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Surfacing Artist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Surfacing Designer

Burlingame, CA

$118K/yr

You are able to be the paintbrush of the artist, the chisel of the sculptor - intuiting and ... Surfacing Designer Responsibilities: * Support the development of category-defining products ...

Vuly Play

CGI Concept Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$136K - $157K/yr

Expertise in hard surface modelling, sculpting and animation * A strong portfolio spanning consumer ... Artist or Design Director, and anything brand-facing or a major shift in visual direction gets ...

Intuitive Surgical

3D Artist

Sunnyvale, CA

The artist is expected to model, texture, animate, light, and render assets and animations as ... and surfacing * Build other models as needed--such as props, anatomical models or characters

Intuitive

3D Artist

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site +1

The artist is expected to model, texture, animate, light, and render assets and animations as ... surfacing * Build other models as needed-such as props, anatomical models or characters * Build ...

Intuitive

3D Artist

Sunnyvale, CA

The artist is expected to model, texture, animate, light, and render assets and animations as ... surfacing * Build other models as needed-such as props, anatomical models or characters * Build ...

Neros Technologies

Concept Artist

Torrance, CA

$103K - $144K/yr

Evolve our visual design language across illustration surfaces: cutaways, callouts, sequences ... artist in games, film or entertainment * Expert knowledge in 2D illustration and conceptual ...

Neros Technologies

Concept Artist

Torrance, CA · On-site

$103K - $144K/yr

Evolve our visual design language across illustration surfaces: cutaways, callouts, sequences ... artist in games, film or entertainment * Expert knowledge in 2D illustration and conceptual ...

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All JobsSurfacing Artist JobsSurfacing Artist Jobs in California

Surfacing Artist information

See California salary details

$13

$50

$188

How much do surfacing artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for surfacing artist in California is $50.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.62 and $37.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surfacing artist?

A Surfacing Artist is a professional in the animation, visual effects, or video game industries responsible for creating the textures, materials, and finishes that define the look and feel of 3D models. They apply color, patterns, and surface qualities to characters, environments, and props, ensuring they appear realistic or stylized as required by the project. Surfacing Artists work closely with modelers, lighting artists, and art directors to achieve the desired visual outcome. Their work is crucial for making digital assets look believable and appealing on screen.

What are some common challenges surfacing artists face when ensuring visual consistency across different assets?

Surfacing Artists often work on multiple assets that need to look cohesive within a project’s visual style, which can be challenging due to varying lighting conditions, asset types, and technical limitations. Achieving consistent textures and materials requires close collaboration with modelers, lighting artists, and art directors, as well as a strong understanding of the project’s shaders and rendering pipeline. Staying organized and maintaining clear documentation of texture maps and naming conventions helps streamline the process and minimize inconsistencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surfacing artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surfacing Artist, you need a solid understanding of texture painting, shading, and material definition, usually supported by a degree in art, animation, or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Substance Painter, Photoshop, and rendering engines like Arnold or RenderMan is typically required. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and collaboration skills help artists produce visually compelling surfaces that match the project's artistic vision. These skills ensure assets look realistic or stylistically appropriate, directly impacting the quality and believability of digital environments and characters.

What is the difference between Surfacing Artist vs Texture Artist?

AspectSurfacing ArtistTexture Artist
CredentialsTypically requires a background in 3D modeling, texturing, and digital art, often with a focus on surfacing techniquesRequires skills in texturing, shading, and material creation, often with similar software knowledge
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily in 3D modeling and rendering pipelines within game or film studiosWorks in digital art and texturing departments, often collaborating closely with modeling and lighting teams
Industry UsageCommonly used in game development, film, and animation for creating detailed surface qualitiesUsed across similar industries for adding surface detail and realism to models

While both roles involve creating surface details for 3D assets, Surfacing Artists focus on defining the look and feel of surfaces, including materials and finishes, whereas Texture Artists primarily apply textures to models to add detail and realism. Both roles require similar skills and often overlap, but their specific focus areas differ within the pipeline.

What are popular job titles related to Surfacing Artist jobs in California?

For Surfacing Artist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Surfacing Artist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Surfacing Artist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Surfacing Artist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Surfacing Artist job openings:

Surfacing Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surfacing Artist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,459 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

Concept Hard Surface Artist - (Apex Legends)

Electronic Arts Inc.

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$136K - $157K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

General Information
Locations: Vancouver - Great Northern Way, British Columbia, Canada
  • Location: Los Angeles - Chatsworth
  • State: California
  • Country: United States of America

Role ID
214767
Worker Type
Regular Employee
Studio/Department
EA Studios - Respawn
Work Model
Hybrid
Description & Requirements
Electronic Arts creates next-level entertainment experiences that inspire players and fans around the world. Here, everyone is part of the story. Part of a community that connects across the globe. A place where creativity thrives, new perspectives are invited, and ideas matter. A team where everyone makes play happen.
Hard Surface Concept Artist - Apex Legends (Concept Artist I)
We are seeking a Concept Artist I to join the Apex Legends team. In this role, you will help create compelling visual designs that define the hard surface cosmetics and visual identity of Apex Legends. You will apply strong artistic fundamentals, design sensibilities, and storytelling skills to bring ideas to life while supporting both gameplay needs and the evolving aesthetic of a live-service game.
You will work closely with the Hard Surface Concept Art Lead, Art Directors, and your immediate team to deliver high-quality concept work. Additionally, you will collaborate with external partners to help maintain Apex Legends' visual quality and style standards. The ideal candidate is a strong visual problem solver who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about creating bold, iconic designs.
Key Responsibilities
  • Concept Generation: Collaborate closely with the Art Lead and immediate team to create compelling concept art that supports gameplay, player fantasy, and the Apex Legends experience.
  • Asset Design: Design high-quality hard surface cosmetics and assets that align with the game's established visual language and style.
  • Artistic Execution: Apply a strong understanding of industrial design, weapon design, color theory, lighting, materials, and perspective in all concept work.
  • Production Pipeline Support: Translate creative direction into clear, production-ready visual solutions that can be effectively executed by downstream teams.
  • Visual Storytelling: Create illustrations and visual storytelling pieces that communicate narrative intent and support world-building through asset design.
  • 3D Integration: Utilize 3D tools to support concept development, including block-ins, lighting, camera setup, and perspective assistance.
  • Cross-Discipline Collaboration: Contribute to animation, FX, and cinematic ideation when needed, including basic storyboarding and motion exploration.
  • Feedback & Iteration: Participate actively in team critiques and feedback sessions, iterating quickly to improve quality and alignment with project goals.
  • External Development: Support external development efforts by reviewing outsourced work and providing actionable feedback to ensure consistency with project quality standards.
  • Constraint Management: Design within gameplay, technical, and production constraints, ensuring concepts are achievable and production-friendly.
  • Workflow Optimization: Stay informed on emerging tools, workflows, and production methodologies to help improve efficiency and creative iteration across the team.
  • Knowledge Sharing: Contribute to team growth by sharing knowledge, workflows, and best practices with peers.
Required Qualifications
  • Professional Experience: 3+ years of experience as a Concept Artist in games, entertainment, or a related industry.
  • Portfolio: A strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional artistic fundamentals, including design, color, composition, lighting, materials, and perspective.
  • Technical Communication: Proven ability to create clear, production-ready concepts that effectively communicate design intent to downstream developers.
  • Hard Surface Expertise: Strong understanding of hard surface design principles, including industrial and/or weapon design.
  • Software Proficiency: Proficiency with industry-standard digital painting software and familiarity with 3D tools commonly used in concept workflows.
  • Cinematic Fundamentals: Understanding of visual storytelling, composition, cinematography, and player-facing readability.
  • Collaboration Skills: Strong collaboration and communication skills within a multidisciplinary team environment.
  • Adaptability: Ability to incorporate feedback quickly and iterate effectively in a fast-paced production setting.
  • Continuous Learning: Openness to learning and adopting new tools, workflows, and emerging technologies that improve efficiency and creative development.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting or mentoring junior artists.

Pay Transparency - North America
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The ranges listed below are what EA in good faith expects to pay applicants for this role in these locations at the time of this posting. If you reside in a different location, a recruiter will advise on the applicable range and benefits. Pay offered will be determined based on a number of relevant business and candidate factors (e.g. education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, or business needs).
PAY RANGES
* British Columbia (depending on location e.g. Vancouver vs. Victoria) *$92,900 - $129,200 CAD
* California (depending on location e.g. Los Angeles vs. San Francisco) *$104,400 - $157,400 USD
Pay is just one part of the overall compensation at EA.
In the US, we offer a package of benefits including paid time off (3 weeks per year to start), 80 hours per year of sick time, 16 paid company holidays per year, 10 weeks paid time off to bond with baby, 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 other incentive programs.
For Canada, we offer a package of benefits including vacation (3 weeks per year to start), 10 days per year of sick time, paid top-up to EI/QPIP benefits up to 100% of base salary when you welcome a new child (12 weeks for maternity, and 4 weeks for parental/adoption leave), extended health/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plan to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and other incentive programs.
About Electronic Arts
We're proud to have an extensive portfolio of games and experiences, locations around the world, and opportunities across EA. We value adaptability, resilience, creativity, and curiosity. From leadership that brings out your potential, to creating space for learning and experimenting, we empower you to do great work and pursue opportunities for growth.
We adopt a holistic approach to our benefits programs, emphasizing physical, emotional, financial, career, and community wellness to support a balanced life. Our packages are tailored to meet local needs and may include healthcare coverage, mental well-being support, retirement savings, paid time off, family leaves, complimentary games, and more. We nurture environments where our teams can always bring their best to what they do.
Electronic Arts is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, family status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will also consider employment qualified applicants with criminal records in accordance with applicable law. EA also makes workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law.

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