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Entry Level 3D Artist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Luxer One

Visual Design Coordinator

Mcclellan, CA

$75K - $85K/yr

Role Overview A visual designer and 3D rendering specialist who brings Luxer One and Luxer Access ... This is a step above an entry-level design role: you should be comfortable working independently ...

Luxer One Zoho

Visual Design Coordinator

Mcclellan, CA · On-site

Role Overview A visual designer and 3D rendering specialist who brings Luxer One and Luxer Access ... This is a step above an entry-level design role: you should be comfortable working independently ...

All Jobs3D Artist JobsEntry Level 3D Artist JobsEntry Level 3D Artist Jobs in California

Entry Level 3D Artist information

See California salary details

$19

$38

$67

How much do entry level 3d artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level 3d artist in California is $38.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.83 and $47.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level 3D artist do?

The job duties of an entry-level 3D artist involve creating 3-dimensional images for video games, multimedia productions, animation projects, or graphic arts assignments. As an artist in this field, you primarily use computer software, but you may draw or sketch concept art by hand. Your responsibilities as an entry-level employee often focus on character design or graphic elements. On a large production, such as a video game or animated film, you work as part of a visual effects team. Some artists work on 3D models of buildings or products. You work with software like CorelDraw, Maya, 3DS Max, and Blender.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level 3d artist?

To thrive as an Entry Level 3D Artist, you need a solid understanding of 3D modeling, texturing, and rendering principles, typically supported by a relevant degree or portfolio of work. Proficiency in industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max, and familiarity with tools such as Substance Painter or ZBrush, is often required. Creativity, attention to detail, time management, and the ability to take feedback are crucial soft skills that set candidates apart. These skills and qualities are essential for producing high-quality assets, meeting project deadlines, and collaborating effectively within creative teams.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level 3d artists in their first professional projects?

Entry level 3D artists often encounter challenges such as adapting to studio pipelines, managing feedback from senior artists, and meeting tight deadlines. Learning to work within a collaborative environment, where assets must match the project's style and technical specifications, can also be an adjustment. Additionally, balancing creative vision with client or team requirements is a frequent learning curve, but overcoming these challenges helps build valuable skills and confidence for future growth.

What is the difference between Entry Level 3D Artist vs Junior 3D Modeler?

AspectEntry Level 3D ArtistJunior 3D Modeler
CredentialsBasic 3D courses, portfolioSimilar, often with portfolio focus
Work EnvironmentCreative studios, gaming, animationDesign firms, gaming, film
Industry UsageCommon entry point in digital artSpecialized in modeling tasks

Both roles typically require foundational 3D skills and portfolios. An Entry Level 3D Artist has a broader scope, including texturing, lighting, and scene setup, while a Junior 3D Modeler mainly focuses on creating 3D models. The roles often overlap, but the Artist position may involve more diverse tasks in a creative pipeline.

Are entry level 3D artists in high demand?

Entry level 3D artists are in growing demand across industries such as gaming, film, and advertising, especially as companies seek fresh talent skilled in software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max. The demand is driven by increasing use of 3D modeling and animation, with opportunities available for those with foundational skills and a portfolio. However, competition can be strong, and building a diverse skill set improves job prospects.

How much do entry level 3D artists make?

Entry-level 3D artists typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on location, industry, and skill set. Starting salaries may be lower in some regions but can increase with proficiency in tools like Maya or Blender and relevant certifications.

What jobs can I do as an entry level 3D artist?

Entry level 3D artists can work as 3D modelers, texture artists, or environment artists in industries such as gaming, film, animation, or product design. These roles typically involve creating digital assets using tools like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max and may require a portfolio or basic understanding of modeling, texturing, and rendering. Starting positions often include internships or junior artist roles that provide on-the-job training and skill development.
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Entry Level 3D Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level 3D Artist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,995 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Visual Design Coordinator

Luxer One

Mcclellan, CA

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

At Luxer One, we’re committed to making life simpler by automating package acceptance and providing solutions for the asynchronous exchange of items. Whether solving the problem in multifamily apartments, placing lockers in Libraries for convenient pickup, or solving package management challenges for corporate offices, we dedicate ourselves to finding the best solutions for our customers.

Purpose

Accountable for building and elevating the visual brand presence of Luxer One and Luxer Access across every touchpoint — photo-realistic 3D product renderings, web, print, sales decks, trade shows, social, and branded swag/apparel — ensuring both brands look sharp, consistent, and on-brand everywhere they show up.


Role Overview

A visual designer and 3D rendering specialist who brings Luxer One and Luxer Access to life visually. You'll own end-to-end creative production — importing CAD/STEP files to build photo-realistic product renderings and scenes, designing assets for web, print, decks, trade shows, and social, and creating swag/apparel concepts — all while following brand guidelines established by our UX/UI engineer. You'll also audit existing visual assets across the business to catch inconsistencies and keep the brand sharp. This is a step above an entry-level design role: you should be comfortable working independently across multiple creative streams, using AI tools to speed up your workflow, and exercising real design judgment without heavy oversight.


Key Responsibilities:

3D Rendering & Product Visualization

  • Produce photo-realistic 3D renderings of locker and access configurations from CAD/STEP files (custom door counts, finishes, environments)

  • Build product scenes and environments (e.g. apartment lobby, mail room, corridor) for renders to live in

  • Maintain a render library reusable across sales, marketing, and trade show materials

Graphic Design & Creative Production

  • Design assets across web, print, sales decks, trade show materials, and social, following brand guidelines set by our UX/UI engineer

  • Design swag and branded apparel for trade shows, events, and employee/customer gifting

  • Create new templates and visual assets for the broader marketing team to use across web and print

  • Use AI-assisted design and image-generation tools to accelerate conception and production

  • Light video editing for social or campaign use (e.g. trimming, captions, simple motion)

Brand & Asset Management

  • Audit existing visual elements across brand touchpoints for consistency and quality; flag gaps or drift from brand guidelines

  • Partner closely with the UX/UI engineer to apply, and help evolve, brand guidelines

  • Support Marketing, Sales, and Digital teams with on-demand design requests

Reporting

  • Track and report on creative asset output and turnaround time

Success Metrics

  • 3D render and creative asset output: volume, turnaround time, and brand-guideline compliance

  • Brand consistency: results of periodic visual asset audits across web, print, and swag/apparel

  • Design request turnaround time and stakeholder satisfaction

  • Audit template and asset library for the broader teams within the DAM system

Core Competencies

  • 3D rendering and visualization — comfortable importing and lighting CAD/STEP files in tools like Keyshot, Blender, or SolidWorks Visualize

  • Graphic design skills — able to design across web, print, decks, trade show materials, social, and 3D renderings; follows an established brand/style guide

  • Photoshop proficiency — comfortable with photo editing, compositing, and retouching

  • AI-fluent — uses generative AI tools as part of the creative workflow, not just as a novelty

  • Visual quality control — can audit existing brand assets against guidelines and spot inconsistencies

  • Video editing — comfortable with basic trims, captions, and simple motion graphics

  • Self-directed — works independently across multiple concurrent creative streams without heavy oversight; this is not an entry-level ramp-up role

  • Collaborative — works fluidly with the UX/UI engineer, Digital Marketing, and Sales to align creative with broader goals

  • Data-aware — uses performance and turnaround data to improve, not just report



RequirementsQualifications

  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Visual Arts, or related field (preferred)

  • Experience: 2–4 years in a graphic design or visual production role — this is a step above entry-level; candidates should be ready to work independently from day one

  • Portfolio required — must include 3D renders or product visualizations, plus multi-format design work (web, print, social, decks)

  • 3D tools: hands-on experience with a 3D tool like SolidWorks Visualize, or equivalent

  • Graphic design tools: Adobe Photoshop