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Live In 3D Character Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As Lead Character Artist, you will be responsible for creating and overseeing the production of ... Lead the character art team in the creation of high-quality character models. * Collaborate with ...

Lead Character Artist

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

As Lead Character Artist, you will be responsible for creating and overseeing the production of ... Lead the character art team in the creation of high-quality character models. * Collaborate with ...

Senior 3D Technical Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

... 3D Technical Facial Character Artists to work across client projects on a full time basis on-site ... The ideal candidate should have experience in rigging, sculpting, python/mel, shading, texture ...

Senior 3D Technical Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

... 3D Technical Facial Character Artists to work across client projects on a full time basis on-site ... The ideal candidate should have experience in rigging, sculpting, python/mel, shading, texture ...

... in a fun, stylized approach. A solid grasp of animation principles demonstrated through character ... Blending artistic expertise and technical ability, the 3D Animator will bring visually stimulating ...

3D Artist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Our 3D Artists create 3D product animation for incredible brands. As a 3D Artist at MarketScale we ... live broadcasts and events, original video productions and more. If you are looking to work in an ...

3D Artist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Our 3D Artists create 3D product animation for incredible brands. As a 3D Artist at MarketScale we ... live broadcasts and events, original video productions and more. If you are looking to work in an ...

Senior Lighting Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

... in Herndon, VA. The role requires a skilled artist with strong understanding of lighting and ... Realize the Vision - Elevate high quality 3D character models by optimizing textures, shaders and ...

... 3D character content that fits within the Disney universe. You'll provide creative and technical ... In this role, you will * Work closely with Epic Art Leads, Outsource Managers, and internal artists ...

Senior Lighting Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

... in Herndon, VA. The role requires a skilled artist with strong understanding of lighting and ... Realize the Vision - Elevate high quality 3D character models by optimizing textures, shaders and ...

As a Senior Character Concept Artist at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team ... Sketch explorative thumbnails in 2D and 3D. * Proactively identify complex visual or pipeline ...

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Live In 3D Character Artist information

See salary details

$104.5K

$120.5K

$128.5K

How much do live in 3d character artist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for live in 3d character artist in the United States is $120,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,000.00 and $127,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Live In 3D Character Artist vs 3D Character Artist?

AspectLive In 3D Character Artist3D Character Artist
CredentialsPortfolio, 3D modeling certifications, artistic skillsPortfolio, 3D modeling certifications, artistic skills
Work EnvironmentOn-site, often in entertainment or gaming studiosOn-site or remote, in gaming, film, or animation industries
Industry UsagePrimarily in entertainment sectors requiring live-in rolesBroadly used across gaming, film, and animation industries

The main difference is that a Live In 3D Character Artist typically works in a live-in capacity within entertainment or gaming studios, focusing on immersive character creation. A 3D Character Artist may work in similar industries but often in flexible or remote roles without the live-in requirement. Both roles demand strong artistic and technical skills, but the live-in position emphasizes proximity and immersion in the studio environment.

How does a Live In 3D Character Artist typically collaborate with other team members during a game or film production?

As a Live In 3D Character Artist, you will work closely with concept artists, animators, riggers, and technical directors to bring characters to life. Collaboration often involves attending regular meetings to review progress, receiving feedback, and making revisions based on the project's evolving needs. You'll integrate character models into game engines or animation pipelines, ensuring proper deformation and visual consistency. Effective communication and the ability to interpret feedback are crucial, as your work directly impacts both the visual and functional aspects of the final product.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Live In 3D Character Artist, and why are they important?

A Live In 3D Character Artist needs strong artistic ability, knowledge of anatomy, experience with 3D modeling, texturing, and a relevant degree or portfolio of work. Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Maya, ZBrush, Blender, and Substance Painter, as well as real-time engines like Unreal or Unity, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication help artists collaborate and bring characters to life for interactive environments. These skills ensure the creation of visually compelling, technically sound characters that enhance storytelling and user experience in games and digital media.

What are Live In 3D Character Artists?

Live In 3D Character Artists are professionals who specialize in designing, modeling, and texturing three-dimensional characters for real-time applications, such as video games, virtual reality, or live performances. They create lifelike or stylized characters that can be animated and interacted with in digital environments. Their work involves using software like Blender, ZBrush, and Maya to sculpt, rig, and bring characters to life. These artists collaborate closely with animators, game developers, and other creative professionals to ensure characters look and move convincingly in real-time.
What cities are hiring for Live In 3D Character Artist jobs? Cities with the most Live In 3D Character Artist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Character Artist jobs? The most popular types of 3D Character Artist jobs are:
What states have the most Live In 3D Character Artist jobs? States with the most job openings for Live In 3D Character Artist jobs include:

$170K - $200K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Summary 

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Character Artist to join our dynamic team. As Lead Character Artist, you will be responsible for creating and overseeing the production of high-quality character assets. You will have a direct impact on the visual identity of our games, bringing characters to life with stunning detail and artistic excellence. 

Core Responsibilities 

  • Lead the character art team in the creation of high-quality character models. 
  • Collaborate with the Art Director to define the visual style of characters. 
  • Sculpt, model, and texture characters to meet the artistic and technical requirements of the project. 
  • Contribute in planning, organization and prioritization of tasks with Production for internal, OS, and co dev partners. 
  • Create and maintain character pipeline documentation for training and onboarding 
  • Proactively identify risks in character art production timelines and effectively communicate risks to Production and Directors. 
  • Mentor and provide feedback to other character artists. 
  • Ensure character assets are optimized for performance and memory usage. 
  • Work closely with rigging, animation, and technical art teams to ensure characters are ready for implementation. 
  • Stay current with industry trends and techniques in character art. 

Core Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Game Art, or related field. 
  • 7+ years of experience in character art within the video game industry. 
  • Strong proficiency in Maya, ZBrush, and Substance Painter. 
  • Significant experience in Unreal Engine 
  • Excellent understanding of anatomy, form, and silhouette. 
  • Experience with PBR and hand-painted texturing workflows. 
  • Proven track record of creating high-quality character models for AAA titles. 
  • Ability to lead a team and work collaboratively across departments. 

Plus if... 

  • Experience with character rigging and skinning. 
  • Knowledge of Marvelous Designer or similar tools for clothing simulation. 
  • Experience with rigid body dynamics and cloth simulation in Unreal Engine 
  • Previous work in a leadership role on a major game title. 

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 $170,000 to $200,000 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 vacation time, sick time, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) matching to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity.