools/plug-ins in Maya

  • Participate in reviews, dailies, and department meetings as required

  • Mentor entry level artists

  • Special projects as necessary

What We're Looking For
  • 3 years relevant professional experience and a diploma in computer graphics, fine arts, design, or photography, or related field; OR 5 years of relevant experience in lieu of education

  • Experience as Maya rigger for assets in digital animation, visual effects, games, commercials

  • Experience running simulation shotwork

  • Experience in corrective sculpting

  • Knowledge of anatomy and enveloping

  • Positive attitude and team player

  • Good communication skills

  • Nice to have:

    • Experience with Massive or Houdini crowd software

    • C++

    • Basic proficiency in another discipline - modeling, texture, TD, animation

    • Proficiency with Linux

    • Expertise with Maya

    • Experience with python scripting

JoinILM

The hiring range for this position in San Francisco, CA is $90,400 to $118,700 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

ILM San Francisco

Job Posting Primary Business:

ILM San Francisco

Primary Job Posting Category:

Character Simulations - Studios, Rigging - Studios

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

San Francisco, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2025-10-21

What Walt Disney Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Walt Disney logo

About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

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