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Surfacing Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Epic Games

Modeling Outsource Artist

Cary, NC · On-site

ART What We Do Push your artistic talent to the limit on a team of world-class environment ... Must have a strong portfolio showing executed game assets for hard surface and organics, and ...

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 ... Engage with external creators to advise on best practices and surface opportunities to further ...

Scattermesh

3D Artist (Environment)

Herndon, VA · On-site

This role requires an artist with a keen eye for detail and an attention to the storytelling that ... Mastery of PBR surfacing * Knowledge of preparing 3D models for rendering within Maya using Arnold ...

Scattermesh

3D Artist (Environment)

Herndon, VA · On-site

This role requires an artist with a keen eye for detail and an attention to the storytelling that ... Mastery of PBR surfacing * Knowledge of preparing 3D models for rendering within Maya using Arnold ...

TheatreSquared

Scenic Charge Artist

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

Scenic Charge Artist (Temporary) TheatreSquared is Northwest Arkansas's professional, non-profit ... Execute all scenic surface treatments and finishes for scenery and, as requested, props. * Mix ...

TheatreSquared

Scenic Charge Artist

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Scenic Charge Artist (Temporary) TheatreSquared is Northwest Arkansas's professional, non-profit ... Execute all scenic surface treatments and finishes for scenery and, as requested, props. * Mix ...

Epic Games

Senior Concept Artist

Cary, NC · On-site

$117K - $140K/yr

ART What We Do Push your artistic talent to the limit on a team of world-class environment ... hard surface, vehicles, organic environments, and stylized design * Proficiency in Photoshop ...

AGBO

Asset Artist (Remote)

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

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

Technical Artist, Environment

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$123K - $147K/yr

Own terrain blending materials, procedural surface layering, weathering systems, and landscape ... Interface with internal artist teams and codevelopers to maintain milestone cadences * Perform all ...

AGBO Films LLC

Technical Artist, Environment

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$123K - $147K/yr

Own terrain blending materials, procedural surface layering, weathering systems, and landscape ... Interface with internal artist teams and codevelopers to maintain milestone cadences * Perform all ...

AGBO

Technical Artist, Environment

Los Angeles, CA

$90K - $110K/yr

Own terrain blending materials, procedural surface layering, weathering systems, and landscape ... Interface with internal artist teams and codevelopers to maintain milestone cadences * Perform all ...

AGBO

Technical Artist, Environment

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Own terrain blending materials, procedural surface layering, weathering systems, and landscape ... Interface with internal artist teams and codevelopers to maintain milestone cadences * Perform all ...

AGBO

Technical Artist, Environment

Raleigh, NC

$123K - $147K/yr

Own terrain blending materials, procedural surface layering, weathering systems, and landscape ... Interface with internal artist teams and codevelopers to maintain milestone cadences * Perform all ...

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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 2, 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
Modeling Outsource Artist

Modeling Outsource Artist

Epic Games

Cary, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

WHAT MAKES US EPIC?
At the core of Epic's success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we're always innovating.
Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.
ART
What We Do
Push your artistic talent to the limit on a team of world-class environment, character and concept artists who strive to innovate and inspire.
What You'll Do
Psyonix is searching for a Modeling Outsource Artist to support and supervise creative content provided by outsourcing partners. The Modeling Outsource Artist will provide front-line creative feedback for work submitted for review and implementation. The ideal candidate would be a talented artist who can communicate with outsource partners, including documenting existing pipelines, collecting or creating quality bar and technical example assets, collecting photo references, creating asset block-outs, creating simple block-out paintovers, and managing the in-engine implementation of art assets.
In this role, you will
  • Work with the Art Leads, Art Production and Director level to establish visual direction for our outsourcing vendors
  • Collect or generate detailed documentation, video references, and examples of art asset production, procedures, and engine requirements to support the external vendors
  • Clearly communicate feedback to the outsource partner, and ensure those creative notes and goals are relayed by internal artists, level designers, game designers, and production to understand the needs and goals of props being created
  • Provide and manage documentation of processes and procedures for the vendor with the understanding of the technical constraints, including vert count management, material setup, LOD generation, PBR texture creation and in-engine implementation
  • Train outsource partner artists in Psyonix's specific techniques and best practices
  • Foster remote teams enthusiasm for the project
  • Work with internal stakeholders and or IP owners on licensed asset approvals
What we're looking for
  • Experience in shipping AAA titles across multiple platforms
  • Experience shipping high-quality game ready assets for production, with an emphasis on stylized art / stylized realism
  • Must have a strong portfolio showing executed game assets for hard surface and organics, and experience/examples of shaping outsource team development
  • Strong understanding of latest toolsets in game art creation, including (but not limited to) Unreal Engine 5, Substance Painter, Marmoset Toolbag, Perforce, 3D modeling and 2D/3D texturing software (A plus if experienced with Flow ("Shotgrid") and Miro)
  • Highly organized, self-driven, customer focused, excellent visual and verbal communication, and a great team player
  • Ability to clearly critique, mentor, and improve art and artists through written and visual feedback loops
  • A keen understanding of technical hurdles, the ability to autonomously make choices to further art quality, and to identify and navigate problems in a timely manner
  • Experienced working within a team and a high-pressure, high-volume production environment
EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE
Our intent is to cover all things that are medically necessary and improve the quality of life. We pay 100% of the premiums for both you and your dependents. Our coverage includes Medical, Dental, a Vision HRA, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance & a 401k with competitive match. We also offer a robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents. Throughout the year we celebrate our employees with events and company-wide paid breaks. We offer unlimited PTO and sick time and recognize individuals for 7 years of employment with a paid sabbatical.
ABOUT US
Epic Games is a leading interactive entertainment company. For over 30 years we've been making award-winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent.
Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!
Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy here.
Note to Recruitment Agencies: Epic does not accept any unsolicited resumes or approaches from any unauthorized third party (including recruitment or placement agencies) (i.e., a third party with whom we do not have a negotiated and validly executed agreement). We will not pay any fees to any unauthorized third party. Further details on these matters can be found here.

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