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Lead Environment Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Udio

Head of Artist Partnerships

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$160K - $350K/yr

Lead outreach, relationship development, and negotiations with artists, artist managers, labels ... Strategic thinker who can also execute hands-on in a fast-moving environment. * Comfort operating ...

Epic Games

Lead Artist

Cary, NC · On-site

Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it ... What You'll Do Epic is looking for a veteran Lead Artist to join the Rocket League team, focusing ...

Subway - EYAS

Sandwich ARTIST

High Point, NC · On-site

$10 - $12.50/hr

Sandwich Artist - Subway Join EYAS Hospitality Group | Lead with Purpose | Grow with Us At EYAS ... Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, multi-task, prioritize and organize while having a ...

Subway - EYAS

Sandwich ARTIST

Washington, DC · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

Sandwich Artist - Subway Join EYAS Hospitality Group | Lead with Purpose | Grow with Us At EYAS ... Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, multi-task, prioritize and organize while having a ...

YMCA of Greater Kansas City

Arts Lead

Gig Harbor, WA · On-site

$18.97 - $19.97/hr

As an Arts Lead, you will provide assistance in planning and implementing a variety of arts ... Create a safe, positive and fun environment, and ensure adherence to YMCA policies. * Keep parents ...

Catface

Thumbnail Artist

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$55K - $60K/yr

Reporting to the Lead Artist, you will collaborate with a team of artists and creative ... Meet project deadlines in a fast-paced creative environment. What We're Looking For * Strong ...

Subway - EYAS

Sandwich ARTIST

Bridgeport, WV · On-site

$11.50 - $14.25/hr

Sandwich Artist - Subway Join EYAS Hospitality Group | Lead with Purpose | Grow with Us At EYAS ... Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, multi-task, prioritize and organize while having a ...

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Lead Environment Artist information

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$10

$25

$72

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
Infographic showing various Lead Environment Artist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,524 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Principal/Lead VFX Artist (Real-time)

Absurd Ventures

Santa Monica, CA

$150K - $180K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Summary

We are seeking a talented and experienced Principal/Lead VFX artist (real-time UE5) to spearhead the creation of stunning visual effects for our ambitious open-world project. As a pivotal member of the development team, you will collaborate closely with art, design, and engineering to deliver awe-inspiring effects that bring our expansive world to life. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape the visual identity of a project in its early stages of development.

Core Responsibilities

  • Create and implement real-time high-quality visual effects for an open-world environment, including environmental effects, character abilities, destruction systems, and cinematic sequences.
  • Responsible for all the VFX elements produced for the project.
  • Define the VFX pipeline and establish best practices to optimize workflows and ensure efficient asset creation and integration.
  • Work closely with the Art Director to establish the visual style to determine the technical requirements of the project.
  • Responsible for making creative and aesthetic choices for the visual effects.
  • Crafting and designing the addition of flair and visual drama, while effectively developing tone and pacing for game and cinematic events at a AAA Level.
  • Lead VFX pre-production activities, including concept development, reviews, and previs (previsualization) planning to establish the AAA visual goal.  
  • Collaborate with our Technical Material Artist to create the VFX master materials for the project at a AAA quality bar.
  • The ability to troubleshoot and solve technical challenges related to VFX integration, performance, and memory optimization.
  • Mentor and guide junior VFX artists, fostering their growth. 
  • Stay updated on the latest trends and techniques in real-time visual effects and integrate them into the development process.
  • Work closely with Production to estimate, plan, and track VFX tasks for scheduled milestones.
  • Spearhead VFX R&D efforts, identifying the resources and technology needed to achieve desired effects within project constraints. Collaborate with Engineering and Tech Art to build the needed toolsets to accomplish the project's needs with the required tools.

Core Qualifications

  • Strong portfolio showcasing a range of real-time VFX work.
  • 5-8 years of proven experience as a VFX artist.
  • Shipped a AAA title as a VFX artist. 
  • Experience with Unreal Engine 5, and traditional and modern development practices. 
  • Strong understanding of particle systems, shaders, lighting, and real-time rendering pipelines.
  • Demonstrated ability to balance real-time quality with optimized technical performance. 
  • Collaborate with other departments (design, lighting, environment, cinematics and others), providing guidance with elements for integration within game, cinematics and marketing.
  • Critical eye for the timing, animation, and motion of real-world phenomenon and visual FX.
  • Ability to bring physically based lighting to effects while conveying a story.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to overcoming development challenges.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines.
  • Strong understanding of PBR lighting concepts and physics-based effects.
  • Experience with third party packages and workflows. (Houdini, 3dsMax, Maya, Embergen). 
  • Passion for creating immersive and visually compelling game worlds.

Plus if...

  • Experience with dynamic weather systems, large-scale destruction effects, or other advanced VFX systems in open-world games.
  • Familiarity with scripting languages or visual scripting tools for VFX implementation.
Description
  • Full-time job with benefits.
  • Role is on-site in Santa Monica, CA.
  • Office is located near downtown Santa Monica - near metro and freeway.

The base pay range for this position is $150,000 to $180,000 per year. Actual compensation is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer a competitive package of benefits including paid time off, sick time, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity.

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