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Video Game Concept Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Concept Artist

Madison, WI · On-site +1

$128K - $147K/yr

Defines artistic direction and drives results through collaboration. * Understands concept artwork ... Annual health & wellness, video game, and continuing education reimbursements * Industry-leading ...

Senior Concept Artist

Cary, NC · On-site

$117K - $140K/yr

Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make ... What You'll Do Epic is looking for a Senior Concept Artist to join the Rocket League team. This is ...

Concept Artist [Contract] (Retro Studios)

Austin, TX · On-site

$125K - $144K/yr

Work closely with Design to rapidly iterate gameplay thumbnails to be used in conjunction with ... Has 3 or more years' gaming industry experience as a concept artist, including at least one ...

Airrack Thumbnail Concept Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$136K - $157K/yr

THE ROLE We're looking for a world-class freelance Thumbnail Concept Artist - the creative brain ... You take a video title or a raw idea and engineer a concept that stops the scroll: sketched out ...

Airrack Thumbnail Concept Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$136K - $157K/yr

THE ROLE We're looking for a world-class freelance Thumbnail Concept Artist -- the creative brain ... You take a video title or a raw idea and engineer a concept that stops the scroll : sketched out ...

THE ROLE We're looking for a world-class freelance Thumbnail Concept Artist - the creative brain ... You take a video title or a raw idea and engineer a concept that stops the scroll : sketched out ...

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

Video Game Design Tutor

Edina, MN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

Video Game Design Tutor

Kingsport, TN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

Video Game Design Tutor

Glendale, AZ · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

Video Game Design Tutor

Salem, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching game concept development, engine-based implementation, and iterative design ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

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Video Game Concept Artist information

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How much do video game concept artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for video game concept artist in the United States is $15.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a video game concept artist do?

A Video Game Concept Artist is responsible for creating the initial visual designs and illustrations that define the look and feel of characters, environments, props, and other elements in a video game. They work closely with game designers, art directors, and other team members to translate ideas and written descriptions into compelling visuals. Their artwork serves as a guide for 3D modelers, animators, and other artists throughout the game's development process. Concept artists help establish the game's visual style and mood, ensuring consistency and creativity across all assets.

What is the difference between Video Game Concept Artist vs Character Designer?

AspectVideo Game Concept ArtistCharacter Designer
Primary FocusCreating overall visual concepts for game environments, characters, and assetsDesigning specific characters' appearance, costumes, and personality
Skills RequiredConcept art, illustration, understanding of game art pipelinesCharacter anatomy, costume design, illustration skills
Work EnvironmentGame development studios, freelance projectsGame studios, animation, and entertainment industries
Common UsageDeveloping initial visual ideas for gamesCreating detailed character visuals for production

While both roles involve illustration and visual design, a Video Game Concept Artist focuses on broad concepts for the entire game environment and characters, whereas a Character Designer specializes in detailed character visuals. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the game industry.

What does a video game concept artist do?

As a video game concept artist, you sketch various visual elements for video games, such as character models, character clothing, background scenery, objects, and menus. You may follow requests to design graphics that fit with the director's vision, provide notes for future animation, and adjust concepts based on factors like the amount of lighting in the scene. Video game concept artists produce both 2D and 3D art as needed. This is a primarily creative job, and video game concept artists frequently create multiple concepts for other staff members to choose from. You may also work collaboratively with other concept artists.

How do video game concept artists typically collaborate with other members of the game development team?

Video Game Concept Artists work closely with game designers, art directors, and 3D modelers to ensure that the visual concepts align with the game's vision and technical requirements. They often participate in brainstorming sessions, present their artwork for feedback, and revise their designs based on team input. Effective communication is crucial, as concept art serves as the visual foundation for other departments, guiding the style and mood of characters, environments, and props throughout production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a video game concept artist?

To thrive as a Video Game Concept Artist, you need strong drawing and design fundamentals, a creative imagination, and typically a degree in art, illustration, or a related field. Proficiency with digital painting tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, and graphics tablets is essential, and familiarity with 3D modeling software can be advantageous. Collaboration, communication, and the ability to take feedback gracefully are crucial soft skills for excelling in team-based environments. These skills and qualities ensure the creation of compelling visual concepts that guide the game's aesthetic and enhance the overall player experience.
What cities are hiring for Video Game Concept Artist jobs? Cities with the most Video Game Concept Artist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Video Game Concept Artist jobs? The most popular types of Video Game Concept Artist jobs are:
What states have the most Video Game Concept Artist jobs? States with the most job openings for Video Game Concept Artist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Video Game Concept Artist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Video Game Concept Artist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Video Game Concept Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,769 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Concept Artist - Trading Card Game

Fanatics Collectibles

Seattle, WA

$144K - $166K/yr

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

About the Company

Fanatics Collectibles is a new company operating at the intersection of collectibles, culture, and technology. Backed by world-class investors, operators, and sports & entertainment partners, we are building the global leader in next-generation collectibles. As part of the broader Fanatics ecosystem, we leverage a digital sports platform that spans over 900 sports properties and engages more than 81 million fans. Together, we are reimagining every part of the collectibles experience for fans, partners, and creators.

Concept Artist - Fanatics TCG

Role Overview

Fanatics Collectibles is building the next generation of trading card games.

The Fanatics TCG studio is creating original worlds designed to live for decades - expressed through gameplay, art, story, and collectible objects. Our ambition is to build franchises that are not only widely played, but deeply loved.

We are seeking a Concept Artist to help define the visual identity of these worlds from the ground up.

This is a role for an artist who wants to help invent worlds - to establish the look, tone, and emotional resonance of new universes, and to create imagery that becomes foundational to a franchise.

You will work closely with Creative, Design, and Product leadership to shape the earliest visual explorations of characters, cultures, environments, and moments - helping answer not just what things look like, but what they feel like.

The ideal candidate brings a strong point of view, exceptional craft, and a desire to create work that endures.

What You'll Do

Define the Visual Identity of New Worlds

  • Create concept art that establishes the tone, mood, and visual language of new TCG franchises. 
  • Explore and iterate on visual directions that define what makes a world distinct, memorable, and ownable. 
  • Contribute to the creation of iconic characters, factions, creatures, and environments.

Create Work That Shapes a Franchise

  • Develop imagery that becomes foundational reference for the entire art pipeline. 
  • Help establish the visual standards that guide internal teams and external artists. 
  • Create work that is not only functional, but evocative, inspiring, and collectible in its own right. 

Collaborate at the Earliest Stages of Creation

  • Partner with Creative and Design leadership during ideation and worldbuilding. 
  • Help translate abstract ideas into clear, compelling visual direction. 
  • Engage in creative exploration - pushing beyond the first idea to find the most interesting one. 
  • Rapid prototyping - be able to switch into rough sketch and concept work when needed.

Elevate Taste and Craft

  • Bring a strong artistic point of view and contribute to the studio's overall creative bar. 
  • Help shape the visual culture of the team through feedback, references, and collaboration. 
  • Continuously refine work toward clarity, originality, and emotional impact. 

What You Bring

  • A portfolio that demonstrates exceptional taste, craft, and originality. 
  • Strength in one or more areas such as character design, creature design, or environment design, with the ability to contribute broadly. 
  • Deep understanding of composition, lighting, color, and visual storytelling. 
  • Ability to explore multiple directions and converge on clear, compelling solutions. 
  • Strong collaboration skills and comfort working in early-stage, ambiguous creative spaces.
  • A genuine passion for fantasy, sci-fi, games, and worldbuilding. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience contributing to the development of original IP or franchise worlds. 
  • Background in games, film, publishing, or other visual storytelling mediums. 
  • Familiarity with how concept art translates into final production pipelines. 
  • Experience collaborating with or guiding external artists and partners. 

Why Join Fanatics TCG

Fanatics Collectibles is building the future of fandom.

The Fanatics TCG studio is a rare opportunity to create new worlds at scale - worlds that will be expressed through millions of physical objects, shared across global communities, and evolved over many years.

As a Concept Artist, your work will help define the foundation of these worlds - shaping the images that players and collectors return to again and again.

If you want to build something enduring, we'd love to hear from you.

Ensure your Fanatics job offer is legitimate and don't fall victim to fraud.  Fanatics never seeks payment from job applicants. Feel free to ask your recruiter for a phone call or other type of communication for interview, and ensure your communication is coming from a Fanatics email address (including @collectfanatics.com).  For added security, where possible, apply through our company website at www.fanaticsinc.com/careers