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Assistant Visual Development Artist Jobs in California

Skydance

Visual Development Artist

Santa Monica, CA

$2K - $4K/wk

Skydance Animation is seeking an experienced Visual Development Artist to join our team on an upcoming feature film. In this role, you will help shape the worlds our story takes place in by ...

Skydance

Visual Development Artist

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2K - $4K/wk

Skydance Animation is seeking an experienced Visual Development Artist to join our team on an upcoming feature film. In this role, you will help shape the worlds our story takes place in by ...

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 ...

New

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 ...

Arhaus

Assistant Visual Manager FT

Los Angeles, CA

In this exciting yet challenging Assistant Visual Manager role, you will be responsible for ... It is a developmental role, allowing you to grow your merchandising skills and gain experience with ...

Arhaus

Assistant Visual Manager FT

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

In this exciting yet challenging Assistant Visual Manager role, you will be responsible for ... It is a developmental role, allowing you to grow your merchandising skills and gain experience with ...

Sawhorse Productions

Roblox 2D Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$20 - $50/hr

We partner with industry-leading brands, artists, and studios such as Walmart, Google, NBCUniversal ... Concept Development: Collaborate with the creative team to brainstorm and develop visual concepts ...

Sawhorse Productions

Roblox 2D Artist

Los Angeles, CA

$20 - $50/hr

We partner with industry-leading brands, artists, and studios such as Walmart, Google, NBCUniversal ... Concept Development: Collaborate with the creative team to brainstorm and develop visual concepts ...

Airrack

Airrack Thumbnail Concept Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$136K - $157K/yr

THE ROLE We're looking for a world-class freelance Thumbnail Concept Artist - the creative brain ... Background in art direction, storyboarding, or visual development * Familiarity with what makes ...

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Assistant Visual Development Artist information

What is the difference between Assistant Visual Development Artist vs Concept Artist?

AspectAssistant Visual Development ArtistConcept Artist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in art, illustration, or related fieldRequires a similar art degree, portfolio, and often specialized training
Work EnvironmentCollaborates closely with visual development teams in animation, gaming, or film studiosWorks independently or with teams to create initial visual ideas and character designs
Industry UsageCommonly used in animation, gaming, and film productionPrimarily used in concept art, pre-production, and visual storytelling

While both roles involve creating visual art for entertainment industries, the Assistant Visual Development Artist supports the broader visual development process, often focusing on refining and assisting, whereas the Concept Artist primarily generates initial ideas and designs. Both roles require strong artistic skills and industry experience, but the Assistant Visual Development Artist typically works under supervision to assist in the development of visual assets.

What are some common challenges Assistant Visual Development Artists face when adapting a director's vision into visual concepts?

Assistant Visual Development Artists often encounter the challenge of translating a director's abstract ideas or broad themes into concrete visual elements that align with the project's style. Balancing creative input with established visual guidelines and tight deadlines can be demanding, especially when multiple revisions are required. Close collaboration with senior artists and other departments, such as story and character design, is essential to ensure consistency and clarity throughout the development process. Adapting quickly to feedback and maintaining flexibility in your creative approach are key skills in overcoming these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Visual Development Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Visual Development Artist, a strong foundation in art fundamentals, digital illustration, and design principles is essential, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and occasionally 3D tools like Blender or Maya is typically required. Creativity, adaptability, and effective communication are important soft skills that help in interpreting direction and collaborating with other artists. These skills ensure the creation of compelling visual concepts that align with project goals and contribute to a cohesive creative vision.

What does an Assistant Visual Development Artist do?

An Assistant Visual Development Artist supports the creative team by helping to design and develop the visual style of animated films, games, or other media projects. They assist with tasks such as creating concept art, color scripts, and mood boards, and may also help with research and gathering references. Their work helps establish the look and feel of characters, environments, and props before production begins. This role is often collaborative, working closely with senior artists and directors to bring the project's vision to life.
What are the most commonly searched types of Visual Development Artist jobs in California? The most popular types of Visual Development Artist jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Visual Development Artist jobs? Cities in California with the most Assistant Visual Development Artist job openings:
Assistant Visual Development Artist jobs near you
Visual Development Artist

Visual Development Artist

Skydance

Santa Monica, CA

$2K - $4K/wk

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Skydance Animation is seeking an experienced Visual Development Artist to join our team on an upcoming feature film. In this role, you will help shape the worlds our story takes place in by developing compelling, immersive environments that support narrative, mood, themes, and character.

You will generate a wide range of visual development materials, including environmental designs, drawings, models, floor plans, and set dressing elements, all while ensuring consistency with the film’s established style, story themes, and overall visual quality. Working closely with Production Designer, art department, and creative leadership you will help define the look and feel of fully realized worlds that enhance storytelling and create a rich cinematic experience.

The ideal candidate has a strong sense of design, composition, and storytelling through environments, with the ability to translate narrative needs into believable, visually engaging spaces.

Previous experience on a feature animated film is required. 

This position is based in Los Angeles, California, and requires the selected candidate to work in an on-site hybrid capacity.

Responsibilities
  • Create art for project concepts, environments, set designs, and related visual development elements (textures and surface details are a plus)
  • Generate work across all stages of development, including sketches, rough explorations, refined designs, and final environment concepts
  • Develop environment designs, including turnarounds, floor plans, and layout studies to support spatial storytelling and production needs
  • Create set dressing and environmental detail callouts to help define world-building elements and visual continuity
  • Produce 2D and/or CG visual development models to explore scale, composition, and cinematic staging of environments
  • Conduct visual and narrative research to inform design decisions and ensure environments feel grounded, intentional, and story-driven
  • Develop presentation materials that clearly communicate design intent, mood, and storytelling purpose
  • Brainstorm and explore inventive environmental ideas that enhance storytelling, deepen world-building, and reinforce tone and emotion
  • Apply strong knowledge of architecture, landscape design, and spatial composition to create believable and engaging environments
  • Contribute creative solutions, respond effectively to feedback, and iterate on designs throughout production
  • Meet production schedules and deadlines while maintaining a high level of artistic quality and consistency
  • Maintain organized files following show-specific versioning and naming conventions
  • Proactively communicate questions, issues, or production concerns to supervisors and production staff
  • Revise and resubmit work as needed based on feedback from the Production Designer or Art Department leadership
  • Collaborate closely with the Production Designer, art team, leadership, and production staff regarding status updates, progress, and any production challenges
Requirements
  • 8+ years of experience in environment design/ visual development on animated feature films
  • Strong visual storytelling skills, with the ability to design environments that support narrative, mood, and character action
  • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to present work clearly and respond effectively to feedback
  • Strong understanding of architecture, perspective, composition, and spatial design
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively within a team environment
  • Adaptable and responsive to evolving creative direction and production needs
  • Working knowledge of Autodesk Maya, Blender, or ZBrush is a plus
  • Must be, or be willing to become, a member of The Animation Guild Local 839
The compensation range for this non-exempt position in Los Angeles, CA is $2,900-4,000/week. The rate offered may vary based on the candidate’s location, qualifications, experience and relevant expertise, among other factors.  The range indicated is for base salary only and does not reflect the total compensation package, including bonus, benefits, etc. 
 
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