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Game Concept Art Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Studio Art Manager

Troy, NY ยท On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Has shipped multiple games in an art-focused role: concept, character, environment, illustration, world-building, etc. * Experience using Unity, Unreal, or proprietary engines, software, and tools

New

$103K - $109K/yr

About NetEase Games: As a leading internet technology company based in China, NetEase, Inc. (NASDAQ ... Art Design Dept. 1 Art Style: Stylized (Similar to Valorant, Fortnite, Overwatch) Location:

$120 - $180/hr

Use AI tools to move faster: rapid prototyping, concept art, spec drafting, and research synthesis (more below) Requirements: * 5+ years of mobile/web game or interaction design experience * iGaming ...

New

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Game Concept Art information

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$37K

$123.1K

$196K

How much do game concept art jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for game concept art in the United States is $123,136.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $170,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is game concept art?

Game concept art is the process of creating visual representations of ideas, characters, environments, and objects that help define the overall look and feel of a video game. Concept artists work closely with game designers and developers to visualize and communicate the artistic vision before full production begins. Their illustrations serve as a blueprint for 3D modelers, animators, and other members of the development team, ensuring consistency and creativity throughout the project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game concept artist?

To thrive as a Game Concept Artist, you need strong drawing and visual storytelling abilities, a solid understanding of anatomy, color theory, and composition, often supported by a degree in art or design. Proficiency with digital illustration tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, and graphics tablets is typically required. Creativity, collaboration, and adaptability are standout soft skills for effectively communicating ideas and responding to feedback from art directors and team members. These skills ensure compelling, original visuals that help define the look and feel of a game, which is critical for engaging players and guiding production.

How does a game concept artist typically collaborate with other departments during the development process?

Game Concept Artists work closely with game designers, 3D modelers, animators, and art directors to ensure the visual style aligns with the overall game vision. They often participate in brainstorming sessions, provide quick sketches or detailed illustrations, and refine concepts based on feedback from different teams. Regular communication and iterative revisions are common, as their artwork serves as a blueprint for other departments to follow. This collaborative approach helps maintain consistency and coherence in the game's final look and feel.

What is the difference between Game Concept Art vs Character Artist?

AspectGame Concept ArtCharacter Artist
Primary FocusCreating initial visual ideas and designs for game environments, characters, and overall styleDesigning detailed, polished character models and textures for gameplay
Required SkillsConcept drawing, visual storytelling, understanding of game aesthetics3D modeling, texturing, anatomy, and character rigging
Work EnvironmentConcept art studios, game development teams, freelanceGame studios, animation companies, freelance
Common UsageEarly-stage design, visual developmentFinal character creation, in-game assets

Game Concept Artists focus on visualizing ideas and establishing the artistic direction of a game, while Character Artists develop detailed, production-ready character models. Both roles are essential in game development but serve different stages and aspects of the creative process.

How much do game concept artists make?

Game concept artists typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Senior artists or those working for major studios can earn higher salaries, and proficiency in digital tools like Photoshop or SketchUp can influence earning potential.

How to get into game concept art?

To get into game concept art, develop strong drawing and digital art skills using tools like Photoshop or Procreate, build a portfolio showcasing original character and environment designs, and gain knowledge of game development processes. A background in fine arts, illustration, or related fields, along with understanding of 3D modeling and game engines, can improve your chances of entering the industry.

What does a game concept artist do?

A game concept artist creates visual designs and illustrations to develop the overall look, style, and feel of a video game. They produce concept art for characters, environments, and objects, often using digital tools like Photoshop or Illustrator, to communicate ideas to the development team. Strong artistic skills, creativity, and understanding of game design are essential for this role.

What jobs can I get with a game concept art degree?

With a game concept art degree, you can pursue roles such as concept artist, character designer, environment artist, or visual development artist in the gaming industry. These positions typically require proficiency in digital art tools like Photoshop or Illustrator and a strong portfolio showcasing your creative skills. Additional opportunities include working in animation, film, or advertising as a visual artist or illustrator.
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What cities are hiring for Game Concept Art jobs?

Cities with the most Game Concept Art job openings:

What states have the most Game Concept Art jobs?

States with the most job openings for Game Concept Art jobs include:

Infographic showing various Game Concept Art job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,136 per year, or $59.2 per hour.

Principal Concept Artist, Environment/Character - League of Legends

Riot Games

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$136K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

As a Concept Artist at Riot you will bring characters, creatures, environments and props to life.ย  Drawing inspiration from as little as a napkin sketch or as much as a full-blown narrative concept, you will generate ideas and craft designs that are resonant, compelling and iconic. As a problem solver, first and foremost, you will help come up with visual solutions for game concepts.

As a Principal Concept Artist for League of Legends at Riot Games, you will bring champions, and gameplay moments to life through compelling, stylized visuals. Your work will help define iconic experiences for players around the world. You'll join the League of Legends, where you'll navigate constrained game design spaces and find elegant, thoughtful ways to express fantasy. Reporting to the Concept Art Lead, you'll help shape the future of League's art style, set standards through your work, and uplift your teammates through feedback and mentorship. This role is for someone who thrives on creative problem-solving, deeply understands the League IP, and believes that player delight starts with strong visual storytelling.

Responsibilities:
  • Partner with creative leadership to explore new cosmetic thematics that elevate League's champions, environments and express powerful fantasy
  • Concept compelling characters, environments, props, and skin lines that support gameplay clarity, aesthetic appeal, and originality
  • Translate design intent and gameplay constraints into visually satisfying concepts that align with League's art and game design direction
  • Develop moodboards, style guides, and pitch materials grounded in research, taste, and trend awareness. Create production-ready concept art and orthographics for 3D artists, VFX, and animation teams
  • Actively participate in craft reviews and offer/receive feedback with clarity and intent
  • Mentor and support other artists by modeling quality, consistency, and collaboration
  • Work closely with cross-disciplinary partners to ensure visual solutions serve both gameplay and fantasy
Required Qualifications:ย 
  • 10+ years of professional experience in concept art for games or animation
  • A strong portfolio highlighting early ideation, a range of visual styles, and case studies that showcase your process and creative decision-making
  • Expert-level proficiency in Photoshop (or equivalent software)
  • Strong grasp of stylized art fundamentals: anatomy, form, lighting, color, and value
  • Ability to draw inspiration from diverse sources including fantasy, pop culture, historical references, and global trends
  • Portfolio demonstrating strong concept work across characters, props, and environments, balancing visual storytelling with gameplay clarity
  • Strong communicator who thrives in collaborative, interdisciplinary environments
Desired Qualifications:
  • Shipped content for at least AAA title
  • Familiarity with League of Legends, its champions, cosmetics, and player expectations
  • Experience designing for isometric camera gameplay
  • Ability to deliver broad-appeal visuals while pushing boundaries in creative expression
  • Learning mindset and openness to evolving tools and workflows

For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise, a collaborative spirit, and decision-making that prioritizes the delight of players. We will be looking at your past studies, experience, and your personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about players' experiences, this could be your role!

Our Perks:

Riot focuses on work/life balance, shown by our open paid time off policy and other perks such as flexible work schedules. We offer medical, dental, and life insurance, parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children, and a 401k with company match. Check out our benefits pages for more information.

At Riot Games, weย put players first. That mission drives every decision in our quest to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player. Whether you're working directly on a new player-facing experience or you're supporting the company as a whole, everyone at Riot is part of our mission. And just like in our games, we're better when we work together. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective everyday. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, we're looking forward to your application.

It's our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and members of Riot Games, Inc. Riot Games makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the Sanย Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the Washington Fair Chance Act.

Per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the following core duties may create a basis for disqualifying candidates with relevant criminal histories:

  • Safeguarding confidential and sensitive Company data
  • Communication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minors
  • Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networks
  • Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters

These duties are directly related to essential operations, safety, trust, and compliance obligations within our organization. Please note that job duties may evolve based on business needs and additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to maintain operational efficiency and security.ย 


Riot Games logo

About Riot Games

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Riot Games was founded in 2006 by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill with the intent to change the way video games are made and supported for players. In 2009, Riot released its debut title League of Legends to worldwide acclaim. The game has since gone on to become the most played PC game in the world and a key driver of the explosive growth of esports. Players are the foundation of our community and it's for them we continue to evolve and improve the League of Legends experience.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2006

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