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Visual Effects Artist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Sway Creative Labs

Production Artist

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$50K - $62K/yr

Solid design fundamentals: typography, color theory, composition, and visual hierarchy ... Motion and animation capability in After Effects, including templating and versioning video units

Sway Creative Labs

Production Artist

Norfolk, VA

Solid design fundamentals: typography, color theory, composition, and visual hierarchy ... Motion and animation capability in After Effects, including templating and versioning video units

Sway Creative Labs

Production Artist

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Solid design fundamentals: typography, color theory, composition, and visual hierarchy ... Motion and animation capability in After Effects, including templating and versioning video units

One Federal Solution

Graphic Designer III

Arlington, VA · On-site

... or Adobe After Effects, Apple DVD Studio Pro, Apple Color, Apple Live Type, or new versions ... Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in graphics, fine, or visual arts/communications from an ...

One Federal Solution

Graphic Designer III

Arlington, VA · On-site

... or Adobe After Effects, Apple DVD Studio Pro, Apple Color, Apple Live Type, or new versions ... Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in graphics, fine, or visual arts/communications from an ...

ManTech

Senior Graphic Designer

Herndon, VA · Hybrid

$88K - $147K/yr

The Senior Graphic Designer will lead the visual execution for our most significant Federal ... After Effects) * Strong artistic ability, including desktop publishing experience, orals ...

HDR

Senior Graphic Designer

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

$60K - $83K/yr

The successful candidate is a visual storyteller who demonstrates excellent creative and ... Arts related field of study or equivalent experience * Experience with Premiere, After Effects ...

HDR

Senior Graphic Designer

Glen Allen, VA

$60K - $83K/yr

The successful candidate is a visual storyteller who demonstrates excellent creative and ... Arts related field of study or equivalent experience * Experience with Premiere, After Effects ...

HDR

Senior Graphic Designer

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

$60K - $83K/yr

The successful candidate is a visual storyteller who demonstrates excellent creative and ... Arts related field of study or equivalent experience * Experience with Premiere, After Effects ...

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All JobsVisual Effects Artist JobsVisual Effects Artist Jobs in Virginia

Visual Effects Artist information

See Virginia salary details

$36.2K

$106.9K

$151.2K

How much do visual effects artist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for visual effects artist in Virginia is $106,903.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,700.00 and $150,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a visual effects artist?

As a visual effects artist, your job is to create special effects for the film industry to portray visuals or action sequences that are too difficult or too costly to film. Your primary responsibilities center on consulting with clients, supervisors, and other artists to create visual effects (VFX) to their specifications. Your job duties include using computer animation software programs and working with the various production departments to meet the film’s needs. You need creativity and imagination to work as a visual effects artist, and you must be proficient with animation, graphic design, and visual effects computer programs.

What are some common challenges visual effects artists face when working on collaborative projects?

Visual Effects Artists often work closely with directors, animators, and other post-production professionals, which can present challenges in maintaining a unified creative vision and meeting tight deadlines. Balancing technical limitations with artistic goals, adapting to rapidly changing feedback, and ensuring seamless integration of effects into live-action footage are frequent hurdles. Strong communication skills and flexibility are essential to effectively collaborate and deliver high-quality results within project constraints.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a visual effects artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Visual Effects Artist, you need a solid background in digital art, animation, and computer graphics, often supported by a degree in visual effects or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, Houdini, and familiarity with compositing and rendering engines is crucial. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong teamwork and communication skills help artists stand out in collaborative production environments. These skills ensure the creation of high-quality, believable visual effects that enhance storytelling and meet project requirements.

What is the difference between Visual Effects Artist vs Motion Graphics Designer?

AspectVisual Effects ArtistMotion Graphics Designer
Required CredentialsPortfolio, degree in film, animation, or related fieldPortfolio, degree in graphic design, animation, or related field
Work EnvironmentFilm, TV, advertising, post-production studiosAdvertising agencies, media companies, digital agencies
Industry UsageSpecializes in integrating CGI and effects into live-actionCreates animated graphics for videos, presentations, and branding

While both roles involve digital artistry, Visual Effects Artists focus on integrating CGI and effects into live-action footage, often working in film and TV post-production. Motion Graphics Designers create animated graphics for various media, emphasizing branding and visual communication. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the digital media industry.

How much does a visual effects artist make?

The average salary for a visual effects artist varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $50,000 to $120,000 annually. Entry-level artists earn around $50,000, while experienced professionals with advanced skills in software like Maya or Houdini can earn over $100,000 per year.

Is a visual effects artist a good career?

A visual effects artist creates digital imagery for films, TV, and video games, often requiring skills in software like Adobe After Effects and Maya. The field offers opportunities in entertainment and media industries, with potential for creative growth and competitive salaries, though it can involve long hours and project deadlines.
More about Visual Effects Artist jobs

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The most popular types of Visual Effects Artist jobs in Virginia are:

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For Visual Effects Artist jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Visual Effects Artist jobs in Virginia are:

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Visual Effects Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Visual Effects Artist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,903 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty - Animation and Motion Design

Regent University

Virginia Beach, VA

$100/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Regent University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

264th of 623 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Adjunct Faculty - Animation and Motion Design

Apply now Job no: 50000453
Work type: Part time
Location: Virginia Beach
Categories: Faculty & Adjunct, School of Communications & the Arts

The Department of Film & Media Arts at Regent University's School of Communication and the Arts invites applications from experienced animation and digital media professionals to join our adjunct faculty. We are building a pool of skilled instructors and will select candidates whose backgrounds best serve our students, so whatever your area of expertise within the craft, we encourage you to apply.

Disciplines and Delivery Formats

Teaching opportunities are available at the undergraduate level, at Regent's campus in Virginia Beach on-campus. We are actively seeking instructors with professional experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • 2D & 3D Animation
  • Character Animation
  • Storyboarding & Visual Development
  • Motion Design
  • Compositing
  • Visual Effects (VFX)
  • Digital Modeling, Texturing, and Look Development
  • Lighting and Rendering
  • Animation Pre-Production and Pipeline Development
  • Cinematography for Animation
  • Editing and Post-Production
  • Visual Storytelling and Narrative Development
  • Interactive Media and Emerging Technologies
Whether your background is in feature animation, television animation, motion graphics, commercial production, visual effects, game cinematics, virtual production, or a combination of these fields, we want to hear from you. We value depth of industry experience and a genuine passion for mentoring the next generation of Christian storytellers.

Expectations include 1) a dedication to Christ-centered teaching and learning; 2) a record of or potential for academic scholarship; 3) the ability to teach undergraduate-level courses; 4) facility with online instructional technology; and 5) a willingness to embrace the College and University Identity and Mission statements and subscribe to a statement of Christian faith.

Salary: $100/credit hour/student up to $3,000 per course

Please submit your CV, a brief statement of teaching philosophy, and any relevant professional credits along with your application.

Regent University does not discriminate in employment in its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age or veteran status. For full Non-Discrimination Policy click here.

Benefits

Not eligible for benefits

#LI-DNI

Advertised: 08 Jun 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 08 Jun 2027 Eastern Daylight Time

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