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Hard Surface Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As an Environment Artist, you will have proven Substance Designer experience and a deep passion for stylized texture authoring for hard surface and organic subjects. If this sounds like you then we'd ...

Apprentice

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

If you're looking for a job that allows you to use your artistic skills daily, becoming a Surface ... hard-surface repairs -fixing bathtubs, cabinets, floors, countertops, appliances, furniture ...

Senior Concept Artist

Cary, NC · On-site

$117K - $140K/yr

ART What We Do Push your artistic talent to the limit on a team of world-class environment ... hard surface, vehicles, organic environments, and stylized design * Proficiency in Photoshop ...

Apprentice

Lithonia, GA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Take advantage of an artistic outlet as your work creatively to complete repairs, usually in an ... comprehensive hard surface repair company. We can fix minor damages to many surfaces including ...

Create high-quality 3D character assets, including organic and hard surface elements, from concept ... Artistic Skills : * Strong eye for detail, form, and style consistency. * Ability to adapt to and ...

Maintenance Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Take advantage of an artistic outlet as your work creatively to complete repairs, usually in an ... ABOUT SURFACE EXPERTS Surface Experts is a comprehensive hard surface repair company. We can fix ...

Creative Repair Specialist

Houston, TX · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Take advantage of an artistic outlet as your work creatively to complete repairs, usually in an ... ABOUT SURFACE EXPERTS Surface Experts is a comprehensive hard surface repair company. We can fix ...

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Hard Surface Artist information

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$13

$51

$190

How much do hard surface artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for hard surface artist in the United States is $51.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $38.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hard surface artist?

A Hard Surface Artist is a 3D artist specializing in creating non-organic models such as vehicles, weapons, machinery, and architectural elements for video games, films, and other media. They use software like Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender to model, texture, and sometimes rig assets. Their focus is on precision, clean topology, and realistic or stylized designs. Hard Surface Artists often collaborate with concept artists and game designers to ensure models fit the project's artistic and technical requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hard surface artist?

To thrive as a Hard Surface Artist, you need strong proficiency in 3D modeling, texturing, and digital sculpting, often backed by a degree in art, design, or a related field. Expertise in industry-standard tools like Autodesk Maya, Blender, 3ds Max, and Substance Painter is essential, with some studios valuing certifications in these software packages. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help artists collaborate well with other team members and adapt to project feedback. These skills ensure that artists can create high-quality, realistic models of objects, vehicles, and environments that meet the technical requirements and creative vision of the project.

What are the common challenges faced by hard surface artists in their daily work?

Hard Surface Artists often face challenges such as meeting tight production deadlines while maintaining a high level of detail and accuracy in their models. Adapting to evolving project requirements, integrating feedback from art directors, and ensuring that assets are optimized for performance in real-time engines can also be demanding. Collaboration with other departments, such as animators and technical artists, requires clear communication and flexibility. Staying current with the latest tools and industry trends is essential to remain competitive and efficient in this dynamic field.

What cities are hiring for Hard Surface Artist jobs? Cities with the most Hard Surface Artist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Hard Surface Artist jobs? The most popular types of Hard Surface Artist jobs are:
What states have the most Hard Surface Artist jobs? States with the most job openings for Hard Surface Artist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Hard Surface Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $106,858 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)

Side

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$115K - $121K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

About Side

Side is a global video game development and services provider, offering technical and creative solutions to many of the largest developers and studios around the world. Founded in 2009 and drawing on 30+ years' experience from our parent company in Japan, Side has since grown to become a global force with 15+ studios in over a dozen countries across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia.

Our industry-leading services include game development, art production, audio production, quality assurance, localization, localization QA, player support, community management, and datasets.

About This Opportunity

Please note, this listing is not for an immediate open position but for our Talent Pool for Co-Development Roles. By applying, you express interest in being considered for future project-based opportunities that align with your skills and experience.

These opportunities are contingent on client needs and project availability. As projects are initiated or client proposals are developed, we will review candidates from this pool and contact those who most closely align with the specific requirements of the co-development opportunity.

As a 3D Character Artist, you will play a key role in crafting high-quality characters that bring life and personality to our projects. This mid-level generalist role focuses on modeling, texturing, and optimizing character assets across a variety of styles for AAA-quality games on PC, console, mobile, and VR/AR platforms.

How We Keep You Engaged

We maintain strong relationships with our talent pool by providing regular updates, industry insights, and information on upcoming opportunities. We will check in to confirm your availability and interest.

Our hiring teams carefully vet and select top candidates who best meet project needs, ensuring that you are matched with the right opportunity when it becomes available.

Next Steps

If you are passionate about contributing to cutting-edge projects and want to be considered for future co-development opportunities, we encourage you to apply to this listing. While there may not be an immediate opening, your application ensures that you will be part of our ongoing talent review for upcoming roles.

Key Responsibilities

  • Create high-quality 3D character assets, including organic and hard surface elements, from concept to final game-ready models.
  • Collaborate with art leads, designers, and animators to ensure characters align with the project's artistic vision and technical requirements.
  • Develop textures and materials using industry-standard tools, ensuring assets are optimized for performance across platforms.
  • Work within established pipelines and workflows to maintain consistency and efficiency in asset creation.
  • Ensure proper topology, rigging, and skinning for characters to meet animation and gameplay requirements.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges related to character development.
  • Actively participate in team critiques, offering and receiving feedback to refine assets.