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Freelance Visual Effects Artist Jobs in Romeoville, IL

DePaul

Adjunct Faculty in Visual Effects

Chicago, IL · On-site

$4.8K - $6.1K/wk

Adjunct Faculty in Visual Effects Full-time Faculty Positions Full-time faculty positions will be ... The School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs ...

Realtimevfx

Graphic Programmer (Shader/VFX)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Product -- hyper-casual mobile games where every visual detail matters -- satisfying effects ... Creative and artistic eye -- style, color, composition * Unity/HLSL (Unreal/GLSL also fine ...

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$23

$70

How much do freelance visual effects artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance visual effects artist in Romeoville, IL is $23.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.13 and $19.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance visual effects artist?

A Freelance Visual Effects Artist creates digital effects for films, TV shows, commercials, and games on a project-by-project basis. They use software like After Effects, Nuke, or Houdini to enhance visuals, add CGI elements, and create realistic animations. Unlike in-house artists, freelancers work independently, often managing multiple clients and projects simultaneously. Their job includes communicating with directors, meeting deadlines, and ensuring visual consistency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance visual effects artist?

To thrive as a Freelance Visual Effects Artist, you need strong artistic ability, an understanding of visual storytelling, and proficiency in VFX techniques, often backed by a relevant degree or portfolio. Mastery of industry-standard software like Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, Nuke, and compositing tools is typical, with some artists pursuing certifications for advanced skills. Excellent communication, time management, and client collaboration skills help build strong relationships and manage multiple projects efficiently. These abilities ensure high-quality visual effects, timely project delivery, and positive client experiences in a competitive freelance market.

What are some common challenges freelance visual effects artists face in their daily work?

Freelance visual effects artists often navigate shifting client expectations, tight project deadlines, and the need to continuously market their services to secure new projects. Since most freelancers work remotely, balancing multiple client communications and time zones can be a challenge. Staying updated with industry trends and improving technical skills is also important to remain competitive. Successful freelancers usually develop strong organizational habits and invest time in ongoing professional development. These efforts help build a steady stream of work and foster long-term client relationships.

What job categories do people searching Freelance Visual Effects Artist jobs in Romeoville, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Visual Effects Artist jobs in Romeoville, IL are:

What cities near Romeoville, IL are hiring for Freelance Visual Effects Artist jobs?

Cities near Romeoville, IL with the most Freelance Visual Effects Artist job openings:

Freelance Visual Effects Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Visual Effects Artist job openings in Romeoville, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,709 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty in Visual Effects

DePaul University

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

DePaul University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

390th of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
DePaul's Jarvis College of Computing & Digital Media (CDM) is located in the heart of Chicago's Loop, the central business district of Chicago. Our students represent many different experiences, perspectives, and cultures, and the university strives to recruit and sustain a faculty community where all backgrounds are valued and supported. Part-time teaching positions are available throughout the academic year, including summer sessions. Academic course schedules fluctuate from quarter to quarter, and the college will work with selected individuals to determine a quarterly schedule. Courses are not guaranteed, however the college does its best to give ample notice about available courses. Applicants with expertise that matches course scheduling needs will be contacted for an interview.
The School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs incluuding Film and Television, Animation, Creative Producing, Documentary, and Screenwriting on the Loop campus and at DePaul Cinespace Studios. Find out more about SCA at https://www.cdm.depaul.edu/academics/Pages/School-of-Cinematic-Arts.aspx.
Qualifications
Minimum requirements include a master's degree in the discipline, or 18 semester/27 quarter hours of graduate work in the discipline, or an undergraduate degree with a minimum of five years demonstrated relevant professional experience. Exceptions may be considered with approval of the dean.
Application Instructions
DePaul University's School of Cinematic Arts is expanding its visual effects curriculum and hiring experienced visual effects artists to teach courses in all phases of the production pipeline.
Considerations:
Exceptions to standard rates may apply to courses with unique credit hours, supervision, labs, clinical/practicum courses, coaching, administrative tasks, and courses that are either over-enrolled or under-enrolled.
General Compensation/Benefits Statement:
DePaul University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the qualifications, education, experience, and training of the selected candidate, the scope and responsibilities of the position, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.
DePaul University offers a variety of benefit options for qualified part-time employees. Further information regarding benefits can be found here: https://offices.depaul.edu/human-resources/benefits/part-time/Pages/default.aspx
About DePaul University's Academic Calendar:
Except for the College of Law, DePaul University operates on a quarter system. Classes in Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters are 11 weeks in length (including finals week) and Summer courses, in two sessions, are typically 5 weeks in length. The College of Law operates on the semester system. Classes in the Fall and Spring semesters are 16 weeks in length (including finals week) and it offers a Summer Session of 7 weeks (including final exams).

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