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Surfacing Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tait

Scenic Artist II

Nashville, TN

Position Summary The Scenic Artist II is responsible for creating high-quality scenic finishes, textures, sculptural elements, molds, castings, and painted surfaces for live events, exhibits ...

New

MARKETSCALE LLC

3D Artist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Texturing / Surfacing * Rigging * Animation * Editing Requirements: * 3-5 years in 3D design and ... The 3D Artist position is a full-time role, with competitive salary, full employee medical benefits ...

MARKETSCALE LLC

3D Artist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Texturing / Surfacing * Rigging * Animation * Editing Requirements: * 3-5 years in 3D design and ... The 3D Artist position is a full-time role, with competitive salary, full employee medical benefits ...

TRICK 3D

TECHNICAL ARTIST

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$120K - $144K/yr

The ideal Technical Artist will be a technical problem-solver and have a passion for technical ... Experience with organic and hard surface modeling with clean, optimized topology and UVs.

Trick 3d

TECHNICAL ARTIST

Atlanta, GA

$120K - $144K/yr

The ideal Technical Artist will be a technical problem-solver and have a passion for technical ... Experience with organic and hard surface modeling with clean, optimized topology and UVs.

AGBO Films LLC

Asset Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

The ideal candidate is a well-rounded 3D artist with strong skills in modeling, surfacing, layout, and optimization, and a deep understanding of real-time production pipelines. You should be ...

AGBO

Asset Artist

Los Angeles, CA

The ideal candidate is a well-rounded 3D artist with strong skills in modeling, surfacing, layout, and optimization, and a deep understanding of real-time production pipelines. You should be ...

24 Seven Talent

Graphic Production Artist

Easton, PA · On-site

$29.80/hr

Artist must ensure that all guidelines are met and accurate based on tier level, garment style and ... that surface. Adobe Illustrator skills are necessary to ensure design integrity and maintain ...

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Surfacing Artist information

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$13

$51

$190

How much do surfacing artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for surfacing artist in the United States is $51.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $38.46 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 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 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.
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Surfacing Artist jobs near you

Lead 3D Artist - Virtual Reality

Immersive Entertainment

Irvine, CA

Contractor

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Company Description

We create next-generation Virtual Reality Content that represents a new form of entertainment. We bridge the gap between video games and movies, providing a level of immersion, emotional engagement and realism never before seen.

Job Description
  • Creation of high quality game assets in collaboration with concept artists and CCO
  • Maintaining the production pipeline and meeting deadlines.
  • Working closely with the implementation and gameplay departments.
  • Prototyping new technologies on the given platforms.
  • Leading the 3D Artists team
  • Setting the quality targets and bar for 3D assets and textures on the projects
  • Sharing knowledge and techniques across the studio
  • Mentoring 3D Artists
Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience in game development
  • Expert knowledge of creating realistic creatures and assets
  • Expert knowledge of Max/Maya or equivalent package
  • Expert knowledge of Photoshop
  • Expert Knowledge of games development pipeline/environment/engines
  • Expert Knowledge of ZBrush/Mudbox or equivalent
  • Expert knowledge of texturing
  • Ability to create highpoly and lowpoly models and textures
  • Experience creating/tuning surface shaders a plus
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Good eye for details
  • English language
  • A strong team player & leader by example
Additional Information

Pluses

  • Shipped AAA PC or console titles as a Senior 3D Character Artist
  • Work experience with Unreal Engine 4
  • Understanding the difference between developing for VR compared to traditional game development.
  • A passion for developing and playing virtual reality experiences


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