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Lead Environment Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

teamLFG

OR

$120K - $126K/yr

As a leader for the environment art team, you'll demonstrate a balance of artistic expertise with a ... Lead environment art and coordinate work with a multidisciplinary team accountable for ...

teamLFG

Environment Art Lead

$153K - $230K/yr

As a leader for the environment art team, you'll demonstrate a balance of artistic expertise with a ... Responsibilities: • Lead environment art and coordinate work with a multidisciplinary team ...

Insomniac Games

Lead VFX Artist

$153K - $230K/yr

The Lead VFX Artist is responsible for managing and developing a visual effects team. Has the ... Collaborate with multiple disciplines to support gameplay, characters, cinematics, environments ...

Insomniac Games

OR

The Lead VFX Artist is responsible for managing and developing a visual effects team. Has the ... Collaborate with multiple disciplines to support gameplay, characters, cinematics, environments ...

Epic Games

Environment Outsource Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

ART What We Do Push your artistic talent to the limit on a team of world-class environment ... As an Outsource Lead, you will support and supervise prop and architecture content provided by our ...

Mattel

Lead Artist - Digital Gaming

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$96K - $137K/yr

We are seeking a highly organized and versatile Lead Artist to join our art team. Reporting to the ... dynamic environment. * A portfolio demonstrating the associated skills needed for this role.

Mattel

Lead Artist - Digital Gaming

El Segundo, CA

$96K - $137K/yr

We are seeking a highly organized and versatile Lead Artist to join our art team. Reporting to the ... dynamic environment. * A portfolio demonstrating the associated skills needed for this role.

Froehlich's

Lead Sandwich Artist

Three Oaks, MI · On-site

$16/hr

If you thrive in a fast-paced, people-first environment and love making an impact, apply today! As our Lead Sandwich Artist, you'll earn $16 per hour while working in a supportive, upbeat environment ...

Froehlich's

Lead Sandwich Artist

Three Oaks, MI · On-site

$16/hr

If you thrive in a fast-paced, people-first environment and love making an impact, apply today! As our Lead Sandwich Artist, you'll earn $16 per hour while working in a supportive, upbeat environment ...

Froehlich's

Lead Sandwich Artist

Three Oaks, MI · On-site

$16/hr

If you thrive in a fast-paced, people-first environment and love making an impact, apply today! As our Lead Sandwich Artist, you'll earn $16 per hour while working in a supportive, upbeat environment ...

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Lead Environment Artist information

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How much do lead environment artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead environment 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Environment Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Environment Artist, you need advanced artistic skills in 3D modeling, texturing, and composition, typically backed by a degree in art, design, or a related field and a strong portfolio. Mastery of industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, Substance Painter, and Unreal Engine is essential, along with familiarity with project management tools. Leadership, collaboration, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for guiding teams and translating creative vision into compelling environments. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality game or film environments while maintaining project timelines and fostering team productivity.

What does a Lead Environment Artist do?

A Lead Environment Artist is responsible for overseeing the creation of detailed and visually compelling environments in video games, films, or other digital media. They guide a team of artists, set visual standards, and ensure that all environmental assets align with the project's artistic vision and technical requirements. Lead Environment Artists collaborate closely with other departments, such as level design, lighting, and technical art, to create immersive worlds. They also mentor junior artists, provide feedback, and help solve complex visual and technical challenges.

What is the difference between Lead Environment Artist vs Environment Artist?

AspectLead Environment ArtistEnvironment Artist
ResponsibilitiesOversees team, sets artistic direction, manages project milestonesCreates and implements environment assets, follows artistic guidelines
Experience & SkillsSeveral years, leadership, project managementIntermediate to advanced environment modeling and texturing skills
Work EnvironmentCollaborative team setting, often in game or film studiosFocused on asset creation, often within a team or solo
CredentialsPortfolio, relevant art or design degree, experiencePortfolio, art or design background, technical skills

The main difference is that the Lead Environment Artist manages the artistic team and oversees project direction, while the Environment Artist focuses on creating environment assets. The lead role involves leadership and coordination, whereas the environment artist concentrates on asset development within the project scope.

How does a Lead Environment Artist typically collaborate with other departments during a game development project?

A Lead Environment Artist works closely with level designers, technical artists, and lighting artists to ensure that environments are visually appealing and technically feasible within the game engine. They often participate in cross-disciplinary meetings to align on art direction, gameplay needs, and performance constraints. Effective communication and a collaborative mindset are essential, as the Lead Environment Artist must balance artistic vision with gameplay functionality, often iterating on assets based on feedback from both the art and design teams.
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Lead Environment Artist jobs near you
Senior Environment Artist II - Unannounced Game | Irvine, CA

Senior Environment Artist II - Unannounced Game | Irvine, CA

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Team Name:
Unannounced Project
Job Title:
Senior Environment Artist II - Unannounced Game | Irvine, CA
Requisition ID:
R026972
Job Description:
Your Mission
At Blizzard, we craft genre-defining games and legendary worlds for all to share. Through unparalleled creativity and storytelling, we create immersive universes and iconic characters that are beloved across platforms, borders, backgrounds, and generations - only made possible by building a work environment that cultivates the artistry of game development and unleashes the aspirations of our people.
We are looking for a Senior Environment Artist to help craft a new, unannounced game for Blizzard. As a senior individual contributor, you will be responsible for delivering high-quality environmental artwork through strong artistic and technical expertise. You understand how to build, integrate, and optimize a wide variety of environment asset types, and how environment layout and set-dressing support gameplay, readability, and player experience. You are comfortable operating in a dynamic environment, navigating fluid deadlines and changing priorities with purpose.
This role is anticipated to be a hybrid work position, with some work on-site and some work from home. The potential home studio for this role is Irvine, CA.
Responsibilities
Priorities can often change in a fast-paced environment like ours, so this role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:
  • Directly contribute hands-on environment artwork, taking assets and spaces from concept through final implementation.
  • Collaborate closely with the Environment Lead, design partners, artists, engineers, materials, VFX, and lighting teams to deliver world-class environments.
  • Apply strong environment-art fundamentals to support workflows ranging from early prototyping to final, best-in-class execution.
  • Build, integrate, and optimize environment assets to meet visual quality, gameplay, and performance requirements.
  • Proactively identify risks within environment-art creation and propose thoughtful, practical solutions.
  • Stay current on industry trends, including advancements in commercial game engines, tools, and workflow efficiencies.

Experience
  • 12+ years of professional experience creating environment art for AAA games.
  • Confirmed experience shipping at least one major title in a relevant environment-art role.
  • Proven experience collaborating within large, cross-disciplinary development teams.

Knowledge and Skills
  • Experience working with AAA game engines, with a strong understanding of asset implementation and pipeline integration.
  • Comprehensive understanding of environment-art creation, including strong proficiency with industry-standard 3D workflows.
  • Strong understanding of physically-based rendering (PBR) content authoring.
  • Ability to create cohesive, readable environments that support gameplay and storytelling.
  • Portfolio demonstrating high-quality environment work, including detailed breakdowns of your contributions.

Key Attributes
  • A team-oriented approach to your work, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and partnership across disciplines.
  • The ability to inspire others through enthusiasm for craft, quality, and continuous improvement.
  • A self-motivated, proactive problem-solver who takes ownership of challenges and outcomes.

Extra Points
  • Experience working through early-development and R&D phases of a project.
  • Solid understanding of game-art disciplines outside of environment art (e.g., lighting, VFX, characters, animation, rendering).
  • Experience creating and working with photogrammetry data.
  • Strong foundation in 3D composition, form, balance, and color theory.
  • Interest in photography and cinema as they relate to environment storytelling.
  • Passion for playing a wide variety of video games.

Required Application Materials
  • Resume.
  • Portfolio showcasing environment-artwork, including detailed breakdowns of assets and scenes.

Your Platform
Best known for iconic video-game universes including Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, and StarCraft®, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard, which was acquired by Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment experiences. Blizzard Entertainment has created some of the industry's most critically acclaimed and genre-defining games over the last 30 years and engages tens of millions of players worldwide across PC, console, and mobile platforms.
Our World
Our ability to build immersive and innovative worlds is only enhanced by diverse teams working in an inclusive environment. We aspire to have a culture where everyone can thrive in order to connect and engage the world through epic entertainment. We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional, and financial well-being for every world.
The video-game industry is fast-paced and will continue to evolve. As such, the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the Company at any time to support business needs.
Rewards
We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for 'Every World' - we've got our employees covered! Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:
  • Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
  • 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
  • Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
  • Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
  • If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company. You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/.
In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $97,200.00 - $179,900.00 Annual. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role's range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable.
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About Blizzard Entertainment

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blizzard Entertainment is a globally recognized leader in the Digital Gaming industry, renowned for creating some of the world's most popular video games such as "World of Warcraft," "Overwatch," and "Diablo." The company was founded in 1991 and is currently based in Irvine, California, USA. Aside from creating engaging video games, Blizzard Entertainment also develops and supports a wide range of software products within the realm of entertainment. The company prides itself on its commitment to quality, an element that can be recognized in its vast array of legendary games. Notably, its creation, World of Warcraft, remains one of the highest-grossing video games of all time.

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

1991

Social media

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