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Lead 2D Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NC Art Reports To: Art Lead Status: Exempt Online art portfolio (Required at the time of ... A solid grasp of form, color, and light for both 2D and 3D art assets is essential. The 3D Artist ...

... thinking lead to the best work. While we aim to support a healthy work-life balance, there will ... A qualification in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Visual Arts or a related creative ...

Create 3D and 2D deliverables based on program and project needs. * Help maintain asset libraries ... lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all. Why Join Us We ...

VFX Artist III

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$69.26 - $85.41/hr

As a VFX Artist III on an unpublished R&D product, you will report to the Animation Lead. You will ... Flex your mastery of 2D and 3D workflows to enhance your in-engine work. * Be comfortable thinking ...

Flame Artist

New York, NY · On-site

$125K - $295K/yr

Supervised Sessions: Lead in-studio or remote sessions with directors, agency creatives, and ... Perform complex 2D and 3D compositing, beauty retouching, rig removal, and CGI integration.

Ability to manage others, especially 3D Game Artists * Ability to work with and provide ... Pixologic ZBrush / Mudbox Recommended 2D Image Software (either or both): * Photoshop (CS4 and up)

For artists, it's a way to develop and further articulate their brand. For fans, it's another ... Utilize 2D, 3D, compositing, visual effects, and emerging technologies where appropriate * Ensure ...

For artists, it's a way to develop and further articulate their brand. For fans, it's another ... Utilize 2D, 3D, compositing, visual effects, and emerging technologies where appropriate * Ensure ...

For artists, it's a way to develop and further articulate their brand. For fans, it's another ... Utilize 2D, 3D, compositing, visual effects, and emerging technologies where appropriate * Ensure ...

... and Lead Production Artists. * Produce/create artwork for seasonal catalogs, marketing, and ... Knowledge of translating 2D templates into 3D digital product with wrapping artwork patterns.

... and Lead Production Artists. * Produce/create artwork for seasonal catalogs, marketing, and ... Knowledge of translating 2D templates into 3D digital product with wrapping artwork patterns.

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Lead 2D Artist information

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How much do lead 2d artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead 2d artist in the United States is $25.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Lead 2D Artists?

Lead 2D Artists are senior professionals in the art department who oversee the creation of two-dimensional artwork for video games, animations, films, or other media projects. They are responsible for guiding a team of 2D artists, setting the visual style, ensuring consistency, and collaborating with other departments to achieve the project's artistic vision. In addition to hands-on art creation, they mentor junior artists, review work, and help manage schedules and deadlines. Their role is crucial in maintaining high-quality visuals and ensuring that the team's output aligns with the project's goals.

How does a Lead 2D Artist typically collaborate with other departments in a game development studio?

A Lead 2D Artist works closely with game designers, animators, and programmers to ensure that the visual elements align with the overall creative vision and technical requirements of the project. They often participate in cross-functional meetings to provide feedback, share concepts, and make adjustments based on input from other teams. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as the Lead 2D Artist not only oversees the art team’s output but also ensures that assets are delivered on time and integrate smoothly into the game engine. This collaborative environment helps maintain consistency and quality across all visual aspects of the project.

What is the difference between Lead 2D Artist vs 2D Artist?

AspectLead 2D Artist2D Artist
ResponsibilitiesOversees project art direction, manages team, ensures style consistencyCreates individual 2D artwork, executes assigned tasks
Required SkillsAdvanced illustration, leadership, project managementStrong drawing skills, software proficiency, creativity
Work EnvironmentCollaborative team setting, often in game or animation studiosIndependent or team-based, project-specific work
CredentialsPortfolio, experience, sometimes a degree in art or related fieldPortfolio, relevant software skills, often a degree or training

The main difference between a Lead 2D Artist and a 2D Artist lies in scope and responsibility. The Lead 2D Artist manages the artistic vision and team, while a 2D Artist focuses on creating artwork. Both roles require strong artistic skills, but the Lead position involves leadership and project oversight.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead 2D Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead 2D Artist, you need advanced artistic skills, a strong portfolio, and a background in fine arts or digital illustration, often supported by a relevant degree. Expertise with industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Toon Boom, or Clip Studio Paint is typically required, along with knowledge of asset pipelines. Leadership, communication, and creative direction are vital soft skills for guiding teams and collaborating across departments. These abilities ensure visual consistency, efficient workflow, and the successful execution of a project’s artistic vision.
More about Lead 2D Artist jobs
Infographic showing various Lead 2D Artist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,524 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Title: 3D Artist
Location: Wilmington, NC
Department: NC Art
Reports To: Art Lead
Status: Exempt
Online art portfolio (Required at the time of application) - This can be work-related or personal projects outside of work-related activities
WHO WE ARE:

We are Valicy.

We make games. We also make the machines they run on.
What we're building matters. How we treat people matters more.
OUR MISSION
We exist to create excellent gaming experiences, treat our customers the way we want to be treated, and positively impact people's lives through a culture of care.
Seven values guide how we work. We call it our FIGHTER mindset:
Fun: Enjoy the journey together
Innovative: Consistently pushing new boundaries through creativity
Growth: Committed to growing personally and professionally
Humble amp; Passionate: It’s important to be both
Teamwork: Built on trust, healthy conflict, commitment, accountability, and results
Excellence: Pursuing high standards in everything we do
Relational: Building trust and relationships with customers and teammates


If this is the kind of place you've been looking for, let's talk.

SUMMARY: The ideal candidate for 3D Artist has experience modeling, texturing, and lighting engine-ready assets in a stylized world. A solid grasp of form, color, and light for both 2D and 3D art assets is essential. The 3D Artist will work across all aspects of a game's visual design, UI, art, and more. Blending artistic expertise and technical ability, the 3D Artist will create visually stimulating content that will enhance game playability and showcase original experiences to a wide player audience.
QUALIFICATIONS:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Understand company Mission, Vision, and Values and be an ambassador of MVV.
- Create high-quality 3D and 2D assets to meet fast-paced deadlines.
- Demonstrate strengths in modeling, texturing, and lighting of 3D assets.
- Organize and implement assets in the Unity 3D game engine.
- Collaborate effectively with a team of artists and programmers to offer creative solutions to both art and game design challenges.
- Produce concept sketches and quick edits to communicate artistic concepts with the team.
REQUIREMENTS:
- A strong portfolio demonstrating a breadth of art styles and techniques
- 1-3 years experience in a related position
- A high level of proficiency using Maya to create fun and stylized characters/assets
- An eye for color and composition in 2D and 3D designs
- Skilled in Photoshop
- Ability to sculpt stylized assets or characters in Zbrush
- Experience in the Unity3D game engine (importing assets, animation editor, shuriken particle system)
Preferred Requirements:
- Art degree (Associates or Bachelors)
- Experience in casino or mobile gaming industry
- Understanding of the visual style and gameplay of top tier slot games
- Experience with Substance Painter
This Job Description is to be used as a guide for accomplishing Company objectives. The description incorporates the most typical duties performed and covers only the primary functions and responsibilities of the position. It is recognized that other related duties not specifically mentioned may also be performed. The inclusion of those duties would not alter the overall evaluation of this position.