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Temporary 3D Character Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Thatgamecompany

3D Character Artist (Mid-Senior)

$81K - $114K/yr

3D Character Artist (Mid-Senior) thatgamecompany is looking for a Mid-Senior 3D Character Artist to join our team! Responsibilities: * Create 3D characters and cosmetics in a visual style aligned ...

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 life and personality to our projects. This mid-level generalist role focuses on modeling, texturing ...

teamLFG

3D Character Art Lead

$153K - $230K/yr

As a leader for the character art team, you'll demonstrate a balance of artistic expertise with a ... Responsibilities: • Lead 3D character art and coordinate work with a multidisciplinary team ...

teamLFG

OR

As a leader for the character art team, you'll demonstrate a balance of artistic expertise with a ... Responsibilities: Lead 3D character art and coordinate work with a multidisciplinary team ...

AGBO

Expression of Interest - Character Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $136K/yr

The Character Artist will be responsible for creating highly realistic and expressive character ... This is a temporary position with the possibility of extension based on project needs. * This is an ...

Scattermesh

3D Lighting Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

The role requires a skilled artist with strong understanding of lighting and rendering ... Realize the Vision - Elevate high quality 3D character models by optimizing textures and shaders to ...

Scattermesh

3D Lighting Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

The role requires a skilled artist with strong understanding of lighting and rendering ... Realize the Vision - Elevate high quality 3D character models by optimizing textures and shaders to ...

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Temporary 3D Character Artist information

See salary details

$104.5K

$120.5K

$128.5K

How much do temporary 3d character artist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary 3d 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.

Is 3D character artist a good career?

A 3D character artist is a valuable role in industries such as gaming, film, and animation, requiring skills in modeling, texturing, and software like Maya or Blender. The career offers opportunities for creative expression and growth, with demand increasing as digital media expands. However, it often involves long hours and continuous skill development to stay current with industry tools and trends.

What are Temporary 3D Character Artists?

Temporary 3D Character Artists are professionals hired on a short-term or project basis to design and create three-dimensional character models for use in video games, films, animations, or other digital media. They use specialized software to sculpt, texture, and rig characters, ensuring they are visually appealing and ready for animation. These artists typically collaborate with other team members, such as animators and game developers, to meet project deadlines and artistic requirements. Their contracts may last for several weeks or months, depending on the scope and needs of the project.

How to become a 3D character artist?

To become a 3D character artist, you should develop skills in 3D modeling, sculpting, and texturing using software like Blender, Maya, or ZBrush. A relevant degree or certification in art, animation, or computer graphics can be helpful, along with building a strong portfolio showcasing your character work and gaining experience through internships or freelance projects.

Will AI replace 3D character artists?

AI technology is increasingly used to assist 3D character artists by automating repetitive tasks and generating initial models, but it is unlikely to fully replace skilled artists. Human creativity, artistic judgment, and expertise in tools like ZBrush or Blender remain essential for high-quality character design and detailed work. AI serves as a complementary tool rather than a complete substitute for professional 3D character artists.

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

To thrive as a Temporary 3D Character Artist, you need strong artistic abilities in anatomy, modeling, texturing, and a portfolio demonstrating proficiency in 3D character creation. Expertise in industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, ZBrush, and Adobe Substance Painter is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to collaborate and adapt quickly to project needs are standout soft skills. These skills ensure high-quality character assets are delivered efficiently, meeting both creative and technical requirements within tight timelines.

What is the difference between Temporary 3D Character Artist vs 3D Modeler?

AspectTemporary 3D Character Artist3D Modeler
Primary FocusCreating detailed character models and textures for projectsModeling various objects, environments, or characters
Skills & ToolsCharacter anatomy, rigging, texturing, software like ZBrush, MayaHard surface modeling, topology, software like Blender, 3ds Max
Work EnvironmentGame studios, animation, film production, often on a contract basisGame studios, VFX, product design, freelance or in-house roles

While both roles involve 3D modeling, a Temporary 3D Character Artist specializes in creating and texturing character models, often for entertainment projects, whereas a 3D Modeler has a broader focus on modeling various objects and environments. The roles share similar skills and tools but differ in their specific focus areas and project types.

How much does a 3D character artist make?

A temporary 3D character artist typically earns between $20 and $40 per hour, depending on experience, skill level, and project scope. Salaries can vary based on location, industry, and whether the work is freelance or contract-based, with some artists earning higher rates for specialized skills in software like Maya or ZBrush.

What types of projects and team dynamics can a Temporary 3D Character Artist expect to encounter during their contract?

As a Temporary 3D Character Artist, you'll typically be brought on to help meet project deadlines or provide specialized skills for specific game or animation projects. You can expect to work closely with concept artists, animators, and technical artists, often as part of a fast-paced, collaborative team. Most of your daily tasks will involve creating, refining, and optimizing character models based on provided concepts, while also integrating feedback from leads and art directors. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial, as project requirements may shift quickly, and you'll need to efficiently manage your time to deliver high-quality assets within tight timelines.
What cities are hiring for Temporary 3D Character Artist jobs? Cities with the most Temporary 3D Character Artist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Character Artist jobs? The most popular types of 3D Character Artist jobs are:
What states have the most Temporary 3D Character Artist jobs? States with the most job openings for Temporary 3D Character Artist jobs include:
Temporary 3D Character Artist jobs near you
3D Character Artist (Mid-Senior)

3D Character Artist (Mid-Senior)

thatgamecompany

Los Angeles, CA • Remote

$81K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

3D Character Artist (Mid-Senior)

thatgamecompany is looking for a Mid-Senior 3D Character Artist to join our team!

Responsibilities:

  • Create 3D characters and cosmetics in a visual style aligned with the world of Sky

  • Skinning character and cosmetic assets

  • Collaborate with project leads, concept artists, designers, and engineers

  • Brainstorm ideas and create rapid 3D prototypes during the concept and design phase

  • Support the rest of the 3D team to create character assets

  • Review and fix bugs of all complexities

  • Contribute to documentation and resource libraries for the art department

  • Promote, contribute to, and participate in a culture of inclusion and diversity

Must Haves:

  • Online portfolio demonstrating character art skills

  • 3+ years of experience as a 3D Character Artist at a game studio

  • Proficient modeling skills in Maya or equivalent

  • Self-motivated, humble, and a team player

  • Open-minded and able to implement feedback from peers and art directors in a timely manner

  • Passion for creating memorable characters for games

  • Understanding of Industry Standard Software such as Photoshop, ZBrush, and Texture Creation/Material Editing (Substance Painter/Unity)

  • Familiarity with Maya rigging/skinning

Nice to Haves:

  • A passionate Gamer

  • A Sky Player

  • Human Anatomy & Animal Anatomy knowledge

  • Understanding of clothing construction and real-world materials

  • Strive to create a gaming experience that brings a positive impact to the gaming world

  • Experience creating a game from the ground up

  • Portfolio demonstrating a variety of art styles


Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S or Canada. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
The salary range for this position is $81,000 USD to $114,000 USD annually, with the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus. This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the Company’s compensation practices.
Employees in this position are eligible to participate in the Company’s standard employee benefit programs, which currently include the following: medical, dental, vision, 401k, and paid time off.

Our base pay is benchmarked against regional market and industry data and is adjusted to reflect the cost of living in your specific geographic area.

We look forward to meeting you!
#L1-Remote