Freelance Character Concept Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Information
Locations: Vancouver - Great Northern Way, British Columbia, Canada

• Location: Los Angeles - Chatsworth
• State: California
• Country: United States of America

Role ID
214768
Worker Type
Regular Employee
Studio/Department
EA Studios - Respawn
Work Model
Hybrid
Description & Requirements
Electronic Arts creates next-level entertainment experiences that inspire players and fans around the world. Here, everyone is part of the story. Part of a community that connects across the globe. A place where creativity thrives, new perspectives are invited, and ideas matter. A team where everyone makes play happen.
Character Concept Artist - Apex Legends
We are seeking a Concept Artist I to join the Apex Legends team. In this role, you will help create compelling visual designs that define the characters, cosmetics and visual identity of Apex Legends. You will apply strong artistic fundamentals, character design sensibilities, and storytelling skills to bring memorable heroes, skins, and visual experiences to life while supporting both gameplay needs and the evolving aesthetic of a live service game.
You will work closely with the Character Concept Art Lead, Art Directors, and your immediate team to deliver high-quality concept work while collaborating with external partners to help maintain Apex Legends' visual quality and style standards. The ideal candidate is a strong visual problem solver who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about creating bold, iconic designs.
What You'll Do

• Collaborate closely with the Art Lead and immediate team to create compelling character concept art that supports gameplay, player fantasy, and the Apex Legends experience.
• Design high-quality characters, cosmetics, outfits, accessories and visual explorations that align with the game's established visual language, player fantasy, and style.
• Apply a strong understanding of anatomy, costume and apparel design, shape language, silhouette, facial expression, gesture, color theory, lighting, materials, and visual storytelling in all concept work.
• Translate creative direction into clear, production-ready visual solutions that can be effectively executed by downstream teams.
• Create compelling character explorations and illustrations that communicate personality, narrative intent, cultural influences, player fantasy, and world-building through visual design.
• Utilize 3D tools to support concept development, including block-ins, posing, lighting, camera setup, and perspective assistance.
• Contribute to animation, FX, and cinematic ideation when needed, including basic storyboarding, pose exploration, expression sheets, and motion concepts.
• Participate actively in team critiques and feedback sessions, iterating quickly to improve quality and alignment with project goals.
• Support external development efforts by reviewing outsourced work and providing actionable feedback to ensure consistency with Apex Legends' quality and artistic standards.
• Design within gameplay, technical, and production constraints, ensuring concepts are achievable and production-friendly.
• Stay informed on emerging tools, workflows, and production methodologies, helping improve efficiency and creative iteration across the team.
• Contribute to team growth by sharing knowledge, workflows, and best practices with peers.

Ideally, You Will Have

• 3+ years of experience as a Concept Artist in games, entertainment, or a related industry.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional artistic fundamentals, including anatomy, character design, costume and apparel design, gesture, color, composition, lighting, materials, and perspective.
• Proven ability to create clear, production-ready concepts that effectively communicate design intent.
• Strong understanding of character design principles, including anatomy, costume construction, shape language, silhouette, gesture, facial expression, and visual storytelling.
• Proficiency with industry-standard digital painting software and familiarity with 3D tools commonly used in concept workflows.
• Understanding of visual storytelling, composition, cinematography, and player-facing readability.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Ability to incorporate feedback quickly and iterate effectively in a fast-paced production setting.
• Experience supporting or mentoring junior artists is a plus.
• Openness to learning and adopting new tools, workflows, and emerging technologies that improve efficiency and creative development.

Pay Transparency - North America
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The ranges listed below are what EA in good faith expects to pay applicants for this role in these locations at the time of this posting. If you reside in a different location, a recruiter will advise on the applicable range and benefits. Pay offered will be determined based on a number of relevant business and candidate factors (e.g. education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, or business needs).
PAY RANGES
* British Columbia (depending on location e.g. Vancouver vs. Victoria) *$92,900 - $129,200 CAD
* California (depending on location e.g. Los Angeles vs. San Francisco) *$104,400 - $157,400 USD
Pay is just one part of the overall compensation at EA.
In the US, we offer a package of benefits including paid time off (3 weeks per year to start), 80 hours per year of sick time, 16 paid company holidays per year, 10 weeks paid time off to bond with baby, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and other incentive programs.
For Canada, we offer a package of benefits including vacation (3 weeks per year to start), 10 days per year of sick time, paid top-up to EI/QPIP benefits up to 100% of base salary when you welcome a new child (12 weeks for maternity, and 4 weeks for parental/adoption leave), extended health/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plan to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and other incentive programs.
About Electronic Arts
We're proud to have an extensive portfolio of games and experiences, locations around the world, and opportunities across EA. We value adaptability, resilience, creativity, and curiosity. From leadership that brings out your potential, to creating space for learning and experimenting, we empower you to do great work and pursue opportunities for growth.
We adopt a holistic approach to our benefits programs, emphasizing physical, emotional, financial, career, and community wellness to support a balanced life. Our packages are tailored to meet local needs and may include healthcare coverage, mental well-being support, retirement savings, paid time off, family leaves, complimentary games, and more. We nurture environments where our teams can always bring their best to what they do.
Electronic Arts is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, family status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will also consider employment qualified applicants with criminal records in accordance with applicable law. EA also makes workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law.