How to hire a computer graphic artist

How to hire a computer graphic artist, step by step

Here's a step-by-step computer graphic artist hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a computer graphic artist job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new computer graphic artist
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the computer graphic artist you need to hire. Certain computer graphic artist roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a computer graphic artist to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a computer graphic artist that fits the bill.

   This list presents computer graphic artist salaries for various positions.

   Type of Computer Graphic Artist	Description	Hourly rate
   Computer Graphic Artist	Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.	$17-56
   Freelance Designer	Freelance designers are creative, independent contractors who create visual and graphic designs for their clients. They develop text and illustrated versions of brands, messages, and communications with strong visible influence with their clients... Show more	$18-39
   Lead Designer	A lead designer is responsible for addressing the clients' needs of digital content and coordinating with the design team for the planning and innovation of the visual design and concept. Lead designers conduct the initial layout of frameworks and collaborate with the art staff for the specifications and outputs using various software applications and digital boards... Show more	$37-74

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Adobe Photoshop
   • Adobe Illustrator
   • Concept Art
   • Mac
   • Brochures
   • Maya
   • Graphic Design
   • PC
   • Design Layouts
   • PowerPoint
   • Posters
   • Computer Graphics Programs
   • CAD
   • Web Pages

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage online product catalog using Dreamweaver.
   • Design logos, poster/t-shirt artwork, brochures, letterheads and business cards, charts and illustration and signage.
   • g code for CNC router cutting.
   • Maintain and troubleshoot computers and network.
   • Develop the art per ISO federal and state requirements.
   • Meet customers to review the typesetting and design for each project.

   More computer graphic artist duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the computer graphic artist job description is a good way to get more applicants. A computer graphic artist salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for a computer graphic artist in Louisiana may be lower than in Washington, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level computer graphic artist. Additionally, a computer graphic artist with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average computer graphic artist salary

   $66,828yearly

   $32.13 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level computer graphic artist salary

   $37,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

   Average computer graphic artist salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$104,300	$50
   2	Massachusetts	$87,655	$42
   3	New York	$77,299	$37
   4	Illinois	$76,802	$37
   5	Connecticut	$76,109	$37
   6	Michigan	$67,683	$33
   7	Georgia	$61,391	$30
   8	Texas	$56,148	$27
   9	Florida	$52,522	$25

   Average computer graphic artist salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	The Walt Disney Company	$109,386	$52.59	11
   2	Rockstar Games	$106,089	$51.00	2
   3	Electronic Arts	$95,192	$45.77	2
   4	Activision Blizzard	$90,989	$43.74	7
   5	Psyop	$81,453	$39.16
   6	Reel FX	$79,130	$38.04
   7	Stargate Studios	$77,995	$37.50
   8	Digital International Corp	$73,263	$35.22
   9	Vision Graphics	$69,863	$33.59
   10	Red Car	$69,854	$33.58
   11	Information Management Group	$67,181	$32.30

4. Writing a computer graphic artist job description

   A job description for a computer graphic artist role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a computer graphic artist job description:

   Computer graphic artist job description example

   Founded in 1987, IMG is a leading small business that exemplifies competence, integrity and follow-through. We consistently provide customer focused professional services, which ensures our company is recognized for continually exceeding expectations. We believe that at the core of our success stand our people. Our people have provided professional services in the Information Technology field for our customers with a commitment to customer satisfaction for nearly 35 years.
   IMG - is hiring a full-time 3D Computer Graphics Artist with Secret Clearance at it's West Mifflin, PA or Schenectady, NY location. Responsibilities Provide graphic artist and interactive simulation programming technical
   services to primarily support the development of Game Engine based 3D virtual training
   products. Provide recommendations on how to implement a game engine based trainer. Prepare 2D and 3D graphics, 2D and 3D animations and three-dimensional
   models. Create 3D models as directed by FMP. This includes Avatar creation and
   animation. Develop key software infrastructure required for a suite of immersive virtual
   applications. Assist FMP with the 3D model integration efforts. Develop interactive training simulations using Unity 3D gaming software. Mentor FMP personnel as required in the 3D model development. Provide discrepancy report correction within the scope of work during and
   following test programs. Attend regular meetings with FMP personnel to review the status of work in
   progress, to discuss new work and to establish targets for the completion of
   specific items. Perform other duties as assigned by FMP related to development and support of
   the trainer. Work with game programmers and FMP subject matter experts to generate
   digital graphics and animations for use in virtual training products. Qualifications Clearance Required: DOD Secret or DOE L required prior to consideration Education/ Years of Experience: Shall possess a minimum of a Bachelor's degree. Shall be currently proficient in developing 2D and 3D game-ready assets
   including low to mid poly 3D Models, textures, and animations using
   industry standard software like Photoshop and 3D Studio MAX (Maya
   experience will be considered). Shall be experienced in composition and creation methods for in-game
   cinematics using After Effects and Premiere. Shall have the following experience: Proficient in 3D Modeling including texturing and unwrapping (3D
   Studio Max Preferred but Maya/others considered) Low to mid poly hard-surface modeling for games Photoshop (required)
   Strong texturing and normal mapping skills
   Creating texture maps from photos
   Proficient in the use of texture atlases and tiling textures
   Photorealistic Texturing of environmental objects
   Experience maintaining uniform graphic quality in a cohesive visual
   environment
   Basic understanding of Physical Based Rendering and materials
   Basic understanding of Multi-sub texturing Some experience with the following is desired, but not required:
   Character modeling
   Character skinning and weighing
   Page 2 of 3
   Basic understanding of laser scan data
   Basic knowledge of Substance Designer or Painter
   Basic understanding of 2D User Interface layouts and design
   Experience developing optimized game assets from CAD models
   Experience with Unity
   Experience with CryENGINE
   Experience developing for Head Mounted Displays
   Basic understanding of level design
   Basic understanding of lighting in game
   Basic understanding of character editing
   Basic understanding of character animation
   Basic understanding of in engine sound design and implementation
   with FMOD
   Basic understanding of level design
   Instructional design
   Video editing
   Recent experience developing virtual training products for the Navy COVID-19 Regulations: As required by Executive Order 14042 and the guidance provided by the Federal Workforce Task Force, all federal contractor employees are required to be fully compliant with customer COVID-19 regulations. IMG will provide additional information regarding these requirements and how you can request an exception if needed. IMG COMPANY BENEFITS Health, dental, vision, and life insurance Short term and long term disability insurance 401(k) with generous company match Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) 15 days of personal leave plus paid federal holidays Professional development and training assistance Information Management Group, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Max USD $0.00/Yr.

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5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right computer graphic artist for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your computer graphic artist job on Zippia to find and recruit computer graphic artist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit computer graphic artists, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new computer graphic artist

   Once you've selected the best computer graphic artist candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new computer graphic artist. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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