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Full Time Cinematic Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

In this role, you'll collaborate closely with technical artists, game designers, producers ... Experience creating cinematic sequences, character performances, and story-driven animation that ...

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX

$105K - $119K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Animation, Motion Design, Fine Arts, or a related field, with 5-8 years of ... Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including ...

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX

$105K - $119K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Animation, Motion Design, Fine Arts, or a related field, with 5-8 years of ... Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including ...

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

$105K - $119K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Animation, Motion Design, Fine Arts, or a related field, with 5-8 years of ... Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including ...

Showing results 41-54

Full Time Cinematic Artist information

See salary details

$30.5K

$129.5K

$152.5K

How much do full time cinematic artist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time cinematic artist in the United States is $129,541.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,000.00 and $152,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a full time cinematic artist do?

A Full Time Cinematic Artist is responsible for creating visually compelling cinematic scenes and sequences for video games, films, or other digital media projects. Their work involves using 3D modeling, animation, lighting, and camera techniques to tell stories and enhance the narrative experience. They collaborate closely with directors, writers, and other artists to ensure the visual style aligns with the project's vision. This role requires both artistic creativity and technical proficiency with industry-standard software.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time cinematic artist?

To thrive as a Full Time Cinematic Artist, you need a strong background in visual storytelling, animation, and 3D art, typically supported by a relevant degree or portfolio of cinematic work. Mastery of industry-standard tools such as Unreal Engine, Maya, and Adobe Creative Suite, along with experience in motion capture and video editing software, is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities enable the creation of immersive, high-quality cinematic sequences that elevate the visual narrative of games or media projects.

How does a full time cinematic artist typically collaborate with other departments during game development?

As a Full Time Cinematic Artist, collaboration is a key part of the role. You’ll work closely with narrative designers, animators, audio engineers, and game directors to bring story sequences and cutscenes to life. Regular meetings and feedback sessions ensure that your cinematic work aligns with the project’s vision and technical requirements. You may also coordinate with the programming team to integrate your scenes into the game engine, making strong communication and teamwork essential skills.

What is the difference between Full Time Cinematic Artist vs Video Editor?

AspectFull Time Cinematic ArtistVideo Editor
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in film, animation, or related fieldOften requires a degree or certification in video editing or media production
Work EnvironmentWorks in film studios, gaming companies, or advertising agencies focusing on cinematic visualsWorks in post-production facilities, media companies, or freelance settings editing footage
Industry UsageCommonly employed in entertainment, gaming, and advertising industriesUsed across various media including TV, film, online content, and corporate videos

The main difference is that a Full Time Cinematic Artist focuses on creating cinematic visuals, often involving complex animation and storytelling, while a Video Editor primarily assembles and refines footage to produce a polished final product. Both roles require strong technical skills, but their focus and end goals differ significantly.

More about Full Time Cinematic Artist jobs

What cities are hiring for Full Time Cinematic Artist jobs?

Cities with the most Full Time Cinematic Artist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cinematic Artist jobs?

The most popular types of Cinematic Artist jobs are:

Infographic showing various Full Time Cinematic Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,541 per year, or $62.3 per hour.

$123K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Who We are:

We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to build amazing games that thrill players everywhere. We pursue growth and innovation in an environment of safety and trust. Our culture is built on the belief that the more varied voices in our collective will strengthen our team and our games. We are looking for our next teammate who will raise our bar and make us better.

What We Need:

We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining leadership duties. You will help drive the project's visual style by providing regular feedback, mentoring team members, and contributing to the overall quality and success of the team's output. In this role, you'll collaborate closely with technical artists, game designers, producers, engineers, animators, and other cross-functional partners to bring creative ideas and gameplay experiences to life.

What You'll Do:
  • Create high-quality in-game animations that support responsive, polished gameplay.

  • Implement animations directly in Unreal using the project's animation system and Blueprints.

  • Set up animation blends, overlays, events, and related systems in Unreal.

  • Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning.

  • Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character actions, or animatic sequences.

  • Help define, maintain, and elevate the animation style and quality bar by creating clear examples, documenting standards, and sharing best practices with the team.

  • Provide regular feedback in partnership with the Animation Director, mentoring animators, onboarding and developing team members, and serving as a trusted resource for creative guidance and support.

  • Interpret and translate direction from directors and creative leads into clear, actionable animation goals.

  • Help to organize and assign sub-team tasks based on individual strengths and project deadlines, assisting the Director in creating realistic timelines that balance delivery with team growth.

  • Partner with Technical Animation to explore and refine locomotion and overall character motion, ensuring the smoothest and most polished player experience possible.

  • Collaborate closely with Production on roadmap planning, task estimation, and risk assessment, while balancing competing priorities and adjusting workflows to accommodate evolving project requirements.

  • Escalate issues to the Animation Director when artistic decisions or direction are needed.

What Will Make You a Great Fit:
  • 6-8+ years of experience in game development, including at least one shipped AAA title in an animation role.

  • 2-4+ years of experience in a leadership role and/or mentoring experience.

  • Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations, with advanced knowledge of Maya.

  • Nimble and able to prioritize and problem-solve quickly, while responding effectively to creative redirection.

  • Strong collaboration and communication skills within and across fields, with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.

  • An animation reel that demonstrates high-quality hand-keyed animation.

  • Experience working with Perforce and managing assets in large-scale, multi-team environments.

Bonus Qualifications:
  • Experience leveraging Google Sheets/Excel to organize asset inventories, monitor production status, and facilitate coordination and visibility across departments.

  • Experience creating cinematic sequences, character performances, and story-driven animation that enhances narrative and emotional impact.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $123,200 and $182,360 per year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.

Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program.

Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses. Ontario only: The use of Artificial Intelligence is not being used to screen candidates. The position is for an existing vacancy.

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