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Video Game Concept Artist Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Concept Artist [Contract] (Retro Studios)

Austin, TX · On-site

$125.90K - $144.70K/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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Video Game Concept Artist information

See Texas salary details

$5

$14

$26

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

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for video game concept artist in Texas is $14.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $17.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Video Game Concept Artist, and why are they important?

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.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Video Game Concept Artist jobs in Texas? The most popular types of Video Game Concept Artist jobs in Texas are:
What are popular job titles related to Video Game Concept Artist jobs in Texas? For Video Game Concept Artist jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Video Game Concept Artist jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Video Game Concept Artist jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Video Game Concept Artist jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Video Game Concept Artist job openings:
Infographic showing various Video Game Concept Artist job openings in Texas as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 18% Contract, and 8% Summer. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,597 per year, or $14.2 per hour.
Concept Artist [Contract] (Retro Studios)

Concept Artist [Contract] (Retro Studios)

Nintendo

Austin, TX

$125.90K - $144.70K/yr

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 23 hours ago


Nintendo rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 184 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.