Video games
Visual effects and animation
Digital experiences
Becoming a surfacing and texture artist
Also known as: Texture Artist, Surfacing Artist, Surfacer
The surfacing and texture artist is responsible for creating the materials and textures that cover 3D models, whether they’re objects, characters, vehicles, or organic elements. With exceptional attention to detail, this artist studies and develops the various surface qualities found on 3D assets to make them believable and realistic. Surfacing and texture artists work with a wide range of textures, finishes, and materials such as metal, skin, fabric, foliage, bark, plastic, and wood to enhance the realism of 3D images and assets produced by the modelling team.
Crédit: SYNTHÈSE Photo: Priss Auvray
Duties and responsibilities
Creating various textures and surface materials for assets provided by the 3D modelling team (characters, props, vehicles, organic elements) using different tools.
Adjusting texture parameters (transparency, bump, pattern) to match the desired level of realism or the visual style defined by the art direction.
Researching and referencing visual materials to support texture creation.
If you like
Visual arts (e.g., drawing, painting, sculpture, or photography)
Physics and the behaviour of light
Observing nature and understanding its properties
Solving technical problems
Qualities and skills
Qualities
Attention to detail and precision: The quality of a texture often depends on its complexity — even the smallest details make a big difference.
Adaptability: Textures can be organic, solid, hyper-realistic, or stylized; artists must adapt to different art directions.
Curiosity: This role requires a genuine interest in research and analysis when developing textures and materials.
Common Tools and Software
Software
3ds Max
Blender
Mari
Team members
Lighting Artists
Concept Artists
Lead Surfacing and Texture Artist
Opportunities for advancement
Lead Surfacing and Texture Artist
Head of Textures
Art Director
Study programs
Many of the skills required for this career can be developed through the following programs. Explore each school’s specific approach to find the one that best fits your interests.
Diploma of College Studies (DCS)
Dessin animé in French
Cégep du Vieux MontréalGraphisme et motion design in French
Collège BartTechniques d'animation 3D et de synthèse d'images in French
Cégep Limoilou, Cégep de Matane, Cégep du Vieux Montréal, Collège Institut Grasset, Collège Bart, Collège Bois-de-Boulogne, Collège O'Sullivan, Collège DawsonTechniques d'intégration multimédia in French
Cégep de Saint-Jérôme, Collège de Maisonneuve, Collège Montmorency
Salary
In the province of Quebec, the hourly wage for a visual effects artist ranges from $20 for beginners to $47.98 for experienced professionals, with a median salary of $28.57, according to data from the Government of Canada (2024).
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