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Visual Effects Artist Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

NCSU

Assistant or Associate Professor

Raleigh, NC

... Arts, Design and Technology with a focus on Visual Effects for Interactive Media and Virtual Production (Games Design and Development, Virtual and Mixed Reality, 2D and 3D animation, kinetic and ...

Epic Games

Principal VFX Artist

Cary, NC · On-site

... visual and technical standard for how effects work across the game. You're someone who gets ... Mentor and elevate artists across disciplines; raise the floor and the ceiling What we're looking ...

Duke University

Multimedia Producer

Durham, NC · On-site

... Effects and Photoshop. * Demonstrated ability to develop compelling visual stories through video ... creative, artistic, and skilled videography and photographic activities. OR AN EQUIVALENT ...

Duke University

Multimedia Producer

Durham, NC · On-site

... Effects and Photoshop. * Demonstrated ability to develop compelling visual stories through video ... creative, artistic, and skilled videography and photographic activities. OR AN EQUIVALENT ...

Koroberi

Digital and motion graphics designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual arts, web design or similar * 5+ years of professional ... InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, Premiere Pro, After Effects), Figma, Lucidchart ...

All JobsVisual Effects Artist JobsVisual Effects Artist Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Visual Effects Artist information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$35.5K

$104.8K

$148.2K

How much do visual effects artist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for visual effects artist in Raleigh, NC is $104,817.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,000.00 and $147,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the synonym of visual?

In the context of a Visual Effects Artist, the word 'visual' relates to images, sights, or appearances. Synonyms include 'imagery,' 'optic,' or 'visuals,' which are often used when describing visual elements, effects, or graphics created or manipulated in digital environments using tools like Adobe After Effects or Nuke.

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 Visual Effects Artists?

Visual Effects Artists are professionals who create imagery and effects that cannot be achieved during live-action filming. They use computer software and other digital tools to design, animate, and composite visual elements such as explosions, weather effects, creatures, and set extensions. Visual Effects Artists work closely with directors and other production staff to seamlessly blend these effects into movies, television shows, commercials, and video games. Their work enhances storytelling by bringing imaginative and realistic visuals to the screen.

What is the meaning of visual?

In the context of a Visual Effects Artist, 'visual' refers to images, scenes, and effects created or manipulated to enhance film, television, or digital media. It involves working with visual elements using tools like Adobe After Effects or Nuke to produce realistic or fantastical imagery. A strong understanding of visual composition and color is essential for creating convincing effects.

What is a visual example?

A visual example in the context of a visual effects artist is an image, video, or digital demonstration that showcases a specific effect or technique. These examples help communicate the artist's skills and style to clients or employers and are often included in portfolios created with tools like Adobe After Effects or Nuke.

What is the meaning of visual details?

For a Visual Effects Artist, visual details refer to the small, precise elements in a scene or shot that enhance realism, depth, and believability. These include textures, lighting, color accuracy, and subtle effects that contribute to the overall quality of the visual output. Attention to visual details is essential for creating seamless and convincing effects using tools like Adobe After Effects or Nuke.

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.

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.
More about Visual Effects Artist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Visual Effects Artist jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Visual Effects Artist jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Visual Effects Artist jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Visual Effects Artist jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Visual Effects Artist jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Visual Effects Artist jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Visual Effects Artist jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Visual Effects Artist job openings:
Visual Effects Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Visual Effects Artist job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,817 per year, or $50.4 per hour.
Assistant or Associate Professor

Assistant or Associate Professor

NCSU

Raleigh, NC

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

North Carolina State University rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

387th of 536 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Information
Posting Number PG194611EP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Assistant or Associate Professor Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate based on experience, education, and faculty rank Work Schedule Varied schedule Job Location Raleigh, NC Department Department of Media Arts Design and Technology About the Department
The Department of Media Arts Design and Technology is positioned within the College of Design at North Carolina State University, with allied academic departments of Graphic and Industrial Design, Landscape Architecture, and the School of Architecture. The Department of Media Arts, Design and Technology offers two undergraduate degree programs, the studio-based Bachelor of Art and Design and the non-studio based Bachelor of Arts in Design Studies, and a Master of Art and Design. 
Students in our studio-based bachelor and masters program engage in narrative and storytelling through a number of media and platforms including Mixed Media, Animation, VR/AR, Interaction Design, Illustration, virtual production and wearable technologies. Students in our Design Studies program engage in critical design issues shaping the field and practice of design through design research, writing and criticism. Students and faculty in Media Arts, Design and Technology seek opportunities and challenge the status quo through technological possibility, materiality, and look locally, nationally and globally for inspiration, application and impact.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Retirement Programs
  • Disability Plans
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
  • 12 Holidays Each Year
  • Tuition and Academic Assistance
  • And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
NCSU College of Design's Department of Media Arts, Design and Technology (MADTech) seeks a full-time Assistant or Associate Professor of Media Arts, Design and Technology with a focus on Visual Effects for Interactive Media and Virtual Production (Games Design and Development, Virtual and Mixed Reality, 2D and 3D animation, kinetic and immersive installations). With a state-of-the-art Virtual Production Lab running on the Unreal Engine, the successful candidate will be well positioned to develop opportunities for lab funding and engagement locally, nationally and internationally. 
The candidate will engage in research in the use of technology across multiple platforms and have the ability to teach new and emerging concepts and ideas in Media Arts, Design and Technology at the graduate and undergraduate level. We are particularly interested in candidates who can balance visual and aesthetic production with technological and conceptual exploration. Successful candidates may also by asked to teach at the foundation level instructing students on techniques of basic drawing, 2D and 3D design, digital illustration, animation and sculpture. Candidates may also bring other areas of expertise to these classes. Additional topics of interest might include sound design, interaction design, computation design, and/or blended media experiences.
This position is a full-time tenure-track faculty 9-month appointment. Rank to be determined based upon education and professional experience. Specific teaching opportunities include art studios at all levels, including advanced comprehensive studios and/or special topic seminar courses.
Other Responsibilities
Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities. 

Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
  • Applicants are expected to have a terminal degree (MFA, MAD, PhD, or other) in a related design discipline with an emphasis on visual effects, film, animation, games, and/or interactive media. Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Other Required Qualifications
  • Strong grounding in formal design principles, design process, design thinking, creative problem solving, critical theory, and critiquing skills.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to teach in related areas of media arts, design and technological theory, history, and/or criticism.
  • Areas of scholarship include addressing the social and practical impact of media arts, design and technology, the ability to think and write critically about design, and a clear understanding of "the relationship of making to thinking" in regards to the design process.
  • Ability to provide academic and curriculum advising to undergraduate and graduate students, including both majors and minors in the MADTech program.
  • Ability to lead in course development and other responsibilities related to the implementation of the MADTech Program.
  • Demonstrated ability to facilitate student learning and writing at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
  • Track record of published writing for professional and scholarly journals and conference papers, etc.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in teaching at the college level is preferred.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
  • N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required No Commercial Driver's License required No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 05/01/2026 Anticipated Close Date Open Until Filled Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants are required to submit: (1) a Resume/CV; (2) a letter of intent describing qualifications and interests; (3) contact information for three references; (4) a sample student work (other document 1); (5) a sample syllabi (other document 2), and (6) a teaching statement.
Review of applications will begin on 10/1/2026 and continue until the position is filled. Please send inquiries to Katherine Klinger (kaklinge@ncsu.edu)
Position Details
Position Number 00101254 Position Type Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0 Appointment 9 Month Recurring Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event Department ID 120501 - Art and Design EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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About North Carolina State University

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North Carolina State University (NCSU), located in Raleigh, NC, US, is a leading educational institution with a strong emphasis on research, academics, and public service. Established in 1887, NCSU operates in the education industry and endeavors to foster student success, and promote economic development by providing high-quality, affordable education, and conducting groundbreaking research across a variety of disciplines. With more than 100 majors, its academic offerings range from undergraduates to postgraduates along with doctoral studies - in various fields like engineering, natural resources, humanities, and social sciences. NCSU is firmly anchored on the core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, and innovation. Its mission is to create economic, societal, and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina and the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1887

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