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Temporary 2D Character Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Use knowledge of 2D and/or CG animation to ensure that posing, staging, and cutting is both ... storytelling, character development, composition, and editorial pacing. * Advanced working ...

Use knowledge of 2D and/or CG animation to ensure that posing, staging, and cutting is both ... character development, composition, and editorial pacing. Advanced working knowledge of digital ...

Use knowledge of 2D and/or CG animation to ensure that posing, staging, and cutting is both ... storytelling, character development, composition, and editorial pacing. * Advanced working ...

Concept Artist [Contract] (Retro Studios)

Austin, TX · On-site

$125K - $144K/yr

... character and environment concept art. * Excellent 2D drawing skills with a strong grasp of ... Mastery of fundamental artistic principles. * Experience executing a wide range of artistic styles.

Use knowledge of 2D and/or CG animation to ensure that posing, staging, and cutting is both ... character development, composition, and editorial pacing. Advanced working knowledge of digital ...

Use knowledge of 2D and/or CG animation to ensure that posing, staging, and cutting is both ... storytelling, character development, composition, and editorial pacing. * Advanced working ...

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Temporary 2D Character Artist information

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How much do temporary 2d character artist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary 2d 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 a temporary 2D character artist?

A Temporary 2D Character Artist is a visual artist hired on a short-term basis to design and illustrate character art for video games, animation, comics, or other media. Their role typically involves creating character concepts, turnarounds, and final artwork in a 2D format, often adhering to a specific style guide or project vision. They work closely with art directors and other team members to ensure the characters fit the narrative and aesthetic of the project. Temporary positions are usually project-based or to cover for staff shortages, offering flexibility for both the employer and the artist.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary 2D character artist?

To thrive as a Temporary 2D Character Artist, you typically need strong drawing skills, a solid understanding of anatomy and design principles, and a portfolio demonstrating relevant experience. Proficiency in digital illustration tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, or similar software is essential, and familiarity with asset management systems can be beneficial. Creativity, adaptability, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for collaborating with teams and meeting tight deadlines. These skills and qualities ensure the delivery of high-quality character art that matches project specifications in a fast-paced, project-based environment.

What are some common challenges faced by temporary 2D character artists when integrating their work with a larger creative team?

Temporary 2D Character Artists often need to quickly adapt to an established visual style and workflow while collaborating with permanent team members such as art directors, animators, and game designers. A common challenge is efficiently interpreting feedback and making revisions on tight deadlines, all while ensuring consistency with ongoing projects. Clear communication and familiarity with collaborative tools, such as version control systems and asset management platforms, are essential for a smooth integration into the team and successful project delivery.
What cities are hiring for Temporary 2D Character Artist jobs? Cities with the most Temporary 2D Character Artist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of 2D Character Artist jobs? The most popular types of 2D Character Artist jobs are:
What states have the most Temporary 2D Character Artist jobs? States with the most job openings for Temporary 2D Character Artist jobs include:

Concept Artist [Contract] (Retro Studios)

Nintendo

Austin, TX

$125K - $144K/yr

Contractor

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Nintendo rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

153rd of 242 rated software companies


Job description

THIS IS AN ONSITE CONTRACT POSITION - Austin, TX 

Position includes: 

  • Paid weekly
  • Health care benefits available
  • Paid time-off provided
  • Paid holidays observed
  • Access to Nintendo discounts

RETRO STUDIOS: 

Founded in 1998, Retro Studios is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd., and a powerhouse in game development. Working hand-in-hand with Nintendo, we craft award-winning titles for the company's cutting-edge platforms, blending innovation, artistry, and gameplay excellence. 

Our home base is Austin, Texas, a vibrant city known for its creative energy, live music, stunning natural scenery, and forward-thinking culture. With year-round sunshine and endless options for outdoor adventures, Austin offers the perfect backdrop for world-class developers to stay inspired, balanced, and at the top of their game. 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:    

  • Collaborate with the Art Director, Artists, and Designers to define the look of our games by working to establish consistent visuals for characters, environments, props, and effects, with an emphasis on boss characters.
  • Work closely with Design to rapidly iterate gameplay thumbnails to be used in conjunction with design specifications to communicate gameplay properties, interactions and sequencing of boss characters.
  • Adopt a broad range of styles from realistic to highly stylized based on goals and direction for a given project to produce concept art with an appropriate sense of color, drama, shape language, personality, and design.
  • Take ownership of concept work for various game features while actively collaborating with other disciplines such as Design, Art, and Engineering to achieve high-quality, innovative concept art.
  • Produce boss, character, environment, and prop concept art in the form of thumbnails, sketches, breakdowns, reference sheets, paintings, and other digital imagery.
  • Provide visual contextualization support for game design efforts at all stages.
  • Perform research as necessary to support visual development.
  • Work with Art Director and Leads to provide feedback and guidance to artists.
  • Create storyboards, background illustrations, and promotional artwork.
  • Provide and receive feedback professionally. 

*This job description outlines primary duties and requirements and is not intended to identify all tasks that may be performed; individuals occupying the position may be required to perform other duties.  The company may modify job duties from time to time, either in practice or in writing. 

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS:   

  • Has 3 or more years' gaming industry experience as a concept artist, including at least one complete product cycle shipping AAA title.
  • Must present online portfolio with high-quality, varied examples of character and environment concept art.
  • Excellent 2D drawing skills with a strong grasp of composition, color theory, perspective, lighting, environment and architecture.
  • Examples of modern rendering process using 3D art and modeling tools (Maya, Blender).
  • Mastery of fundamental artistic principles.
  • Experience executing a wide range of artistic styles.
  • Good communicator, self-motivated, driven to grow professionally.
  • Undergraduate degree in art-related subject, completion of an intensive art training program, or equivalent professional experience. 

Retro Studios is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. We do all of this with kindness, empathy, and respect for each other. 


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