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Game Artist Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

... gaming genres, including sports, shooters, action, role-playing, strategy, casual, and family entertainment. Our team of engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, thinkers ...

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Game Artist information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$40.5K

$134.6K

$214.3K

How much do game artist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for game artist in Santa Rosa, CA is $134,629.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,400.00 and $186,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a game artist?

A game artist creates characters and environment images for computer games and video games. Their responsibilities include concept design, animation, and user experience. Job duties involve collaborating with other artists and graphic designers, creating sketches for storyboards, and contributing style to the look of games. To succeed in this career, you need computer animation skills with both 2D and 3D programs, as well as drawing skills and an understanding of color theory, scene design, and illustration. You must be good at juggling multiple projects at once and working with others.

What does a game artist do?

A Game Artist is responsible for creating the visual elements of a video game, including characters, environments, props, textures, and user interfaces. They work closely with game designers and programmers to bring the game's artistic vision to life, ensuring that the visuals complement the gameplay and story. Game Artists may specialize in areas like concept art, 3D modeling, animation, or visual effects, and use software such as Photoshop, Blender, or Maya. Their work is crucial in making games visually appealing and immersive for players.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Game Artist, you need strong skills in visual design, 2D/3D art creation, and a solid understanding of anatomy, color theory, and composition, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk Maya, Blender, or ZBrush is typically required. Creativity, collaboration, and adaptability are essential soft skills for working within multidisciplinary teams and responding to feedback. These competencies ensure that game visuals are engaging, cohesive, and aligned with the project's artistic vision, directly impacting player experience.

How do game artists typically collaborate with other team members during the development process?

Game Artists closely collaborate with game designers, programmers, and animators to ensure that visual assets align with gameplay requirements and technical constraints. Regular meetings and feedback sessions are common to discuss progress, address challenges, and refine artwork based on the evolving needs of the game. Effective communication and a willingness to iterate on designs are essential, as artists often need to adjust their work to fit the creative vision and technical limitations. This collaborative environment not only enhances the final product but also fosters continuous learning and professional growth.

What is the difference between Game Artist vs Character Artist?

AspectGame ArtistCharacter Artist
Primary FocusCreates visual assets for entire game, including environments, props, and charactersSpecializes in designing and modeling characters
Skills & ToolsConcept art, 3D modeling, texturing, animation, Photoshop, MayaCharacter modeling, rigging, texturing, anatomy, ZBrush
Work EnvironmentGame studios, freelance, indie developersGame studios, character design firms
Industry UsageUsed across all game types, from mobile to AAA titlesPrimarily in character-centric projects

While both roles involve creating visual assets for games, a Game Artist has a broader scope, working on environments, props, and characters, whereas a Character Artist specializes specifically in character design and modeling. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the gaming industry.

How much money does a game artist make?

The average salary for a game artist varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $50,000 to $85,000 annually. Entry-level artists may earn around $40,000, while experienced professionals or those working on high-profile projects can earn over $100,000. Skills in digital tools like Photoshop and 3D modeling software can influence earning potential.

What jobs can I get with a game artist degree?

A game artist degree can qualify you for roles such as concept artist, character designer, environment artist, or 3D modeler in the gaming industry. These positions typically require skills in digital art tools like Photoshop, Maya, or Blender and may involve working in teams on game development projects. Additional certifications or experience with animation and game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine can enhance job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Artist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

The most popular types of Game Artist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Game Artist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Artist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Game Artist jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Game Artist job openings:

Infographic showing various Game Artist job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,629 per year, or $64.7 per hour.

Technical Stage Manager

2K

Petaluma, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Who We Are
2K is headquartered in Novato, California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of the most influential game development studios in the world. Our studios responsible for developing 2K's portfolio of world-class games across multiple platforms, include Visual Concepts, Firaxis, Hangar 13, CatDaddy, Cloud Chamber, 31st Union, HB Studios, and 2K SportsLab. Our portfolio of titles is expanding due to our global strategic plan, building and acquiring exciting studios whose content continues to inspire all of us! 2K publishes titles in today's most popular gaming genres, including sports, shooters, action, role-playing, strategy, casual, and family entertainment.

Our team of engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, thinkers and doers, are the professional publishing stewards of 2K's portfolio currently includes several AAA, sports and entertainment brands, including global powerhouse NBA® 2K, renowned BioShock®, Borderlands®, Mafia, Sid Meier's Civilization® and XCOM® brands; popular WWE® 2K and WWE® SuperCard franchises, TopSpin 2K25, as well as the critically and commercially acclaimed PGA TOUR® 2K

At 2K, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive work environment, which means encouraging our teams to Come as You Are and do your best work! We encourage ALL applicants to explore our global positions, even if they don't meet every requirement for the role. If you're interested in the job and think you have what it takes to work at 2K, we encourage you to apply!

The 2K Mocap team - an efficient workhorse that produces motion capture, audio, and video assets for our developers and clients. We work in a world-class 50,000 square foot facility with 4 stages, a head scanner, and a body scanner. We take great pride in our ability to capture, clean, solve, retarget, and deliver truly remarkable amounts of data at the highest quality. We love the art and technology of motion capture and have a lot of fun, all while having a true team spirit.

We foster an environment based on honesty and integrity; being capable in oneself as well as having the ability to pick one another up. Succeeding together is the source of our strength.

What We NeedA dynamic individual dedicated to solving technical problems on our mocap stages and leading all teams at 2k Mocap in technical development. 2k Mocap Tech is a small and agile team which covers a very broad area of knowledge, ranging from QCing and processing mocap data to software development. Our bread and butter is QT based Python programs for automation, but we also write C++ video tools specific tools for various Autodesk software APIs, manage a MSSQL database, maintain a fleet of Audio/Video/Mocap hardware and software, and the list goes on. Seasoned professionals of the mocap industry will understand.

This role requires you to work onsite in our Petaluma, CA Mocap studio office location.

What You'll DoAs the Technical Stage Manager you will be tasked with leading in the development of the latest in Motion Capture technology, but also continuously expanding your knowledge of programing, audio/video production, automation technology, etc. You will also be tasked with leading a team of talented and motivated individuals passionate about the technical art of mocap and tool development. Needless to say, you will learn a lot from us, and we hope to learn a lot from you. You will also work closely with our production, shop, stage, and operations at 2k Mocap, ensuring that all hardware and software is functional and up to date and the studio is smoothly humming along.|

What Will Make You A Great Fit

  • Experience leading and organizing a technical team of 5 or more people.
  • Experience solving complex technical problems under pressure.
  • Experience designing large mocap camera layouts, focusing and aiming cameras, and troubleshooting mocap systems.
  • Experience using Motionbuilder, Maya, Shogun, Motive, and Unreal Engine, as well as their associated APIs.
  • Basic understanding of Python application development.
  • The ability and desire to learn things you probably have never even thought you would ever need to know or care about.
  • The ability and desire to work well with a team that loves to share ideas, debate, and innovate at a furious pace.

What Would Be Nice

  • Experience using Giant Mocap System and Nuance.
  • Experience with hardware development or low level C programming for hardware/software interfaces.
  • Knowledge of Python and C++ based QT applications.
  • Basic understanding of a game production pipeline.
  • Basic SQL query writing and understanding of database functionality.
  • Basic understanding of audio/video formats and frame accurate audio/video processing.

The successful candidate will oversee positions that are subject to a collective bargaining agreement between 2K and IATSE.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform their essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $123,000 and $160,000 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.

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