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Freelance 3D Rigging Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scattermesh

Senior 3D Technical Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130.60K - $156.30K/yr

... 3D Technical Facial Character Artists to work across client projects on a full time basis on-site ... The ideal candidate should have experience in rigging, sculpting, python/mel, shading, texture ...

Scattermesh

Senior 3D Technical Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130.60K - $156.30K/yr

... 3D Technical Facial Character Artists to work across client projects on a full time basis on-site ... The ideal candidate should have experience in rigging, sculpting, python/mel, shading, texture ...

Valicy

3D Animator

Wilmington, NC

... artists and programmers to create high quality, stylized 3d character animations for games produced by the team - Rigging and weight painting the prepared 3d characters for animation - Animate real ...

Side

3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)

$123.90K - $130K/yr

As a 3D Character Artist , you will play a key role in crafting high-quality characters that bring ... Ensure proper topology, rigging, and skinning for characters to meet animation and gameplay ...

Flying Bark Productions

3D Animation Lead

Denver, NC · On-site +1

The lead also coaches junior artists, collaborates with other departments, and supports production ... An understanding of rigs and typical rigging set-ups, animation pipelines and transferring data ...

VDA, Inc.

Freelance Event Associate

Somerville, MA · On-site

$22 - $35/hr

VDA is a leading Experiential Event Design Agency specializing in 3D marketing and design for ... Ensure proper rigging and cabling of lighting systems. * Troubleshoot any lighting issues during ...

VDA, Inc.

Freelance Van/Truck Driver

Somerville, MA · On-site

$22 - $35/hr

VDA is a leading Experiential Event Design Agency specializing in 3D marketing and design for ... Ensure proper rigging and cabling of lighting systems. * Troubleshoot any lighting issues during ...

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How much do freelance 3d rigging artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance 3d rigging artist in the United States is $22.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance 3D Rigging Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance 3D Rigging Artist, you need expertise in character rigging, a solid understanding of anatomy and movement, and proficiency with industry-standard 3D software such as Maya or Blender. Familiarity with scripting languages like Python or MEL and experience using rigging toolsets are highly advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and adaptability help you collaborate with clients and other artists remotely. These skills ensure you can deliver flexible, high-quality rigs that meet project requirements and deadlines in a competitive freelance market.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance 3D rigging artists when collaborating remotely with animation teams?

Freelance 3D rigging artists often face challenges such as ensuring compatibility with the team's animation pipeline, maintaining clear communication about rig requirements, and adapting to various software preferences. Since much of the work is done remotely, staying aligned on project updates and feedback can require extra attention to detail and proactive communication. Building strong documentation and using shared project management tools can help overcome these challenges and ensure seamless collaboration with animators and other team members.

What is a Freelance 3D Rigging Artist?

A Freelance 3D Rigging Artist is a professional who specializes in creating the skeletal frameworks (rigs) that allow 3D models to move realistically in animation and visual effects projects. They work independently on a contract basis for various clients, such as animation studios, game developers, or advertising agencies. Their main responsibilities include designing and implementing rigs for characters, creatures, or objects, ensuring they are ready for animators to bring to life. Freelance rigging artists need strong technical skills in 3D software like Maya or Blender, as well as a solid understanding of anatomy and motion.
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Freelance 3D Rigging Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance 3D Rigging Artist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,772 per year, or $23 per hour.

Senior 3D Technical Character Artist

Scattermesh

Herndon, VA • On-site

$130.60K - $156.30K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Scattermesh is a fast-paced small company looking to disrupt, transform, and innovate on behalf of our clients. We are inventors, technologists, artisans, problem solvers, and collaborators seeking to redefine the content experience by changing how content is managed and delivered to clients. We have an amazing team and we want to add a few talented revolutionaries who want to make a difference solving hard problems. Create your story and start making an indelible impact today.

 

Job Summary

Scattermesh is expanding its team and we are looking to hire experienced Senior 3D Technical Facial Character Artists to work across client projects on a full time basis on-site in Herndon, VA. This role requires an artist with strong technical understanding of facial kinematics and human anatomy with the skills to apply that knowledge. The ideal candidate should have experience in rigging, sculpting, python/mel, shading, texture painting as it applies to human characters with a focus on facial performances.

 

Responsibilities and Duties

  • Surpassing Uncanny Valley - Create believable and detailed 3D characters applying your strong understanding of anatomy, modeling, sculpting and texturing expertise from scratch or scan data based on concept art.
  • Pass on Your Knowledge - As an expert in your field, help your peers grow by giving advice and critiques of their work.
  • Deliver Results - Conceptualize, present, and execute ideas within a schedule, while leading the way in technical and artistic problem solving.
  • Take Initiative - Design and enhance our character performance pipeline with new tools and techniques. Drive technological solutions to enhance productivity and quality of our products.
  • Grow - Research new and emergent technologies and advise how best to apply to our work in a practical way.
 

Qualifications and Skills

  • 10+ years experience in a professional setting working on characters and digital human technologies
  • Expert understanding of human facial anatomy, including eyes, skin and hair
  • Mastery of realistic sculpting, texturing, hair grooming, shading and rendering
  • Deep understanding of FACS, facial blendshapes and facial performance animation, wrinkle-map systems and beyond in the context of photorealistic human characters
  • Expert technical skills in Maya, including Python scripting. C++, etc a plus.
  • Experience collaborating with Riggers, Pipeline Engineers and Supervisors to improve production outcomes
  • Experience with Metahuman to Maya toolset a plus
  • Is self-motivated and self-reliant
  • Must have both a learning and mentoring mind-set
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • US citizenship required

Benefits and Perks

Scattermesh is as obsessed about our employees as our customers. We want to provide great benefits and perks so you can focus on making an impact. We recognize that industry is moving away from better benefits so we have decided to do our part to start reversing the trend. Join us in our quest to disrupt, transform and innovate.

 

Benefits

  • Competitive Market Leading Pay 
  • 25-30 days - Paid Time Off (PTO) / Holiday
  • 100% Company paid medical/dental/vision/plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • 401(k) Matching with no cliff vest

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