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Locum 3D Rigging Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Side

3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)

$123K - $130K/yr

As a 3D Character Artist , you will play a key role in crafting high-quality characters that bring ... Ensure proper topology, rigging, and skinning for characters to meet animation and gameplay ...

Flying Bark Productions

3D Animation Lead

Denver, NC · On-site +1

The lead also coaches junior artists, collaborates with other departments, and supports production ... An understanding of rigs and typical rigging set-ups, animation pipelines and transferring data ...

Roblox

Senior 3D Artist, Technical

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$163K - $200K/yr

As a Senior Technical Animator, you will be working with a team of talented engineers, artists, and ... Partner with engineers to prototype and guide the development of our movement and rigging systems

Roblox

Senior 3D Artist, Technical

San Mateo, CA

$144K - $173K/yr

As a Senior Technical Animator, you will be working with a team of talented engineers, artists, and ... Partner with engineers to prototype and guide the development of our movement and rigging systems

NxT Level

Technical Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Lead efforts in building foundational systems for art to establish scenes, animation, rigging, FX ... Must have 3 or more years experience with Maya and modern 3D art pipelines * Proven experience ...

NxT Level

Technical Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$130K - $156K/yr

Lead efforts in building foundational systems for art to establish scenes, animation, rigging, FX ... Must have 3 or more years experience with Maya and modern 3D art pipelines * Proven experience ...

Flying Bark Productions

3D Animation Lead

Denver, NC · On-site

The lead also coaches junior artists, collaborates with other departments, and supports production ... An understanding of rigs and typical rigging set-ups, animation pipelines and transferring data ...

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How much do locum 3d rigging artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for locum 3d rigging artist in the United States is $39.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.16 and $48.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Locum 3D Rigging Artist, you need expertise in anatomy, character rigging, and deformation principles, usually demonstrated by a degree in animation, computer graphics, or related experience. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and scripting languages like Python or MEL is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with animators and modelers to deliver flexible, high-quality rigs. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient workflow, well-animated characters, and seamless integration with production teams.

What are the typical challenges a Locum 3D Rigging Artist might face when joining a new project mid-production?

As a Locum 3D Rigging Artist stepping into an ongoing project, you may encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to existing workflows, understanding proprietary rigging systems, and aligning with the animation team's preferences. There may be a need to rapidly familiarize yourself with the project's style guides and technical requirements. Effective communication with animators, modelers, and technical directors is crucial to ensure your rigs integrate smoothly and support the desired character performances.

What is a Locum 3D Rigging Artist?

A Locum 3D Rigging Artist is a temporary or freelance professional who specializes in creating digital skeletons and controls for 3D models, allowing them to move realistically in animation and visual effects projects. They are often brought in to assist with intensive projects or to cover staff absences. Their work is essential in preparing characters, creatures, or objects for animation by building rigs that animators can use to create lifelike movements. Locum rigging artists need strong technical and artistic skills to ensure seamless integration with animation pipelines. They may work in industries such as film, television, video games, or advertising.

What is the difference between Locum 3D Rigging Artist vs 3D Rigging Artist?

AspectLocum 3D Rigging Artist3D Rigging Artist
CredentialsTypically requires a portfolio, relevant 3D rigging certifications, and industry experienceSame as locum, often with additional specialization or full-time experience
Work EnvironmentContract-based, temporary positions often on a project basisFull-time or freelance roles within studios or production companies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by studios needing short-term expertise or filling gaps between staffEmployers seeking ongoing or project-specific rigging work

The main difference is that a Locum 3D Rigging Artist works on temporary, contract basis to fill short-term needs, while a 3D Rigging Artist may work full-time or freelance on ongoing projects. Both roles require similar skills and credentials, but the locum position offers more flexibility and short-term engagement.

What cities are hiring for Locum 3D Rigging Artist jobs? Cities with the most Locum 3D Rigging Artist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Rigging Artist jobs? The most popular types of 3D Rigging Artist jobs are:
What states have the most Locum 3D Rigging Artist jobs? States with the most job openings for Locum 3D Rigging Artist jobs include:
Locum 3D Rigging Artist jobs near you
3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)

3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)

Side

Remote

$123K - $130K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 28 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.

Requirements
Experience:
    • 3+ years of experience as a Character Artist in the video game industry.
    • Demonstrated contribution to at least one shipped title on PC, console, mobile, or VR/AR.

Technical Skills:
    • Proficiency with ZBrush, Maya, 3ds Max, Substance Painter, Photoshop, and other industry-standard tools.
    • Strong understanding of anatomy, proportion, weight, and volume as they relate to character design and animation.
    • Experience with high- and low-poly modeling, texturing, and shading techniques.
    • Knowledge of proper topology, rigging, and skinning practices.

Artistic Skills:
    • Strong eye for detail, form, and style consistency.
    • Ability to adapt to and create a range of visual styles, from realistic to stylized.

Collaboration Skills:
    • Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
    • Ability to incorporate feedback and iterate effectively.

Passion for Gaming: Genuine enthusiasm for creating compelling characters and contributing to immersive game worlds.
Preferred Skills
  • Familiarity with Marvelous Designer for clothing design and simulation.
  • Experience with photogrammetry and procedural workflows.
  • Knowledge of Unreal Engine or Unity for integrating character assets into the game.

Note: Specific requirements may vary depending on project needs.

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