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Visual Effects Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ember Lab

Lead VFX Artist

Orange, CA

$130K - $170K/yr

As Lead VFX Artist, you will guide and elevate our visual effects, owning both technical and creative direction while mentoring other team members and contributing directly to production. You'll ...

Ember Lab

Lead VFX Artist

Orange, CA · On-site

As Lead VFX Artist, you will guide and elevate our visual effects, owning both technical and creative direction while mentoring other team members and contributing directly to production. Youll ...

Local SEO Tulsa

Vfx Artist

Tulsa, OK

$85K - $95K/yr

Create high-quality visual effects for marketing materials, including videos, animations, and graphics. * Collaborate with the creative team to understand project requirements and deliver results ...

Netflix

Visual Development Artist - Ink

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$70.19/hr

Position Summary We are seeking a Visual Development Artist to join our pioneering team in developing animated shorts and specials using experimental GenAI-native production pipelines. This is a ...

Netflix

Visual Development Artist - Ink

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70.19/hr

Position Summary We are seeking a Visual Development Artist to join our pioneering team in developing animated shorts and specials using experimental GenAI-native production pipelines. This is a ...

Netflix

Visual Development Artist - Ink

Vancouver, WA

$70.19/hr

Position Summary We are seeking a Visual Development Artist to join our pioneering team in developing animated shorts and specials using experimental GenAI-native production pipelines. This is a ...

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Visual Effects information

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How much do visual effects jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for visual effects in the United States is $26.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 strong artistic ability, a solid understanding of animation and compositing principles, and often a relevant degree or portfolio demonstrating your skills. Proficiency with industry-standard software like Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, Nuke, and Houdini is typically required, along with knowledge of rendering engines and scripting languages. Creativity, attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication help artists excel in collaborative, deadline-driven environments. These skills ensure the creation of high-quality, believable visual effects that enhance storytelling and meet production goals.

What are visual effects (VFX) in film and television?

Visual effects (VFX) are techniques used in film, television, and other media to create imagery that cannot be achieved during live-action shooting. This includes digitally generated environments, characters, and effects such as explosions, weather, or fantastical creatures. VFX artists use software to seamlessly blend these elements with live footage, enhancing storytelling and bringing imaginative scenes to life. VFX can range from subtle background enhancements to spectacular, action-packed sequences. The field is constantly evolving with advances in technology and creativity.

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

AspectVisual EffectsMotion Graphics Designer
Primary FocusCreating realistic or fantastical effects integrated into live-action footageDesigning animated graphics and visual elements for videos and multimedia
Skills & ToolsCompositing, 3D modeling, software like After Effects, NukeAnimation, graphic design, software like After Effects, Illustrator
Work EnvironmentFilm, TV, advertising, post-production studiosAdvertising agencies, media companies, digital content studios
Industry UsageUsed to enhance live footage with effectsUsed to create animated titles, logos, and visual content

While both roles involve Adobe After Effects and visual creativity, Visual Effects specialists focus on integrating effects into live footage, whereas Motion Graphics Designers create animated graphics and visual content for various media. Both roles are essential in multimedia production but serve different purposes within the industry.

What is the highest paid job in VFX?

The highest paid roles in VFX are typically senior positions such as VFX Supervisors or Creative Directors, who oversee large projects and teams. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced skills in software like Maya or Nuke, and strong leadership abilities, with salaries reaching six figures or more depending on the project and location.

How much do visual effects people make?

The average salary for visual effects artists varies by experience and location, with entry-level positions typically earning around $50,000 to $70,000 annually and experienced professionals earning $100,000 or more. Skilled VFX artists proficient in software like Maya, Nuke, or After Effects and with a strong portfolio tend to command higher salaries, especially in competitive markets or for high-budget projects.

What are some common challenges faced by visual effects artists in collaborating with directors and other departments?

Visual effects artists often work closely with directors, cinematographers, and editors to ensure that VFX elements align with the creative vision of a project. One common challenge is adapting to last-minute changes from directors or integrating VFX seamlessly with practical footage, which can involve technical problem-solving and flexibility. Effective communication is essential, as VFX artists must clearly explain the possibilities and limitations of digital effects to non-technical team members. Building strong collaborative relationships helps streamline feedback loops and ensures the final product meets both artistic and technical standards.

Is AI replacing VFX artists?

AI is increasingly used to assist VFX artists by automating repetitive tasks and enhancing workflows, but it does not fully replace the creative and technical skills required for visual effects work. VFX artists continue to be essential for complex, creative, and high-quality effects that require human judgment and expertise. Proficiency in industry-standard tools like Maya, Nuke, and Adobe After Effects remains important for VFX professionals.

Is visual effects a good career?

Visual effects is a growing field within the entertainment industry that involves creating digital imagery for film, television, and video games. It requires skills in software such as Adobe After Effects and Autodesk Maya, along with a strong understanding of design and technical principles. The career can be competitive but offers opportunities for creative expression and advancement with experience and a strong portfolio.
More about Visual Effects jobs
What cities are hiring for Visual Effects jobs? Cities with the most Visual Effects job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Visual Effects jobs? The most popular types of Visual Effects jobs are:
What states have the most Visual Effects jobs? States with the most job openings for Visual Effects jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Visual Effects jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Visual Effects jobs are:
Visual Effects jobs near you
Infographic showing various Visual Effects job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,759 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Principal Visual Artist

Fanatics Collectibles

New York, NY • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

About Us
Fanatics is building a leading global digital sports platform. We ignite the passions of global sports fans and maximize the presence and reach for our hundreds of sports partners globally by offering products and services across Fanatics Commerce, Fanatics Collectibles, and Fanatics Betting & Gaming, allowing sports fans to Buy, Collect, and Bet. Through the Fanatics platform, sports fans can buy licensed fan gear, jerseys, lifestyle and streetwear products, headwear, and hardgoods; collect physical and digital trading cards, sports memorabilia, and other digital assets; and bet as the company builds its Sportsbook and iGaming platform. Fanatics has an established database of over 100 million global sports fans; a global partner network with approximately 900 sports properties, including major national and international professional sports leagues, players associations, teams, colleges, college conferences and retail partners, 2,500 athletes and celebrities, and 200 exclusive athletes; and over 2,000 retail locations, including its Lids retail stores. Our more than 22,000 employees are committed to relentlessly enhancing the fan experience and delighting sports fans globally.
Principal Visual Artist
We're building a small, senior team to create exceptional real-time, web-first interactive experiences across our portfolio. Work that pushes what WebGL can do and sets the bar for high-craft fan engagement. We blend the creative sensibility of top interactive studios with the technical ambition of game development, and we're hiring the founding members who will shape everything that follows.
We're looking for a Principal Visual Artist to lead the visual identity and art direction of our interactive work. You'll partner with the Creative Director to define the look and feel of each project, set the visual standard for the team, and drive that quality from early concept through to production-ready assets across 2D and 3D. As the team grows, you'll lead and mentor artists, shape workflows, and own the visual direction of features end to end.
You care about craft at every stage. You understand that great real-time art starts with smart decisions made early, and you're comfortable taking ownership across disciplines in a small team where your judgment sets the quality bar.
What you'll do
  • Lead the visual direction of features and projects, translating creative vision into clear production direction through concepts, style frames, and visual references
  • Define and maintain the visual language, tone, and quality standard across all output as the team and portfolio grow
  • Lead, mentor, and grow a team of artists, providing feedback, direction, and career development support
  • Produce concept, illustration, and 2D art assets (textures, surface detail, iconography, UI elements, graphic work) that integrate into 3D and interactive environments
  • Model, UV, texture, rig, and animate 3D assets to production standard, working within defined real-time budgets
  • Use motion and animation tools to produce motion references and effects concepts that guide technical implementation
  • Collaborate closely with the wider creative team to ensure clean, well-structured handoff for runtime, iterating based on how art behaves in-engine
  • Shape art production workflows, asset pipelines, and standards as the team scales

What we're looking for
  • A portfolio that spans disciplines: concept and illustration, texture and surface work, 3D modelling, and asset production, showing both range and depth
  • Proven experience leading visual direction on features or projects, with the judgment to make art decisions that serve the overall experience
  • Experience leading, mentoring, or growing artists on a team
  • Strong visual development skills: style frames, mood boards, colour theory, and composition thinking
  • Proficiency in Blender (or equivalent) for 3D modelling, UV layout, texturing, rigging, and animation
  • Strong 2D skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, or equivalent, with a focus on texture creation, graphic design, and illustrative work
  • Understanding of real-time asset constraints: poly budgets, texture resolution and atlasing, material complexity, and what makes assets performant at runtime
  • A collaborative approach: you hand off cleanly, communicate constraints clearly, and take technical feedback without friction

Bonus
  • Background in game development (highly preferred) or experience producing assets for a real-time engine
  • Experience with motion design, animated asset production, or creating animation references to guide a technical team
  • Familiarity with glTF pipelines and well-structured, runtime-ready exports
  • Experience with shader authoring or authoring tools

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
The salary range represents base pay only and does not include short-term or long-term incentive compensation. This salary range is specific to New York City and may not be applicable to other locations. When determining base pay, as part of a final compensation package, we consider several factors such as location, experience, qualifications, and training. For information about our benefits, please visit https://benefitsatfanatics.com/
NYC Salary Range
$180,000-$225,000 USD
The salary range represents base pay only and does not include short-term or long-term incentive compensation. When determining base pay, as part of a final compensation package, we consider several factors such as location, experience, qualifications, and training. For information about our benefits, please visit https://benefitsatfanatics.com/
USA Remote Salary Range
$155,520-$194,400 USD
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